Responds To The Gospel In Faith

Responds To The Gospel In Faith

A HERO’S TALE

There they were, huddled together in a small upper room in Jerusalem. Waiting . . . and praying . . . and praying some more.

It was an exciting time for the small group of believers. Jesus’ disciples were there (minus Judas Iscariot, the betrayer), as well as other Christians. So was Mary.

More than 30 years had passed since that glorious night in the Bethlehem manger. Mary had watched her baby boy grow up and lead a remarkable life, filled with powerful preaching and astounding miracles.

Mary hadn’t always understood everything about her Son (see Mark 3:20-21). And she must have had a million questions racing through her mind as she stood near the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion (see John 19:25).

The next time we read about Mary is in Acts 1. Jesus had gloriously resurrected, appeared to many people, and ascended into heaven. Before he left, Jesus had told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until God sent the Holy Spirit to them (see Acts 1:4).

Mary joined the disciples in the upper room. Acts 1:14 says, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.”

Mary’s presence proved an important fact: she had become a true believer in Christ!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

The Bible doesn’t say exactly when, but at some point, Mary went from simply being Jesus’ earthly mom to trusting in him for the forgiveness of her sins. That’s clear from the faith that led her to the upper room after Jesus’ ascension.

True heroes for God must respond in faith to the gospel message (the good news that Jesus died to save us). Mary’s life is a great example of that. If anyone could have earned special favor with God, it would’ve been the mother of Jesus! But Mary, like the rest of us, was still a sinner who needed a Savior.

You’ve heard the good news about Jesus, too (in this book, for instance). But it’s not enough to only hear the message. You have to believe it and accept it. You have to trust in Jesus and give your life to him, just like Mary did.

Will you do it?

BATTLE PLAN

The apostle Paul wanted to make sure the readers of his letter called 1 Corinthians responded to the gospel in faith. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and pray that God would give you faith in the gospel of Jesus!