The amount which you understand the gospel is measured by your ability to be joyful in all circumstances. If you grasp what a treasure the presence and acceptance of God are, then even when life goes really wrong you will have a joy that sustains you, because youโll recognize the value of what you have in Him. When life punches you in the face, youโll say, โBut I still have the love and acceptance of God, a treasure I donโt deserve.โ And the joy you find in that treasure can make you rejoice even when you have a bloody nose. You have a joy that death and depravation cannot touch.
J. D. GreearBeing able to articulate the gospel with accuracy is one thing; having its truth captivate your soul is quite another.
J. D. GreearAs we see the beauty of God and feel His weightiness in our hearts, our hearts begin to desire Him more than we desire sin. Before the Bible says,"Stop sinning", it says,"Behold your God".
J. D. GreearIt is one thing to understand the gospel but is quite another to experience the gospel in such a way that it fundamentally changes us and becomes the source of our identity and security.
J. D. Greear