Beech Tree News Network

In the early days of the telephone, there was a man hired to sell phones in California. Though California was sparsely inhabited at this time, he sold more phones than those who were selling in the big cities. When the boss heard of this, he called in all his salesmen and asked the one sent to California to explain why he sold more phones than any other. His response:

“I tell potential customers that they can call their neighbors in their nightclothes.”

What is the point? It is that the BENEFITS to the customer are what sold the phone! You see, at that time, it was quite an ordeal for people to go and visit their neighbors, especially in California, where there were so few people. Imagine being able to call people and stay home! In like manner, there are many benefits when we obey the gospel. Let us think about the gospel of Christ and the benefits it has for us.

The salvation of our souls is the first and foremost benefit of the gospel! Paul said that the gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16). “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are saved if you hold fast to the word I preached to you” (I Cor. 15:1-2). Many today do not care about the gospel. They would instead do what “seems” right. This is foolish (Prov. 14:12)! We need to be saved from sin, and the gospel has the power to do it!

The gospel of Christ also provides us with knowledge. For example, the gospel provides us with knowledge concerning life. It teaches that man is composed of two parts (the body and boul, Matt. 10:28, II Cor. 4:16; Jas. 2:26). The gospel declares that the Creator of life is God (Matt. 19:4; Acts 17:24-26) and that we can dedicate our lives to God or Satan depending on how we live (Matt. 7:13-14). The gospel teaches us about death and how death is a separation. Physically, it is a separation of the body and spirit. This comes to all (Jas. 2:26; Heb. 9:27). Spiritual death is the eternal separation of our soul from God. Experiencing this depends upon how we live now (Rom. 8:6; Matt. 25:31-46).

The gospel provides us with knowledge on many subjects. Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4)! In short, ALL things pertaining to life and godliness are found in the Gospel (II Pet. 1:2-3). Let us acquire the knowledge God provides.

One outstanding quality of the gospel is that it warns. It warns of the consequences of sin (Rom. 6:23). It warns against perverting the gospel to suit ourselves (Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19). We also see the consequences of refusing to obey the Gospel (Mk. 16:16; II Thess. 2:12). Let us never forget that God has warned us because He loves us like a father does his son (Heb. 12:5-11). Let us remember that warnings do no good unless we listen to them and obey!

Not only are we warned of things to avoid, but we are also told to strive for the reward — Heaven (Phil. 3:13-14; Jn 14:1-3)! Passages like Revelation 7:16-17 give us a foretaste of what is to come to God’s faithful. Don’t you want to enjoy the benefits of the gospel?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167