A Full Gospel for a Fulfilled Life

Have you ever been asked what church you attend? I have, but sometimes my response, “Victory International Fellowship,” provokes a quizzical look. “What kind of church is that?”

They’re asking about the denomination VIF belongs to. The church is part of the Assemblies of God, but they may not have heard of that organization. I explain that the AG is Pentecostal and I describe the meaning of a Spirit-filled life.

There’s another term I could use: Full Gospel. It emphasizes what Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians believe: everything you need is available in Jesus Christ. God answers prayers, baptizes people in the Spirit, and works miracles, including healing the sick. The Lord even provides for financial needs.

The phrase, Full Gospel, bundles together all these blessings and more. What’s not to like? Who would want the opposite? An empty gospel? Totally lousy news? Not me!

The gospel of Jesus Christ embraces every aspect of life. As Abraham Kuyper, the former prime minister of Holland, says, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”

Jesus wants to be Lord of all.

“But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” – Hosea 12:6

Centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Hosea outlined how the gospel impacts your life.

“Return to your God”

To return somewhere implies that you were once there and now you’re not. Do you remember what it was like to be close to the Lord? The joy of knowing Jesus and hearing His voice? God wants to restore that connection. Come back to Him; the Father will welcome you.

“Maintain love and justice”

As your relationship with Christ is re-established, you find yourself thinking His thoughts and feeling His joys and griefs. God’s concerns become yours; you care about what He does.

So don’t be surprised by an emerging compassion in your soul. Lonely, hurting people need love; and those who suffer yearn for justice and righteousness.

Bless them, reach out to them. Dare to change things for the better. That’s the gospel in action.

“Wait for your God always”

Always? Get used to waiting! It’s part of God’s training program and it’s not easy. You may feel like the Lord is ditching you, but He isn’t. Stay the course. Encourage people facing temptations and persecution not to abandon Jesus. God will come through; He’ll get you where you need to go.

Full gospel. The Lord overlooks nothing, He neglects no detail. His grace comprehends every aspect of your life.

Enjoy the good news and make the most of it. You have all you need by His Spirit to fulfill God’s vision for your life. Your gas tank’s full, so start the car and take off on your adventure with Jesus!