Do you remember the message Mark gave us one Sunday morning in which he described himself as “waking up each morning as an unbeliever”?  He went on to tell us how he has to start at the beginning every morning, reminding himself that he has been bought with a price and now lives for Christ. It is so easy to forget. I know I do. I bet you do, too.

I think it can be helpful to have truths about the gospel written down somewhere. I have a special journal (Moleskine, of course) where I write down helpful quotes or outlines of truths that will help me preach the gospel to myself. I recently read chapter 11 of Paul Tripp’s book, War of Words. He lists 6 gospel promises that will protect us from despair and unbelief and remind us of the truths about the difference the gospel can make for us:

1. The first gospel promise we need to embrace is the promise of forgiveness. God’s promise of forgiveness is full an complete… What freedom is found here! It makes no sense or a believer to live imprisoned by fear, in the darkness of guilt and shame. Jesus has paid the debt!
2. The second gospel promise is deliverance. Christ came not only to forgive our sins, but to deliver us from them. On the cross he broke the power of sin’s mastery over me. In the gospel I find not only forgiveness and deliverance, but also strength. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is now living within us.
3. Another precious promise of the gospel is restoration. God is a Restorer. In his sovereign love, God has been bringing us to this point of insight and conviction at just the right moment.
4. In the gospel we also find the promise of reconciliation. The heart of the gospel is the coming of the Prince of Peace. In him we find reconciliation not only with God, but with one another.
5. Further, the gospel brings the promise of wisdom. You may be thinking: I know I need to change…, but I don’t know where to start or what to do. What you need is wisdom, and not only does God give wisdom, but he gives it generously and without finding fault (James 1:5).
6. Finally, the gospel promises us mercy. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was tempted like we are in every points so he understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. We can come to him and find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Heb 4:14-16).

Which one of these promises helps you today? Preach it to yourself! Think about it, meditate on it, and pray through it. Pick another one tomorrow.

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