On Stories of Faith

Originally published in The Global Voice, Volume 13: Issue 4, April 2015. Read the whole edition here.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

“Gospel” is a word that gets used often, particularly in Christian circles, though it wasn’t originally even a Christian word. The word literally means an announcement of good news.

“Gospel” has political connotations. In a biblical context, it was related to the plans that came from the capitol that were put into action so that others would take note of the development taking place in their world, and attribute the benefit to the benevolence of the rulers of the day.

In the same way, the gospel of Christ is an announcement of good news where God’s development work can be seen, and the evidence of good work would be attributed to the glory of God.

In Philippians 1:27, Paul the Apostle says that people’s lives should be lived in a manner that fits the gospel expectation of Christ. He says he wants to hear of the Philippians standing firm, unified in ambitions and mindsets, working together for the values related to that good news.

God’s development work in the world is what he wants to do with his children. Testifying to that work is the responsibility of believers who want to bring glory to God. As the Scripture says “we are his workmanship” (Eph. 2:10), and “that all may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven” (Matt. 5:13).

In this edition of the Global Voice, different members of G.O.D. Int’l were interviewed in order to give testimony to the development work that God has done in their lives. They are the kind of people that stand firm, unified in effort and mind, and work together to advance the values of our faith, characterized by the love of God. May God bless you as you read!