Finding True Treasure in Christ Himself
Encountering the Heart of the Gospel: God’s Presence
In a world filled with noise, searching, and restless longing, it’s natural to hunt for answers that soothe the mind or heal the heart. Yet, what humanity desperately needs isn’t another temporary fix, but a revelation: the unveiling of God’s infinite worth revealed in Jesus Christ. The gospel isn’t simply a collection of truths or a pathway to personal comfort—it’s an invitation to encounter God himself. Our words about salvation and God’s love are meant to be windows, opening a view to the living God, not barriers that obscure his beauty.
Beyond Forgiveness: Enjoying the Glory of Christ
Salvation is much more than being rescued or comforted—it’s the blood-bought invitation to behold and delight in the glory of Jesus. Our lives and conversation should reflect that Christ is everything; our testimony should echo the ancient cry, “God is great!” (Psalm 70:4). The wonder of the gospel is not merely in salvation itself, but in God who gives it.
Here, we see Jesus in humility and suffering, yet also wielding authority against those who oppose him and pleading for joy on behalf of his friends—all pointing to the honor of his Father. In our own troubled circumstances, let us remember these truths with faith, allowing trials to stir us to fervent prayer, trusting in God’s purposes and grace.
The Church’s Deepest Longing: Thirsting for God
The true treasure for the church is not anything less than God himself: “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup” (Psalm 16:5). Those touched and transformed by God’s grace know that he is their highest good, their greatest joy. David resolved to separate himself from darkness and found his happiness in God, drawing comfort from this solemn choice and giving God the glory for it.
Like a deer thirsting for water, may our souls yearn for the living God (Psalm 42:1). The presence of God far surpasses every earthly blessing. With Paul, we can confess: “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8), and, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
Those who anchor their hearts in God can weather any storm. True satisfaction isn’t found in simply attending God’s courts or participating in religious rituals—it’s found in meeting with God himself. Only the living God can give rest to living souls. To appear before the Lord is the craving of the upright; nothing grieves a true believer more than anything that would shake their confidence in God.
A Shining Witness: People Captivated by God
What does the world need most? It needs to see the worth of Christ radiating through the lives and words of people deeply captivated by God. This vision comes alive when the church understands that God’s saving love ultimately means the gift of himself. God himself is the gospel—he is the highest good, the deepest joy, the only answer that satisfies the longing heart.
May our lives and speech give the world a glimpse not just of the greatness of salvation, but of the greatness of God without measure. Let our celebration of the gospel invite others to the source of life, so that together we might savor the glory of Christ and declare, now and forever, “Christ is all.”
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 