Romans 15:29 English Standard Version (ESV) I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[of the gospel] of Christ.

The term “of the gospel” replaces “of the blessing” in some versions. The reason for the change may be to emphasize the blessings that come from preaching the gospel, reading the gospel, and living the gospel. It is a blessing to see the power of the gospel changing lives for the better.

When we study historical figures we can read about them, their legacy, actions and results. In this sense we know about people like George Washington who had significant impacts on history. That does not mean we know George. We cannot have a personal relationship with him

George wasn’t God, Jesus Christ is God. What is impossible with man is possible with God.

The Word of God, the Gospel, is more than a historical reference. It is more than an invitation. It is the door to allow Christ to come into our lives, if we take His Word to heart.

There always have been those who scoff at getting to know God in such a personal way. In the infancy of our new birth we might hear this message and only have a hope that it is true. There is the Doubting Thomas syndrome that needs to be overcome. Give the gospel time to erase all doubt and He will show Himself.

If we read our bibles like a textbook, then that is what it becomes. If we read it like a love letter and take it to heart, then love grows within us.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 English Standard Version

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Glorifying God in our bodies is allowing Christ to be seen in us in truth and spirit.

John 20:18 English Standard Version (ESV) Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

This is the gospel truth.

How do we know that this is the gospel truth?

Mary Magdalene was known by the apostles to be with Jesus during His earthly ministry. She would be one who knew Him. Now those who heard her witness must judge her words and ask themselves, does this sound like the Jesus I knew?

Luckily for them Jesus would appear before them that night. They would see the truth for themselves.

What about the rest of us?

John 20:24-25 English Standard Version 

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

We were a little like this when we were in sin. We had to see Him for ourselves.

John 20:29, 31 English Standard Version

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 31 but these[the gospels] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The gospels were given so that we might believe and live in His name.