Gospel Today Caleb Suko

What is true goodness and where does it come from?





When my family and I first moved to Ukraine many years ago, people on both sides of the ocean were shocked by our decision. In the U.S., I had a successful business, and it seemed like life was going well. "Why move to Ukraine when things are good for you here?" they asked. When we arrived in Ukraine, the reaction was similar: "Why did you come here? Isn't it better in the U.S.?"



These questions reflect a broader issue: our decisions often depend on our definition of "good." But how do we define good? It might seem simple, but most people don’t consciously think about it. We assume everyone instinctively knows what is good and what is bad. However, our definitions of good and bad often revolve around personal experiences and circumstances. We think if life is easier, if we have more money, if we avoid hardships, then we are experiencing goodness.

Defining Goodness

We tend to define “good” in terms of personal benefit, pleasure, and happiness. Conversely, we view things that cause hardship, pain, or require sacrifice as "bad." If we look at life this way, we might categorize:







Most of us would agree that the list on the left looks "good" or at least better than the list on the right. However, this definition of good is based solely on individual experiences, which can be misleading and problematic.

Rethinking Goodness

Let's consider a different perspective. Is it good to be in a place where missiles are flying, bombs are landing, and lives are being lost? According to our initial paradigm, the answer would be "no." But what if there’s another way to define good, a way that comes from something greater than ourselves?



It’s crucial to define goodness correctly because it determines our direction in life. Here, the Bible offers clarity on what true goodness is.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NIV)

The prophet Micah provides a vital paradigm for understanding true goodness—one that is independent of our personal experiences and rooted in God’s perspective.

The Source of Goodness

Before we understand true goodness, we must recognize its source. True goodness comes from God Himself. It can never exist outside of God’s moral design for our lives. Ultimately, true goodness is not a matter of circumstances but an issue of the heart. Without connecting to the only source of true goodness—God—we are on a never-ending, disappointing chase after an illusion of happiness and contentment.

False Goodness

We often mistake false goodness for true goodness. False goodness is the belief that we can find true goodness within ourselves or in our circumstances. It promises quick, cheap pleasure and tells us we deserve it. It’s not necessarily about sinful things but about the misguided focus that this product, activity, or moment will bring goodness into our lives. False pleasure is fleeting and leaves us more unsatisfied than before.

True Goodness from God

1. God is the source of goodness

The Bible begins by highlighting God’s goodness. Genesis 1 repeatedly states that God’s creation was "good." This goodness testifies to God’s wisdom, beauty, and power. All good things in life—good sleep, food, families—are gifts from God (James 1:17-18).

2. God’s rules are good

Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God are central to experiencing true goodness. Obeying God’s commandments brings purity, holiness, and righteousness into our lives, making life pleasant and purposeful (Psalm 19:8-10).

3. Goodness is an issue of the heart

To love mercy is to embody one of God’s main characteristics. Mercy and justice might seem contradictory, but they coexist in God’s nature.

There is something about the worth of the Gospel that is greater than any threat we can face, physically or otherwise.







For us personally, I believe that God called us to Ukraine, and the conditions where we live should not change God's calling in our lives. This morning, I want to talk with you a little bit about the worth of the Gospel in our lives. We all make decisions based on what we think is worth it, what we value in our lives. The thing we value most, above all else, is the one thing we will always be willing to sacrifice for, compromise for, give our time, energy, efforts, money, resources, and strength to.



Today, I want to talk with you about living a life worthy of the Gospel. What does it mean to live a life worthy of the Gospel? How do the truths of the Gospel change the way I relate to others, make decisions, and react to problems?



The Apostle Paul helps us to understand:

Philippians 1:27-30



27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Introduction to the Text

Before we look at the details of this text, let’s talk about the context. Paul is writing to the church in Philippi, a church he knows well. They were worried about him because he had been arrested and put in prison. Paul tries to calm them by telling them:

Philippians 1:12 NIV: "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel."

Amazingly, Paul sees his imprisonment not as something that hinders him from preaching the gospel but as something that aids it. Paul experienced many difficulties in his life, but one thing always remained the same: his commitment to Christ and to the Gospel. Paul was so committed to Christ that even the threat of death could not keep him from serving Christ.



When Paul was in Philippi (Acts 16), he was attacked by a mob, beaten severely, and thrown into prison. But this didn’t stop Paul. The Philippians personally witnessed his commitment to live for Christ and to preach the Gospel. So when Paul wrote to them, they knew it was true!

Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Yet, Paul knew that he would go on living for a while to serve the people he loved. The truth is that Paul was more worried for the Philippians. He says:

Philippians 1:30 NIV: "since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

From what Paul says here, it seems like the same people who persecuted Paul were now persecuting the church in Philippi. Some of their church members may have been beaten or put into prison. It was a difficult time for the church, and Paul wanted to encourage their spirits and strengthen them in the faith so that they could endure the persecutions and remain faithful to Christ.



What is the Gospel?



Before we move on, let me answer one question: What is the Gospel?



Answer: The Gospel is literally “good news.”

Mark 1:14 NIV: "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God."

The good news is that Jesus came as Savior and Lord. He died on the cross and rose again on the third day. The good news is that God will forgive and give eternal life to everyone who puts their faith in Christ!

What is the relationship between risk, God's glory and God's calling in our lives. This sermon based upon Isaiah 42:8-9.

We answer your questions about life in Ukraine and what's going on now here on the ground exactly 2 years after Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022.







Below are some of the questions we answer in the video/podcast.



1. What is your plan if Russia wins the war and perhaps Odessa is threatened with being under Soviet control?

2. What is the perception of the Ukrainian people about America's support or lack of support?

3. At the beginning of the war, when you were relatively safer in Moldova, what made you go back to the war in Odessa?

4. Two years in, is complacency towards the "war" starting to show in the people there?

5. Is it appropriate to pray imprecatory psalms over Russia? How do you not hate them?

6. How have you seen God continue to work and the church continue to minister or grow during the war? Admittedly, you have been answering this question regularly in the telegram group, but just in case people aren’t following along day-to-day…

7. Are our bombings and drones becoming like car accidents to us here on the other side of the world or are you fearful that each one could hit your apartment, church, or car?

8. Is Ukrainian going to take over as the main language in Odesa, and are you learning it or already fluent in it?

9. Can you tell us more about the churches that have been planted since the war began? How did God bring that about? How are they worshiping and discipling?

10. How is the ministry coping with the challenges so far?

11. How are the children adapting to living in a country at war? What is the new reality for them when their world has been turned upside down?

12. Can you recap what that day was like for you, your family, and your closest friends?

13. How is your marriage doing?

14. How are your kids doing?

15. What spiritual challenges are you and the churches facing here in the second year that you were not facing in the first year?

16. What are some of the faith-building lessons God has taught you that you would want us to grasp as well, even though most of us are not in a country at war?

17. How have these past two years changed the way you view life on earth, and how do you stay joyful and not give way to anxiety?

18. How do we best encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine?

19. How do you spend your romantic time with each other in such difficult times?

20. What is the sentiment on the ground? Is it divided? Are Ukrainians talking about wanting the war to end or being willing to keep going?

21. What are some of the challenges of facing the church in Ukraine?

22. What are some of the better ways to be helping from afar?

The situation in Ukraine continues to draw concern. Winter brings heightened worries about power infrastructure and heating, especially in the face of potential advancements by Russia. The big question on everyone's mind remains: Will the United States continue to stand by Ukraine? As we navigate this uncertain period, your prayers and support are invaluable.



Despite these challenges, we're grateful for the provision of power and heating so far. We recognize the freedom we have in Ukraine—a freedom allowing us to share the gospel and support churches. It's a reminder of the larger impact this conflict has on spiritual freedoms.



Our efforts to aid soldiers include providing essentials like hand warmers. A recent testimony from Pastor Lê in Hồn illustrates the power of prayer in protecting Ukrainian soldiers from intense bombardment.



The unwavering faith of the church in Hồn is remarkable. Even amid danger, they emphasize the importance of corporate worship, highlighting the essentiality of spiritual nourishment.



We're actively involved in two projects. The first, "Teach Us to Pray," focuses on elucidating the depth of the Lord's Prayer and its gospel truths. The second is a Christmas outreach endeavor aimed at distributing gift packets with gospel material to children in need.



Your prayers and support mean the world to us and to Ukraine. If you'd like to be a part of these projects or contribute in any way, check the link in this newsletter for more information.



Thank you for standing with us and for Ukraine. Your prayers and support provide hope and strength during these challenging times.



If you have any questions or want further updates, feel free to reach out. Your engagement and care make a significant difference.



Let's continue to pray, support, and believe for Ukraine's protection, provision, and eventual peace.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where it seems that terrors are multiplying. None of us want to be in a place of terror and yet we have all been there one way or another. Certainly, our family has been at the center of some terror in the past few months in Ukraine.







At first it was rumors of war. Tanks, artillery, soldiers, weapons of every kind moving in on three sides of the country. For at least a month we received almost daily communications from the US government to leave the country. 















Then on the morning of February 24th we were woken by a phone call at 5:00 AM to inform us that the war had begun. Christina saw one of the first missiles directed at our city fly past our living room window and 30 seconds later we felt the boom. Now we knew war had started!  







When it comes down to it, terror is something that happens in the heart of man. On one hand you can’t control it very well and on the other hand there are things we can and should do at Christians to keep terror from ruling our lives. In fact, as Christians we have a unique advantage when it comes to terror, we have the greatest, most powerful, and most effective anti-terror weapon, which is the Word of God and presence of His Spirit in our lives. 







Today we will look at Psalm 31. We will take a deep dive into the terror of David’s heart. In doing so we must examine our own hearts. We must recognize our terrors and learn to deal with them the way David did. This is not an exercise for the faint of heart, so I encourage you to take up your shield of faith and breastplate of righteousness. We need sober minds and hearts to look into these things. We need honesty with ourselves and courage to recognize that which terrorizes our hearts. May God humble us as we look to his Word and see our own hearts in the heart of David.







Introduction to Psalm 31







We must remember that a psalm is never meant to be a theological treatise or a “how to...” nevertheless we find within each psalm deep theological truths and guidance that can help us how to get through many different situations in life. 







First, however, a psalm represents the heart and the emotions of its author. Here, like in so many other psalms we see tension within the heart of David. We see his fear and we see his faith, we see his anguish and we see his answer. We must recognize this Psalm for its beauty, for its spiritual and emotional power, and for its depth of truth and wisdom. As we look to this psalm we must allow ourselves to see ourselves through the eyes of David. As we step where David stepped I believe we will not only see the relevant theological truths but that God will also deliver to us the real help and healing that we need in these terrifying times. 









David heard terror on every side









Psalm 31:13 NIV - 13 For I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side!" They conspire against me and plot to take my life.







You might be wondering why I am starting with verse 13 in the psalm. The reason is because like many psalms, the middle is often the climax or the hinge of the psalm upon which the rest of the psalm hangs. This is true for psalm 31. Here we see David building to a point and he completes this with verse 13 which is the middle of the psalm. 







Let’s look at how David built up to this verse. This middle section starts in verse 9 where David tells us “I am in distress!” As we read from verse 9 through verse 13 we get a very graphic picture of what terror looks like. 







Here are some of the words David uses to describe his terror: