WHAT IS OUR CENTRAL MESSAGE

Elias arrived in the remote mountain village, his heart burning with the urgency of the gospel. For years, his focus had been singular: bring the good news of salvation to those who had never heard. His days were consumed with pouring out, convinced that his own spiritual well was perpetually full simply by being the messenger.

However, in his relentless pursuit of the lost, Elias began to subtly neglect the gospel’s daily relevance for himself. His personal quiet times became hurried, duty-bound checks rather than genuine encounters with grace. He proclaimed forgiveness and new life but found himself increasingly cynical about the slow pace of change, quick to judge the villagers’ shortcomings, and privately battling waves of discouragement and spiritual dryness. The gospel, for Elias, had become a powerful tool for them—a one-off transaction for salvation, rather than the lifelong bread he himself needed to feast on daily. He was giving out living water but forgetting to drink from the well himself.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL

The gospel is good news. The central message of the gospel is the “good news” of what God has done through Jesus Christ to rescue people from sin and reconcile us to Himself, for His glory. It is the declaration that God, in His forever love and holiness, has provided the way for broken people to be made right with Him, to receive forgiveness, new life, and eternal fellowship. (Romans 3:23-24; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The gospel is authored by God. The gospel is a message that God wrote to mankind. The gospel is God’s initiative, His plan, and His power at work. It is not a human invention or philosophy.  Not only is God the author, but He is also the main character in His own story. (Romans 1:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Essential elements of the gospel message:

God created. God is the sovereign Creator of all things. He is the author of life and the universe, establishing His perfect plan and glory. Humans were created in His image, designed for a relationship with Him, and to reflect His glory. (Genesis 1:1; 1:27; Psalm 19:1)

Man separated. This perfect relationship was broken by sin. All people have rebelled against God, falling short of His glory. This sin creates a profound separation between God and humanity, leading to spiritual death and a state of lostness. (Romans 3:23; 6:23a; Isaiah 59:2)

Jesus redeemed. Because humanity could not bridge this gap on its own, God, in His forever love and holiness, intervened. Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son, came to redeem humanity. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures, and was resurrected from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death. This act of redemption by Jesus was God’s powerful initiative to make us right with Him. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Man must respond. The gospel is not just a passive story; it requires a response. Any response must be initiated and empowered by God. The response is to repent of sin, believe in Jesus Christ, and receive His redemption by grace through faith. This response leads to salvation, forgiveness of sins, new life, and a lifelong journey of transformation where we continue to live our lives rooted and built up in Him, overflowing with thankfulness. (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 1:12)

The gospel is for everyone (even missionaries). The gospel is universally applicable, breaking down all barriers of ethnicity, social status, or perceived spiritual standing. No one is exempt from its daily need. (Galatians 3:28; Romans 3:22)

The gospel isn’t just a message we need as a one-off, but lifelong. The Gospel is not just the message that saves us once; it is the truth that continues to sanctify, sustain, and motivate us daily. We preach the gospel to ourselves every day. (Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6-7)

The gospel affects all of life all the time. The gospel transforms not just our eternal destiny but every facet of our present existence—our identity, relationships, motivations, thoughts, and actions. As Timothy Keller described, “The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life.” It is not confined to a “spiritual” compartment but permeates all of life. (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:17)

The gospel is meant to be spread. The good news is primarily spread through proclamation and demonstration, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and carried out by God’s people in various contexts around the world. The gospel is not just a message to be heard, but a life to be seen. When people are genuinely transformed by the gospel, their changed character and actions become a compelling witness. (Romans 10:14-15; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:14, 22-24, 36-41; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Corinthians 3:2-3)

What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider “the gospel”? Take a few moments to look up 1-2 of these verses and journal what the Lord highlights for you.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16-17

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GOSPEL

The Gospel message is of paramount importance for several critical reasons, impacting both individual lives and the world at large. It’s not merely one truth among many, but the central, life-giving message. It is the power of God for salvation and ongoing life transformation.

God’s Command: The Great Commission is a direct mandate from Christ to His followers. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Only Hope for Humanity: Apart from the gospel, people remain lost in sin, separated from God, and without eternal hope. (Acts 4:12)

Brings God Glory: As people are saved and transformed, God’s power, love, and wisdom are displayed, bringing Him the praise and worship He deserves. (2 Thessalonians 1:12)

The gospel is not just a message proclaimed; it is a reality lived, impacting both the messenger and the receiver.

Impact on the Messenger:

Sustains Identity: Reminds the missionary that their worth is in Christ, not their performance or perceived success in the field (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Fuels Perseverance: In the face of spiritual warfare, loneliness, or slow progress, the gospel’s truth about Christ’s victory and God’s faithfulness provides the fuel needed to stay longer and healthier (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Promotes Humility: The gospel reminds missionaries that salvation is by grace, preventing pride in their own efforts and fostering dependence on God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Impact on the Receiver (Individuals & Communities):

Radical Life Transformation: Individuals are freed from the power of sin, idolatry, and spiritual darkness, leading to new behaviors, worldviews, and desires (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13-14).

Reconciliation and Unity: The gospel breaks down ethnic, social, and relational barriers, fostering genuine community and “one anothering” among diverse people (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16).

Holistic Flourishing: As hearts are transformed, it often leads to fruitful changes in families, ethics, education, health, and social justice within the community, demonstrating the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:16).

Indigenous Church Growth: Transformed individuals become disciples who make disciples, leading to the organic growth and multiplication of local, self-sustaining churches.

The Gospel is the dynamic, living power of God. As pioneer mission workers, you are privileged to carry this message, knowing that it is not merely words, but the very breath of God bringing life and transformation to the ends of the earth.

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider the gospel. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be who lives the gospel.

BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY OF GOOD NEWS

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “the gospel” by responding to these questions:

What is the gospel? Why is it important to articulate the gospel clearly and simply?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

How is the gospel more than a message? What other parts of life does the gospel affect?

How is the gospel for unbelievers, new disciples, and long-time followers? How is the gospel more than the ABCs of our faith, but the A-Zs?

Once you finish, share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.

Additional Resources for Going Deeper:

• What is the Gospel, by Greg Gilbert
• Why Missionaries Need the Gospel Too, Jared Wilson
• Marks of the Messenger, by J. Mack Stiles
• The Gospel is for Christians, by Mitchell Chase
• Persevere in Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by Revive Our Hearts
• Gospel Theology, by Tim Keller
• Becoming the Gospel, by Michael Gorman
• The Great Omission, by Dallas Willlard