Tag: what is the gospel

Gospel

Posted in gospel, mini theologies for missionaries, missionsTagged , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

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:

Gospel EssentialsDownload

your faiths firm foundation

Posted in Easter, faith, gospel, hope, Jesus, salvationTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

What do these names have in common? Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, Babe Ruth, J.R.R. Tolkien, Beethoven, Mozart, Elizabeth Taylor, and Michael Jackson. The only thing in common among all the names is that they are all dead. Now if I were to add the name “Jesus” to this list would it change your answer? Jesus died, but He didn’t just die—He conquered death. He conquered death through His resurrection.

There are many modern attacks on the truthfulness of Christ’s resurrection. Have you watch documentaries on the Discovery Channel or History Channel that dispute the facts of the resurrection? There are also many books like The God Delusion [Richard Dawkins], God is Not Great [Christopher Hitchens], or the popular book The Da Vinci Code [Dan Brown] that do not buy the idea of the resurrection of Jesus. Some people think Jesus disappeared to Hawaii where Elvis, Hitler and JFK are all hiding out in a bunker playing poker. Others seem to think that Jesus was swooned or asleep; He couldn’t have been dead and then resurrected.

How would you address theses attacks? What difference does it make if Christ had a bodily resurrection? Without a bodily resurrection all of Jesus’ claims would be false and followers of Christ would have no hope of eternal salvation. His resurrection is the foundation of the gospel and your faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christianity and its core truth claims would not hold any weight nor would your faith. Paul faced a similar situation with the church that he planted at Corinth.

You can have complete confidence in the reality of Jesus & His message [1 Corinthians 15:1]

Gospel. What comes to mind when you see that word? Gospel literally means “good news” or “breaking new.” Before discussing the good news, let’s discuss the bad: You deserve death; there’s nothing that you can do to earn salvation because sin condemns you to eternal death and separation from God. But the Good News is the gospel!

What is the gospel? The good news is that God loves His creation so much that He came down from heaven for you [Philippians 2:5–11], lived for you [John 14:19], died for you, and rose from the dead for you [Romans 4:25]. And if you respond through repentance of sin and have faith in Christ, He blesses you with eternal life [John 3:16]. Paul says that you must “take your stand” on the gospel. What does he mean? You must base your life on its truth [cf. 15:58]. By taking a stand for the gospel you are demonstrating confidence in both the Messenger and His message.

You can know the reality of the gospel because you can experience it now [15:2]

When Paul said, “by this gospel you are being saved,” he wasn’t speaking about something just in the past but something present too. The idea that one is “being saved”—while salvation is instantaneous—means you can still experience the power of the gospel on a daily basis. How is your life different since you became a Christian? Today you can experience the gospel in your decisions, your relationships, your school activities, your work, and your life—right now. The gospel not only changes your future destiny, but your present realities.

What do you think Paul meant when he said, “Otherwise, you have believed in vain”? He was emphasizing that true faith endures over time. In Hebrews 3:14 it says, “For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” An enduring commitment to the gospel shows genuine faith in Christ. Real followers of Christ do not give up when life gets hard, or doubts come like a flood, or you just don’t feel like following today.

Your faith has significant evidence for the case of the resurrection [15:3–8]

The detective shows on TV [i.e. NCIS, Monk, Psyche, etc.] solve cases by following evidence and eyewitnesses, and that’s what Paul did too—he followed evidence of the dead and of the living. When Paul referred to the witness of the dead; he read the prophets from long ago who foretold what Jesus would accomplish. Can anyone say with confidence who will be the president of the United States in 20 years? Who will be the hit band or movie star in the year 2145? Prophets foretold in detail Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection hundreds of years beforehand.

Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies: Genesis 3:15 (the seed of the woman will crush the serpent), Genesis 12:3 (the seed of Abraham will bless all nations), Psalm 2 (the supremacy of God’s Son), Psalm 22 (the description of His death), Isaiah 7:14 (the virgin birth), Isaiah 9:6 (the deity of the Messiah), Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (the specifics of His death, including taking on our sins), Isaiah 53:11 (His resurrection), Micah 5:2 (the place of His birth), and Zechariah 9:9 (His entering Jerusalem on a donkey). These prophecies show us that Jesus is God and Savior.

Paul adds another line of evidence—the evidence of the living. What effect do eyewitness testimonies have on a court case? It usually serves to prove or disprove an event. In 1 Corinthians 15:5–8, we see other eyewitnesses to Jesus resurrection: Peter, the Twelve, more than 500 others, James, the apostles, Paul himself. Why do you think that Paul emphasized the testimony of these eyewitnesses? Eyewitness testimony is always more powerful than secondhand information, and some of these were still alive and could tell their stories [one eyewitness could be duped, but over 500?]. Both the living and the dead come together to build a case for the resurrection of Christ.

You can have the hope of being raised from the dead, just as Jesus was [15:20–24]

Let’s say I had a mystery bag full of food. Without knowing what it was would you be willing to try it? No body wants to be the first one to try it. This is like what Christ did. He tasted death, so you would have to be afraid. His death and resurrection give you hope.

Paul calls Christ the firstfruits. This phrase has its roots in the Old Testament, usually refers to the Jewish practice of offering the first of a crop to the Lord in recognition that the entire harvest belongs to Him [cf. Leviticus 23:9–14; 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17].  During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the priest waved the firstfruits of the harvest before the Lord, and a perfect lamb was sacrificed [Mark 14:12]. Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus Christ was the perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed to pay the price for your sins. His resurrection was a sign of the future resurrection of all believers.

Christ’s resurrection marked the beginning of a heavenly harvest of the kingdom of God. When Christ comes again, all who belong to God’s kingdom will be resurrected. How does that truth offer hope? Christ was raised, so you will be too. Death is not final for believers. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [John 11:25-26]

“Without the belief in the resurrection the Christian faith could not have come into being. The disciples would have remained crushed and defeated men. Even had they continued to remember Jesus as their beloved teacher, His crucifixion would have forever silenced any hope of His being the Messiah. The cross would have remained the sad and shameful end of His career.” William Lane Craig

Jesus’ bodily resurrection is the heart of the gospel. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, the hope that you have in Him is certain. The evidence for Christ’s resurrection is clear. You can be confident in your faith. Make know the reality of His resurrection as you live out the gospel.

Many times in His earthly ministry, Jesus brought hope to hopelessness. Every day, you see people who feel hopeless and need the gospel. Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church to remind them of the gospel. Write a letter to someone who needs to hear about the resurrection. Instead of writing what they need to do, tell them what you know about Jesus—and how the gospel has impacted you. Take ownership of what you know; write to encourage others in the gospel.