Interactive Gospel
- The Gospel - by Paul Hazelden
Summary
What is the Gospel?
The word 'gospel' simply means 'good news'. It refers to
the basic core of the Christian faith, the central message of Jesus
and His followers.
However, for reasons which should become clear, we do not have a
single agreed definition of the Gospel. The Bible talks about
Jesus preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, But we do not
know exactly what He preached.
A Description
Instead of a definition, here is a description of the Christian
Gospel, based on a range of Biblical passages.
It is about RELATIONSHIPS: about other people, not about me, my destination or my status.
It is about LOVE: love God, love your neighbour, love yourself.
It is about God's KINGDOM: about God's will being done in every area of life, not just the religious bits.
It is about Jesus' CALL: follow Him, walk with Him, join in His mission of love and life.
It is about ACCEPTANCE: Jesus calls me to follow Him as I am - I don't need to get cleaned up and sorted out first.
It is about a new LIFE: following Jesus means an end to the life I lived before I met Him.
It is about a new COMMUNITY: I am now a child of God, a member of His family.
It is about TRANSFORMATION: God's Spirit works within to change me as I follow Jesus.
It is about TRUST: believing that God wants the best for me, and is able to achieve it.
It is about OBEDIENCE: God does not force Himself on me, I have to respond to Him.
It is about God's POWER: not about my ability, my faith or my goodness.
It is about GRACE: what God offers me, not what I deserve.