A Refresher on the Gospel
What is the gospel? The English word “gospel†is from an old English word “godspell (pronounced good-spell)†which was translated from a greek word used in the Bible meaning good news–specifically good news concerning Jesus Christ (1). What is that good news?
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 says it is a truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead three days later–according to the scriptures (eye-witness testimonies, documented through the inspiration of God).
Furthermore, the gospel:
The following questions and scriptures provide further clarity on the gospel and the required response.
Why would Jesus do this?
John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 say God loved the world (including you and I) and showed His loved by giving His one-and-only Son, Jesus the Christ to die for us and our sin.
And, Romans 3:10-12 says no one is good while Romans 3:23 says everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.
What is sin?
1 John 3:4 says sins is lawlessness or that which is contrary to God; 1 John 5:17 further clarifies by saying all wrong-doings are sin.
How do I know I sin?
Exodus 20:3-17 lists God’s moral law, similar to laws of most countries. Everyone has broken at least one; therefore, we’re just as guilty of breaking them all because we have offended God–the Lawgiver (James 2:10-11).
What is so bad about sin?
Romans 6:23a says the consequence is death–separation from God. That means no heaven–where God resides.
Is there hope?
Romans 6:23b says God provided a free gift of eternal life (that continues with a residence in heaven with God) that was made possible by Jesus Christ–when He died for us and our sins and paid our penalty.
How do I receive the gift?
Ephesians 2:8-9 says God makes the gift available by His grace (underserved and unearned favor) and we accept it by faith or believing–not by works or rituals or practices so boasting is pointless.
What do I believe and why?
Romans 10:9-11 says we must (1) confess (agree with, admit and acknowledge) that Jesus is LORD (sovereign and in charge over all, including our life) and (2) believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Then He will save us from the penalty/consequence of our sins–which is death. He does so by transferring the payment Jesus Christ made with His death to our “account†and declares us righteous–justifying us and making peace with us over the offense of our sins.
After I believe, then what?
Right now, immediately, Romans 10:13 … says, through prayer, state your belief and confession to God (based on the scriptures). Accordingly to Psalm 107:2a, tell someone, like us, of your new or affirmed belief in Jesus. We will follow-up with you to answer questions, provide guidance and materials to help you do the top two things Jesus asks of believers:
Finally, according to Acts 2:38, be baptized to show your love to God (obedience) and others (affiliation).
What is baptism?
Romans 6:4 explains that water baptism is an outward sign of an inward change.
Why church?
God established and uses the local church for believers in Jesus Christ to express, get educated on and equipped to (1) love God, and (2) love others–especially since Jesus is coming back one day (Hebrews 10:23-25). Everyone needs a church “family†where you can learn, live out what you learn and love God, others and receive love, check us out.
What is the gospel? The English word “gospel†is from an old English word “godspell (pronounced good-spell)†which was translated from a greek word used in the Bible meaning good news–specifically good news concerning Jesus Christ (1). What is that good news?
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 says it is a truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead three days later–according to the scriptures (eye-witness testimonies, documented through the inspiration of God).
Furthermore, the gospel:
- Is what must be “shared†or preached (vs. 1)
- Is what believers “stand†or rely on (vs. 1)
- Is why believers are “saved†or rescued from the death-penalty of their sins (vs. 2)
- Is “superior†to all others messages/news/views (vs. 3)
- Is a “spotlight†on death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (vs. 4)
- Is “supported†by additional eye-witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (vs. 5-8).
The following questions and scriptures provide further clarity on the gospel and the required response.
Why would Jesus do this?
John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 say God loved the world (including you and I) and showed His loved by giving His one-and-only Son, Jesus the Christ to die for us and our sin.
And, Romans 3:10-12 says no one is good while Romans 3:23 says everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.
What is sin?
1 John 3:4 says sins is lawlessness or that which is contrary to God; 1 John 5:17 further clarifies by saying all wrong-doings are sin.
How do I know I sin?
Exodus 20:3-17 lists God’s moral law, similar to laws of most countries. Everyone has broken at least one; therefore, we’re just as guilty of breaking them all because we have offended God–the Lawgiver (James 2:10-11).
What is so bad about sin?
Romans 6:23a says the consequence is death–separation from God. That means no heaven–where God resides.
Is there hope?
Romans 6:23b says God provided a free gift of eternal life (that continues with a residence in heaven with God) that was made possible by Jesus Christ–when He died for us and our sins and paid our penalty.
How do I receive the gift?
Ephesians 2:8-9 says God makes the gift available by His grace (underserved and unearned favor) and we accept it by faith or believing–not by works or rituals or practices so boasting is pointless.
What do I believe and why?
Romans 10:9-11 says we must (1) confess (agree with, admit and acknowledge) that Jesus is LORD (sovereign and in charge over all, including our life) and (2) believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Then He will save us from the penalty/consequence of our sins–which is death. He does so by transferring the payment Jesus Christ made with His death to our “account†and declares us righteous–justifying us and making peace with us over the offense of our sins.
After I believe, then what?
Right now, immediately, Romans 10:13 … says, through prayer, state your belief and confession to God (based on the scriptures). Accordingly to Psalm 107:2a, tell someone, like us, of your new or affirmed belief in Jesus. We will follow-up with you to answer questions, provide guidance and materials to help you do the top two things Jesus asks of believers:
- Love God (Matthew 22:37-38)
- Love others (Matthew 22:39-40)
Finally, according to Acts 2:38, be baptized to show your love to God (obedience) and others (affiliation).
What is baptism?
Romans 6:4 explains that water baptism is an outward sign of an inward change.
Why church?
God established and uses the local church for believers in Jesus Christ to express, get educated on and equipped to (1) love God, and (2) love others–especially since Jesus is coming back one day (Hebrews 10:23-25). Everyone needs a church “family†where you can learn, live out what you learn and love God, others and receive love, check us out.
Why Turning Point?
We pray this summary has brought clarity and even a guide on how and what to share with others. If you have questions, let us know (info@turningpointbfc.org). If you desire prayer, let us know (prayermin@turningpointbfc.org). If you need help, let us know (help@turningpointbfc.org). If you want someone to reach out to you, let us know (caremin@turningpointbfc.org).
We pray this summary has brought clarity and even a guide on how and what to share with others. If you have questions, let us know (info@turningpointbfc.org). If you desire prayer, let us know (prayermin@turningpointbfc.org). If you need help, let us know (help@turningpointbfc.org). If you want someone to reach out to you, let us know (caremin@turningpointbfc.org).
References
- “gospelâ€. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 27 Mar. 2017. <Dictionary.com http://www.dictionary.com/browse/gospel>.
- “Search the Bible.†Blue Letter Bible. Web. 27 Mar, 2017. <https://www.blueletterbible.org>.