Before going on a mission trip, whether it be long-term or short-term, we will need to be clear on the message we are preaching. With so many variations of different “gospels” spreading and polluting the world, we need to be sure that we know the true Gospel.
What is the good news? Have we believed it ourselves?
What Is The True Gospel?
Begin by watching this video, where members of the OGGM team give a break down of what the true Gospel is.
Questions:
- What were your key takeaways from this video?
- If you had 1 minute to share the Gospel what would you say?
- What are the key components of the Gospel?
How Did the Fall of Man Affect Our Relationship With God?
Adam was made in the image of God. He distorted that image and forfeited his original blessedness – for himself and all his progeny – by falling into sin through Satan’s temptation. As a result, all human beings are alienated from God, corrupted in every aspect of their being (physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.) and condemned finally and irrevocably to death – apart from God’s own gracious intervention. The supreme need of all human beings is to be reconciled to the God under whose just and holy wrath we stand. The only hope for all human beings is the undeserved love of God, who alone can rescue us and restore us to himself (Romans 3:21-26).
What Was The Role of Jesus in Reconciling Our Relationship With God?
Moved by love and in obedience to His Father, the eternal Son became human. The Word became flesh; fully God and fully human being, one person in two natures (John 1:14).
Jesus lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven. He is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, exercising in heaven and on earth all of God’s sovereignty (1 Peter 3:22). By His incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus Christ acted as our representative and substitute (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 4:14-15). He did this so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. On the cross He conquered sin, had victory over Satan, propitiated God and, by bearing the full penalty of our sins, reconciled to God all those who believe, bringing everlasting life to them.
Why Was it Necessary for Jesus to go to the Cross? Why Him?
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ, by His obedience and death, fully discharged the debt of all those who are justified. By His perfect obedience, He satisfied the just demands of God on our behalf. Those who have been saved by the grace of God through union with Christ by faith and through regeneration by the Holy Spirit enter the kingdom of God and delight in the blessing of the new covenant: the forgiveness of sins, the inward transformation that awakens a desire to glorify, trust and obey God, and the prospect of the glory yet to be revealed.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you heard of any alternative gospels?
- What is so appealing about these alternative versions?
- What can we learn about the Gospel from the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44)?
- Is there an urgent need to go and share the gospel? (Read Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus himself spoke extensively about hell, much more than he did about heaven).