What is the Gospel?

We have just begun a series with the Youth in Romans, and as we look at chapter 1:1-17, we see that Paul is anxious to preach the Gospel to those in Rome. But wait ... he's writing to Christians. Why would he want to preach the Gospel to Christians?

That depends on what the Gospel is in the first place.

If we take the somewhat common approach that the Gospel is the message of "how to get saved," then Paul isn't making any sense. And based on all that Paul wrote, especially the book of Romans, Paul doesn't seem like the kind of guy who rambles nonsensical platitudes.

Clearly, the Gospel is more than just the message of salvation.

One way to approach the question of "what is the Gospel?" is to just read the entire book of Romans. That's the Gospel! More than just the message of guilt ("for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," 3:23) and justification (being declared righteous before God, 5:1), the Gospel includes sanctification (the lifelong process of being conformed into the image of Christ, 8:29). The Gospel includes walking by the Spirit (8:1-11). The Gospel includes exercising the giftedness God has given us for the purpose of building up His Church (12:3-8). The Gospel includes being transformed by the renewing of our minds (12:1-2).

In other words, the "Gospel" is the message of the entire Christian life. The whole package. Not just "getting in" but also the whole journey that ensues. The Gospel is the message of an entire life yielded to God for His glory.

Paul was anxious to preach the Gospel to people who were already saved because the Gospel includes so much more than just getting saved.

If you claim the Gospel, I encourage you to remember the fullness of the Gospel you are claiming.

Question of the Day, 9/8/09

First, open the following link in a new window to get to John 2.

John 2

Second, read John 2:12-17.

Third, click play on the following video to get the question of the day. (If you're looking at this through Facebook, there will be no video - instead, click here to go to the full blog.)

"Did Jesus react out of anger?"

Question of the Day, 9/7/09

First, open the following link in a new window to get to Ephesians 4.

Ephesians 4

Second, read Ephesians 4:25-32.

Third, click play on the following video to get the question of the day. (If you're looking at this through Facebook, there will be no video - instead, click here to go to the full blog.)

"What is Paul telling us to do about anger?"

Question of the Day, 9/3/09

(The following is just an experiment - don't know if I want to commit to doing this, but I'm toying with the idea.)

First, open the following link in a new window to get to John 2.

John 2

Second, read John 2:23-25.

Third, click play on the following video to get the question of the day. (If you're looking at this through Facebook, there will be no video - instead, click here to go to the full blog.)

"What do Jesus' doubts teach us about our doubts?"

A good use for Twitter?

For a long time, I've failed to see the value of the microblogging service Twitter (http://twitter.com). People have used it to chronicle their day, but I'm not necessarily interested in what you are buying at the grocery store, thank you very much. Athletes and stars have used it to communicate with their fans, but I don't find what stars are buying at the grocery store particularly interesting, either.

But then I came across a statement from Rick Warren, who was in turn referring to a comment by John Piper. These well-respected pastors have been using Twitter not to record what happens during their day, but the various thoughts they have on Scripture, theology, and good Christian literature. Now that sounded interesting and valuable to me.

My only problem is that my thoughts are usually not all that deep!

What I've decided to do is "tweet" various thoughts that come to mind as I prepare for the upcoming sermon, or prepare for the youth Bible study, or even ideas that come to mind during my Quiet Time. I figure that even if no one else benefits from it, it does me some good to put the thoughts into writing and find a concise way to say it. I've enjoyed some benefit from it already, and hardly anyone is "following" me on Twitter.

If you want to follow, you can do it two ways - with a Twitter account and without. With a Twitter account, just search for "ColbyKinser" and start following. You can then follow those tweets online or on your mobile phone. Without a Twitter account, use a browser to visit http://twitter.com/ColbyKinser.

You can also follow other people, like Piper and Warren. Just search for people that might be tweeting interesting ideas. I'm just beginning to start my collection of interesting tweeters.

The tweeting also relates to what I blogged about last week, creating the video "Question of the Day." See the blog for Aug 26 for information about the QOD.

Question of the Day, 9/2/09

(The following is just an experiment - don't know if I want to commit to doing this, but I'm toying with the idea.)

First, open the following link in a new window to get to Luke 24.

Luke 24

Second, read Luke 24:36-53.

Third, click play on the following video to get the question of the day. (If you're looking at this through Facebook, there will be no video - instead, click here to go to the full blog.)

"How does Jesus respond to His disciples when they doubt?"

Question of the Day, 9/1/09

(The following is just an experiment - don't know if I want to commit to doing this, but I'm toying with the idea.)

First, open the following link in a new window to get to Luke 24.

Luke 24

Second, read Luke 24:36-53.

Third, click play on the following video to get the question of the day. (If you're looking at this through Facebook, there will be no video - instead, click here to go to the full blog.)

"Why would the disciples assume that Jesus was a ghost rather than the resurrected Christ?"