Living a Life on Mission預覽

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

Think...

As you read through today's scriptures, take some time to consider these questions...

Who are these verses speaking about?

What do you think of when you hear the word “gospel” or “good news”?

What is the “gospel of the kingdom”?

Once again we jump forward in Israel’s history.

Because of their inability to remain God’s royal priesthood and holy nation, Israel had endured exile, war, oppression and occupation. Jesus walked onto the scene during the Roman occupation. Israel was no longer the glorious kingdom they had been under King David and King Solomon, long before Jonah’s time. In fact, their rulers were now puppets of the mighty Rome. They longed for a Messiah – someone to set them free and lead their nation into a time of peace and prosperity. Israel was desperate for some good news.

The word "gospel" simply means good news. We usually associate the gospel with a message of our need for a Saviour from sin, and of Jesus’ death and resurrection. On this side of the cross that message is certainly a big part of the gospel.

However, the words “gospel” or “good news” are used several times in the Bible before Jesus ever died on the cross! Jesus is said to be proclaiming or teaching the gospel in Matthew 4: 23, Matthew 9:35, and Luke 20:1. In Mark 1:15

Jesus exhorted people to repent and believe in the gospel. What was this gospel He was preaching?

If we flip over to Galatians 3:14, we read about the gospel being preached to Abraham! That was a looooong time before Jesus died on the cross. This verse clearly states that the gospel preached to Abraham was “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” That was the good news of Abraham. And actually, it’s good news for the whole world.

From Abraham’s family came Jesus, who didn’t just come to die on the cross and save us from our sins. He came to bring blessing in every area of our lives and societies. He came to bring a transformative kingdom where people work, play, study, govern, raise families, communicate and worship in ways that show love to their neighbours and love for their King.

In missions, we absolutely must proclaim the message of the cross and help people understand their need for a Saviour. But we must also help the nations realize that God does not only care about who they worship. He also cares about their families, their businesses, their schools, their health and their governments.

That means that part of our job is to show the world how God desires society to work! God might call us to be in politics, to go into business, to raise children or to be the president of a university. Anything can be a missional calling if we are deliberate to bring blessing and Kingdom values to that area of society.

Our King cares about every part of our lives and nations. He has the ability to transform them all! This is the Gospel of the Kingdom – the good news that our King brings life and hope for every part of every nation.

Apply...

How can you help bring God’s Kingdom to an area where you have influence eg. your workplace, your university, etc?

Pray for transformation in one aspect of your own society eg. business, healthcare, education, government... Take note of what God highlights to you, and praise Him in advance for the miracles He will bring!