What was preached on Pentecost and beyond? What did the gospel look like? What did it sound like? How did it impact people?
To answer those questions, we must go back to the old paths — the true paths of Christianity — because many are now preaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). The gospel, from the Greek euangelion, literally means “good news” (Luke 2:10). It’s mentioned over 60 times in the New Testament, and it’s God’s plan of redemption for men and women who have sinned.
The Bible uses rich language to describe the gospel:
- The gospel of God (Mark 1:14) reflects the Father’s eternal plan (Ephesians 3:10-11).
- The gospel of Christ (Mark 1:1) is centered on His mission and validated by His death.
- The gospel of grace (Acts 20:24) reminds us that man is undeserving of salvation.
- The gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15) brings peace with God through obedience.
- The gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) invites us into God’s reign when we submit to it.
The gospel can and must be preached (Mark 16:15), believed (Mark 1:15), obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:8), and defended (Philippians 1:16). Christians must also live in such a way that we don’t hinder the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12).
As one brother put it so well:
“The Gospel has facts to believe, commands to obey, and promises to enjoy!”
In this series, we’ll look at each of those in turn — beginning next time with the facts.
Next in the Series → [Facts to Believe: Jesus of Nazareth]