GPS-The Gospel

JUL 21  / Sunday – Read Mark 1:1-8 / Rom 1:16-17 / 1 Cor 15:1-4

Overview: We take a short break from our summer message series, Heaven’s Kitchen, and instead feast on the Good News (a meal unto itself, specially prepared by the head chef, God).

22 / Mon – A definition  |  Read Mark 1:1 NKJV

Euangelion, the Greek word translated as gospel, means good news. It was a political term used in the Roman Empire to proclaim the good news of a ruler establishing his kingdom. One example is the gospel of Caesar Augustus (these words) carved on the Priene Inscription from 9 BC. What an audacious claim the apostles and New Testament writers made when they called their good news the gospel of Jesus Christ. How has this gospel changed your life?

23 / Tue – Jesus’ gospel  |  Read Mark 1:14-15 NKJV / Matt 4:23 NKJV / Luke 9:2

According to these verses, what gospel did Jesus preach? He illustrated it with parables and sent his disciples out to proclaim it. Its characteristics are elaborated in the Sermon on the Mount. Comparing these descriptions to the world of today, where do you see these attributes being represented? What things would be different if we lived as though we are citizens of God’s kingdom? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to live out God’s values and priorities?

24 / Wed – The basic gospel facts  |  Read 1 Cor 15:1-4 / Rom 10:13

What would you say if someone asked you to explain the gospel? Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of God but it only became accessible after his death eradicated the sin barrier. Paul’s life changed when he met Jesus. Then he spent the rest of his life preaching this good news and teaching early believers how to live as God’s people. Here Paul details the essential facts of that gospel. Are you prepared to share this same good news with those the Lord brings your way?

25 / Thu – Beware  |  Read 2 Cor 11:3-4, 13-15 / Gal 1:6-8

Some early Christians were being swayed by a different gospel. Someone was preaching about a different Jesus and a different spirit. Paul was astonished that they were so quickly turning away from what they had been taught. It still happens today. Many people have been sidetracked from the true gospel. How can you guard yourself from being drawn into any false teachings? Do you know the scriptures well? Do you listen to godly, mature teachers whose lives align with God’s truth? If so, the Holy Spirit, working through them, can keep you from drifting into a false gospel.

26 / Fri – One false gospel  |  Read Ephesians 2:8-10

It is tempting to think you can save yourself. This not-so-subtle message pervades our society. But this lie can even creep into the Church. The idea that your salvation is dependent on Jesus AND how much you pray or give or read the Bible or help others, that the more you do, the more secure your salvation is. This is contrary to the true gospel. Any time you feel guilty, and think you need Jesus + something else, you are sliding into a false gospel. What is your temptation?

27 / Sat – Another false gospel  |  Read 1 Pet 4:1-2, 12-13 / 1 Pet 5:8-10

Another false gospel teaches that once you are a Christian, you are exempt from suffering or grief because, after all, God just wants us to be happy, right? Have you heard this one before? Maybe you have even thought about it yourself. It is often revealed through the question: why me? Believing this false gospel is why some become disillusioned with God. Pain and loss are a part of a fallen world. Christians are not exempt. Jesus suffered grief and physical pain. So did his early followers. Yet in the end, God redeems all suffering. How can you guard yourself from this false teaching?