The Sufficiency of the Gospel

  This is a post that I am absolutely stoked to be writing. I know for a fact that this post needs to be written. Because in our modern day and times I see a lot of the church trying to do things to paraphrase Frank Sinatra, "Their way." There is a constant push to change the image of God to being someone who is your buddy, pal, jokester, and even at times wing-man. There is a push that tries to eliminate the wrath and judgement of God from our theology, conversation, and beliefs. To illustrate that point more clearly the leaders of a new hymnal committee for a mainline denomination church chose not to include the favorite hymn "In Christ Alone," because it included a line about the wrath of God. It worries me greatly that we as the church in the 21st century believe the gospel needs our help. I cringe a little when I see people trying to adapt the gospel and make it fit into popular culture by watering it down, tweaking what they don't like, or just ignoring things that make them uncomfortable. I say all of this to stress to you my readers: the gospel is absolutely fine on it's own. The good, saving message found in scripture doesn't need our help, our addition, our wisdom, to accomplish it's purpose. It just needs us to be faithful to it's original message and faithful in telling everyone about it.

  Paul has many great things to say about the gospel, unfortunately unless I wrote a 70 page blog post we wouldn't be able to do justice to all of the great things he has to say. However, here are a few things Paul does say about the gospel found in Romans 1:15-17, "15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith." (This is taken from Biblegateway)

  

  Three things that I want to pull from these three verses. First, is found in vs. 15, Paul talks about how eager he is to preach the gospel. At the heart of our existence as Christians I hope our mindset becomes or is similar to that of Paul. We are eager and excited to tell people about the incredible saving news that God chose to save us by his grace and love rather than give us what our sins deserved. I can't think of any better, more exciting, or more amazing news than that. So, the question remains if the news is so great, if our God is so loving, and if our future is set, why are there so many SAD, SAD Christians?! I'm firmly convinced that living a life filled with the joy of the Lord is one of the most powerful witnesses and testimonies you can give. So, I just want to challenge you to take a good hard look at your life and understand the truth that your life preaches and tells a message. The way you act, how you speak, and how you live speaks volumes about who you are and what you believe.

  Second thing to consider is found in vs. 16. I want to draw your attention to who Paul says has the power. The gospel's power is not found in our words, our charismatic presentation, our abilities, or anything to do with us. What makes the gospel so powerful and far reaching is that it's power is found in God and God alone. As you present the gospel please remember that the word of God is eternal, and the word of humans are only temporal. Be faithful in it's presentation. The reason why I say that is because it works. For over 2,000 years people have come to know the incredible truth that Jesus Christ saves sinners through his blood on the Cross. It saves old people, young people, rich people, and poor people. The Cross saves people of all different educations, backgrounds, races, and languages. It's the incredible universal message of truth, and I think we as the church don't need to change, tweak, or add to the message. We have to find creative, compelling ways to share this great message of truth!

  Finally, the gospel must be accepted by faith. One of my modern heroes is Pastor Louie Giglio, states that the mystery is that if we can add it all up then there is no room for God. If you have all the answers in your life, then the truth is that God has no place. I've been alive for about 27 years, and I've seen a lot of people and come across a lot of stories and one of the biggest mistakes I've seen people make over the years is try and find every single answer to all of life's questions. The sad reality is that you'll never be able to do it, because you're not God. But, here is one answer which I hope you will understand and relish in all of your days: God is good and God does love you. If either of those statements were false the Cross would have never happened. Please know that the gospel and good news is sufficient to save people. It has done that very effectively for a very, very long period of time and will continue to do so in the future.