So, a couple of weeks ago at a leadership lunch hosted by KKLA, Alistair Begg gave a short message. He spoke a bit about Martin Lloyd Jones – the late theologian / teacher / evangelist – who was in his lifetime challenged to get the gospel right. It would be something like you or me walking up to Billy Graham and saying “Are you sure you’re teaching the Whole Gospel?” Ridiculous. Right?
Well Martin basically locked himself in a room with some books and The Book for days studying – rediscovering the word, if you will. The mark of humility – he wasn’t offended by the challenge – he wanted to be sure he knew what he thought he knew. His wife thought he had gone insane. When he emerged, he had a new perspective, and refreshed vigor for the Gospel.
This is interesting to me because I think we sometimes think we know enough. If someone challenged me about preaching the Gospel right, I’d be defensive – and go into theologian mode, spouting what I know about the atonement, sanctification, propitiation, and several other big words I’ve learned along the way.I bring this up because as we study Mark on Sunday mornings I’ve noticed something. The initial message of Jesus wasn’t “I’ve come to die for your sins” it was “the Kingdom of Heaven is near – repent and believe the good news (the gospel).” In fact, what Jesus taught he referred to as the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven – te good news about God’s Kingdom. It is mentioned many more times in the 4 Gospel’s that even the crucifixion.
Now, of course His death and resurrection are central to salvation – but clearly, Jesus wanted us to understand more about the Kingdom part of the gospel. It is what he taught about, and it is what he commissioned his disciples to preach about when they went from town to town.
So when Mark (probably telling Peter’s story) writes that Jesus preached the Gospel, what do you think he was preaching?
I wanted to give you a few links that I think you might even want to add to your blog:
The Gospel of Frank (I think you will REALLY dig this blog).
http://gospeloffrank.blogspot.com/
Looking Closer (A faith perspective on movie and the arts)
http://lookingcloser.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the invite to your blog.
I love Alistair Begg. I’ve been listening to all of his sermons via podcast.
Peace,
Steve G.
When Jesus preached the Gospel He preached about many things. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven where the Lord reigns and is described briefly in the book of Revelation. He preached about sin which keeps us out of God’s Kingdom. He preached about the coming Messiah who would make the way for people to be accepted in the Kingdom of God, our salvation. He preached about God’s love and His desire to spend all eternity with us in the Kingdom of Heaven.
So preaching the Gospel is not simply stating one thing, it is stating the wonderful works of God and His love and His plans for us and his salvation through Jesus for us.
Another ingredient to enhance my “closeness” to the Father – what Jim meantioned Sunday (and this may be paraphrased): “God loves me more than His law!” I hope none of us get so set in the things we know that little things (perhaps to some) get over looked and taken for granted. I like simple and to the point.
My modem/router is broken and will be replaced soon. Keep in touch.
Peace