My 95 Thesis - Point 2 - Gospel

Here's my 2nd Point in My 95 Theses.

'Evangelicals' believe we are following Christ's command to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

But I suspect the definition used for 'gospel' is different than the gospel Jesus and his disciples preached.

The words 'gospel' or 'good news' show up 23 times in 'the gospels' (mostly pre-cross).

Was the gospel message that Jesus shared something like this?

God - God is Holy - completely without sin and never does anything wrong - He's always right and can't have sin in His presence. Isaiah 59:1-2
Ourselves - we are all sinners - we've all broken God's standard of holiness and perfection - we're all offenders of God. Romans 3:23
Sentence - what we deserve, what we've earned for our offences towards a Holy god - our punishment - is eternal separation from Him forever! Romans 6:23a
Powerless - there's nothing in and of ourselves that we can do to make things right before a Holy God! Isaiah 64:6
Extreme love - God demonstrates extreme love towards us. He sends His perfect and sinless Son, Jesus to take our punishment. Romans 5:8, 2 Cor 5:21
Life - The offer is ours to receive or reject. God in His Love provides a way for relationship with Him. God in His Mercy offers pardon for our wrongdoing. God in His Grace offers us forgiveness of sin and eternal joy and life through His Son Jesus - starting right now! If we choose to receive what God offers us in love, then we need to turn from our sin and by faith, embrace all that Jesus has done. Romans 6:23b, Ephesioans 2:8-9

Or something like this:

Jesus is Lord!
God's kingdom is here!
The reign of God is here!
Change your life, believe this message!

Did you know God's power is available to you? You don't have to do everything in your own strength and wisdom. If you allow God to rule in your life (the work of the Holy Spirit), instead of your selfish ambitions, He will restore your life to what it was intended to be.

I've seen many different definitions of the gospel. Many of them are full of truths. But I suspect they are an attempt to summarize all the key doctrines of their unique brand of Christianity and tag some supporting Bible verses that go along with their teachings... and using the label gospel to create or maintain divisions in Christ's church.

I think it is worth asking:

• What was the gospel message Jesus and his disciples preached?
• And would this same gospel message work today?

Related Posts:

• Gospel in the Gospels - Summary - 6 part series
• Importance of the cross - a look at many verses talking about meanings of the cross
• Good News -Mark 1:14-15
• What is the Gospel? - lists some verses related to gospel in the gospels
• Gospel in other NT verses
• Kingdom of God - lists verses about the good news of the Kingdom of God
• What Gospel does you neighbor need to hear?
• What does evangelical mean?
• Dr Dwight Pryor on-Kingdom Of God - Part 1
• Dr Dwight Pryor on-Kingdom Of God - Part 2
• Rob Bell on Good News

My 95 Thesis - Point 1 - Unity

Here's my 1st Point in My 95 Theses.

These questions sum up my concern:

• How is Christianity doing concerning Christ's prayer for our unity?
• What role has 'Evangelical Protestants' played in this?
• What is our track record on unity since the 1500's? Have we stayed united within protestantism or have we divided further over and over again?
• Are we reaching out to build bridges, or are we drawing battle lines and digging trenches?
  
• Who's church? Our church or Christ's church?
• Who decides who is in and who is out? Our protestant evangelical doctrines and denominations or Christ?
  

"But the other guys have bad teachings and some follow empty religious rituals"... says the one with a plank in his eye.

Nuff said. (I'd better go check what plank is in my eye now.)

Please join Christ in his prayer for unity between all those who follow him. When we recognize that others are loving and following the same Jesus that we do, it doesn't take much to recognize unity.

Related Posts:

• Unity is Essential - lists some key verses to consider
• Judgemental Christians - more verses here
  
• Brief time of unity
  
• If Protestants Accepted Sola Scriptura
• Can I find unity without agreement on essentials
  
• Respond to disagreements in love

My 95 Thesis

"Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/2008/11/martin-luthers-95-theses-in-latin-and-english/

I understand Martin Luther's desire with his 95 thesis was not to start a new denomination or branch of Christianity, but to start dialog. My desire is the same. I doubt I'll get to 95, but I do have some points of concern with protestant evangelicalism that I believe are worth dialoging on.

I don't want to create new divisions. I want to start by affirming the common belief of all Christ followers that Jesus is Lord. He is Lord of my life. And this dialog is intended for those who confess that he is Lord of their lives. If we share a common Lord, and He is ruling in our hearts and lives and not our own selfish ambitions, let's put aside our agenda's and seek God as we approach these topics. If we are one with Christ, even in the midst of disagreement I believe He will direct us to maintain unity.

I'm also not assuming I have it all figured out. I may be wrong on a number of these issues. But I ask you to consider my concerns and seek God for the truth.

Point #1: Unity

Are we joining Christ's prayer for unity - or working against it?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #2: Gospel

What was the gospel message Jesus and his disciples preached?
Would this same gospel message work today?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #3: God is Love

Does our God love us or hate us? Seems like a simple question, yet God is often portrayed as an angry God who hates the world...
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #4: Hell

Does Scripture say Hell is eternal punishment? Or does it teach that the wages of sin is death, perishing, being destroyed, a second death, or not getting to live for eternity?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #5: Calvinism

I'm concerned at the level of influence Calvinism has within 'protestant evangelicalism'.
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #6: Membership

I'm concerned that the way we do church membership does more harm to the unity of Christ's body than good.
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #7: Magic 8 Ball

Does the Bible give clear answers on all issues? I`m concerned with the tendency in Christian circles to try to find answers to every question in the pages of Scripture.
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #8: Sola Scriptura

Does Scripture teach Sola Scriptura? Is Sola Scriptura an essential to the faith? I'm concerned we may place a greater emphasis on a book than on the two things Jesus did leave with us to guide us.
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.


Point #9: Money

Money for poor is emphasized in New Testament. Money for buildings, staff, and programming... not so much. Does Christ's Church need a budget?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #10: Denominations

Where do we get the idea that having different denominations is acceptable? Is Christ's church divided? Are we dividing Christ's body? Or are we assuming that our denomination is the only real church?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #11: Sermon Centered

Why has our gatherings become centered around a sermon? Why does the body of Christ, the royal priesthood, sit passively listening to the same person speak week after week? There is nothing wrong with a good sermon. But are we missing out on something better?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #12: Leadership

Of course, in any gathering there will be some who lead others. But does the church need leaders who make decisions for the body? Or should the leaders simply be the ones who are living as examples that others should follow? And what about the use of titles common to church leaders?
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.

Point #13: Temple Worship

When you look at the Old Testament model it is easy to identify the temple, priests and sacrifices of worship. There are specific holy places, holy people, and holy actions. When you look at the modern church practices and beliefs it is a bit confusing.
Click here for more on this topic, and share your thoughts.


OK, I likely won't get close to 95... and Luther's 95 wasn't really 95 separate issues either... but I may post a few more points here in the future to organize my concerns...

Can God be in the presence of sin?

One of the points of the 'gospel' message that I've often heard (and have memorized and shared with others in the past) is that God is Holy and that means he can not be in the presence of sin. That sin separates us from God.

But wait a minute.

Jesus was called a friend of sinners.

Satan was in God's presence in the book of Job.

I don't think anything can separate us from the love of our God... not even our sin. Jesus came to free us from our bondage to our sin that leads to destruction. He took our sins to the cross.

Consider the story of the prodigal son. Did the father ever stop loving the son? When the son went his own selfish ways he was distanced from the father, but the father was always waiting for him with love.

Yes, when we live our lives ruled by sin we are not living as God intended us to live. But I don't think God was unable to love us in our state of sin, and that he had to kill his son to make a way for a relationship with us. God loves sinners too.

So yes, in a way we distance ourselves from God when we go our selfish ways. But God is always capable of reaching out to us in love.

Don't fear God

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

You may respond. "But Jon, there are verses in the Bible that teach that fearing God is a good thing".

OK, yes. Some people should fear God. Those who do not know God and His love for them should at least fear God. A healthy dose of fear does keep people out of trouble.

But it would be much better to know God and know His love. When we live in God's love for us there is no room left for fear.

I don't want my children to fear me... I want them to know that I love them and want the best for them. I want them to follow my guidance because they know I care for them.

Our God is much better at love than I am. I can follow His leading because I know he loves me and has good plans for me.

What I believe version 2010.01

My original 'What I Believe' Post was kind of long. I've noticed it is a page that visitors often check out. I see problems with long creeds, or statement of faiths... so here is my simple faith belief.

Jesus Is Lord!

• Jesus reigns in my life through the Holy Spirit who lives in and through me.
• I am united with Jesus, and my selfish (sinful) ways died on the cross with Him, they no longer direct my life.
• When I walk in this truth, my selfish ways are replaced with God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I believe this is the good news message we are to share with the world. I believe all those who follow Jesus share these common beliefs, yet may not recognize it as 'the gospel'... and we all frequently fail living in this truth.

Related Posts:

• Good News
  
• Slaves to Sin or God

The longer What I believe version 2009.07 is still supported here.