The Good News or the Gospel. What is it? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_news_%28religion%29 As a Christian is it obvious to us? Did Jesus clearly articulate and live out this obvious 'Gospel'? I wonder if this gospel is more blurred then the usual brick evangelical admits or has even considered. I Really enjoy Church History, and it never ceases to amaze me how the church over the centuries has considered and worked out 'the Gospel', much of it radically and diametrically opposed to some of the assumptions Evangelicals declare as obvious today.
For me I am wrestling not so much with what the content of the Gospel is but who it is for and how we outwork it. Today we have so individualised the Gospel message, yet when we consider the new Testement and church history so many have taken it as a message for families, tribes and for the majority of history the salvation of Nation States and salvation through a National church that is established. Perhaps the New Zealand Church is moving back to this. All N.Z Christians are being called to vote for the right wing, ushering a National lead Government into power, who will proclaim righteousness and peace and will establish Don Brash (double Adulterer) to oversee the salvation of the nation. I really can't wait for this, Salvation is at hand!
A summary of the Good News by C. H. Dodd
1. The Age of Fulfillment has dawned, the "latter days" foretold by the prophets. Acts 3:18-26
2. This has taken place through the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:22-31
3. By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God as Messianic head of the new Israel. Acts 2:32-36
4. The Holy Spirit in the church is the sign of Christ's present power and glory. Acts 10:44-48
5. The Messianic Age will reach its consummation in the return of Christ. Acts 3:20-21
6. An appeal is made for repentance with the offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.Acts 2:37-41
There is good book on this subject by kiwi author Juluian batchelor coming soon (it isn't quite published yet, but from teh first chapter I read it promises to be good). I think that Julian's passion for the purity of the gospel and his equal passion for it to be proclaimed to all should begin to clear up many misconceptions people have about this thing we call evangelism.