The Key Question of the Message this morning was:
"What kind of Gospel is this?"
Linda Bond, General of the Salvation Army (Retired), said that the Gospel appears ludicrous and incredible. What Kind of Gospel appears Ludicrous? The Gospel of Faith. It demands faith.
This Gospel is life changing. Simon Peter, Saul who became Paul on the road to Damascus, Timothy all changed dramatically when the Gospel was brought to them. While there are many who are born into a Christian family and way of life, they may feel that knowing God hasn't truly changed their life. But, what if they weren't born into such a family? Where would they be if they hadn't heard the Gospel? What would they have done in their youth if they hadn't been at church? What would they be doing now if they had not learned of God's grace in their infancy? What kind of Gospel is this? A faith-based, life changing Gospel.
While society seeks to label everyone, God does not label or condemn us. Most children these days have some kind of 'label' that attempts to explain away their shortcomings. Everyone is 'supposed' to fit into a box or fall into a group or role depending on the situation. We have mothers, sisters, career women, stay at home mums, children, adults, CEO's, government officials, average people. We have owners and renters and nationalities, socio-economic status, married and unmarried. There are places and rules and considerations of justice. The Gospel is for EVERYONE and ANYONE! It doesn't matter who you are or where you have been; it matters that you Believe your life will be changed. Your past doesn't exclude you. The Gospel is not restricted. The Gospel is not determined by your social status, bank balance, family, neighbourhood, education, race, appearance, marital status or employment. What kind of Gospel is it? This is a Gospel for you, me and them. This Gospel is for everyone.
The world today can be a very scary place. The news is a depressing part of anyone's day. There are deaths, crimes, natural disasters, financial difficulties and wars. One could be forgiven for wanting to hide away. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the Gospel of reassurance. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Nothing is constant or certain but GOD does not change. The truth of the Bible has not changed in thousands of years. God's love is eternal. This Gospel must certainly seem incredible because it is not dynamic. It isn't relative. It doesn't 'depend' on the circumstances. This Gospel is solid.
What kind of Gospel is this? This is the Gospel of HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE. This is the Gospel that CHANGES the LIVES of anyone who BELIEVES.
Why would I believe in anything else?
