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The Gospel
Proclaiming the gospel isn't limited to stating that God possesses power, kindness, the ability to provide for needs, is just, or has the capacity to heal sickness. While these attributes are indeed commendable and impactful in certain contexts, they alone do not encompass the essence of the gospel message.
It's worth noting that these assertions could also be ascribed to deities in various belief systems, or political systems, or professions, extending beyond the Christian faith.
Additionally, a person may genuinely endorse these beliefs and yet not fully embrace the core gospel message: God's reconciliation of the world to Himself through His Son. This reconciliation, achieved through the sacrificial act of His Son, opens the path for humanity to be united with God.
Moreover, relying solely on these statements doesn't sufficiently fortify a person's faith. God's kindness is evident in providing means for all people to experience healing through medicine and meet their material needs. Telling them that God performs these actions, without emphasizing the central gospel message, falls short in terms of saving or instilling genuine conviction.
Therefore, let us as Free Methodist pastors and leaders prioritize the proclamation of the gospel message itself. Let us never take it for granted, or believe it is a tired story unworthy of today's society.
Below is the gospel. This is the amazing news that the world needs to hear.
Read it carefully. Never forget it.
It's one of the earliest formulae.
1 Corinthians 15:2-8: "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."
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