Understanding the Gospel: Jesus Christ's Teachings

Simply stated, “the word "gospel" means simply good news.” With that definition, then the good news would summarize all of the information found in the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul recaps the most basic components in the gospel message. These are found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, specifically listed in 15:3-4 (NRSV) “For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures,”. “These verses, which were an early Christian confession, give us the heart of the gospel” and show the importance of three incidents; that Christ died

Jesus Christ lived a life and suffered death as a sacrifice for sin. Christ conquered death and offers “a share in His triumph to all who will accept it.” This is indeed good news as it comes as a free gift from God. It is “not something that must be earned by penance or by self-improvement,” it is simply a free gift. Romans 1:17a (NCV) states, “The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself – that it all begins and ends with faith.” As we trust in God’s grace to save us thought Jesus Christ, the good news is that our sins are forgiven. We have a purpose for our life and for living. We also have a promised future in Heaven for

It doesn’t matter if you are evangelism in West Africa or Kansas City, Missouri, the message of the good news of Christ is the same. However, it must be relevant to the people who are hearing the message. F. Douglas Powe explained in his book that “many African American churches are drying because congregations perpetuate an old-wineskin mentality.” This old-wineskin mentality is referring to doing things the way they way were done years ago and not taking into context the changes in culture and society. It is important to remember, that no one is asking or suggesting that the good news of Christ be altered; it just needs to be made relevant. This is true in all churches not just African American churches. When culture shifts are ignored, “a congregation runs the risk of not only decline, but eventually death.”

Congregations simply cannot move from one program to another program in hopes of meeting the needs of the community. As stated before, people who are sharing the good news of Christ, or evangelizing, must show people the relevance. Cultures will certainly shift, but that doesn’t change the gospel. It just changes how we must present