Re-Imagining Evangelism Book Discussion
Chapter 7
Good News!
The Greek word for gospel, used in the New Testament is euangelion, which is translated into English to mean good news. Unlike other religions or ideologies, which focus on advice or maxims to live a better life (e.g. treat others as you want to be treated, forgive your enemies, pursue justice and righteous, access deeper spiritual awareness through meditation), the Christian Gospel is essentially news: something has happened in history. God has entered into space and time and done something. A man named Jesus was born among us full of God's grace and truth, lived a flawless life and ministered God's peace and flourishing to those he met, was unjustly crucified... and rose again from the dead, appearing publicly to hundreds of eye witnesses. God has become one of us. And he entered into our story not to condemn, but to rescue and renew all creation. Good news!
What are the implications of such good news? Of course, there are many. Here are a couple to get you thinking.
The gospel means nothing less than the forgiveness of sins. God comes to the people he created, those bearing his image who have rebelled and walked away from his loving care, and instead of crushing them in anger, forgives them and calls them back into relationship with himself. Jesus prayed, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). But it does not mean merely the forgiveness of sins. Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins and healed his body (Mark 2). He fed people spiritually through his teaching and fed more than 5,000 empty stomachs with loaves and fishes (Matthew 14). Jesus' mission of redemption is a full assault on all that is fallen and broken in this world: spiritually and physically. He indeed forgives sins and brings us to spiritual union with God. And he heals bodies.
The gospel means nothing less than an invitation to live in the deep, intimate embrace and communion with the God who created us and knows us by name for all eternity... but it doesn't mean merely that. The good news of Christ impacts us here and now, not just after we die. Jesus' first proclamation in the gospel of Mark (1:15) was, "The Kingdom of God is at hand..." It is here and now, accessible to all who seek it and receive it, now! It transforms us where we are, so that God's kingdom of flourishing peace comes into our lives now, and through us, into our neighborhoods and communities and world. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he didn't instruct them to say, "Father, get us out of here to enjoy your kingdom when we die." He taught them to pray (in Matthew 6), "Your kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven!" The Kingdom is not primarily about what happens when we die... it is here and now, coming into this world and into our lives as we unite with Christ, who is making all things new.
In this chapter, Richardson provides more helpful paradigms that the gospel affects... What stands out to you? Is there anything that is missing? How do these tremendous claims influence your life? How can you talk about them with your friends and colleagues? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
It's your turn: Please comment on the seventh chapter! And if you haven't already, order the book! Check back next week as we discuss Chapter 8: Invitation to a Wedding: Journey versus Event.