The news we proclaim is good news. The gospel (good news) begins with God, who spoke the world into being and created man in His own image. All that God created was very good until man rebelled in disobedience to God. Through one man’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world and condemned all mankind. God’s unfolding plan to redeem a people for Himself was prophesied beforehand in the Scriptures through the promised seed of David, who will rule on the throne of God’s people forever. God foretold a new covenant He would establish to gather His people who will all know the Lord. He will grant them forgiveness of sins, give them a new heart, place His Spirit within them, and cause them to walk in obedience.
In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, fulfilling the gospel in Jesus Christ, who was the seed of David, the Anointed One, the King of Kings, and was born of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ came in the flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, buried, and on the third day, according to the Scriptures, He rose from the dead. After appearing to His disciples, He ascended into Heaven, where he sits on the throne at the Right Hand of God the Father. Jesus Christ will one day return to judge the earth and bring all authority and rule under His Kingdom. He will rule His people from every tongue, tribe, and nation with perfect righteousness forever and ever.
The gospel is to be proclaimed to all people. Those who hear must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will dwell within them, causing them to walk by faith and producing the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, strengthens, and seals the believer for their inheritance as they eagerly wait for the return of the Lord. The gospel has been entrusted to the Church, which is the pillar and support of truth. The Church guards and protects the truth of God’s Word and proclaims the gospel to all nations until the Lord returns. Those who believe the gospel and receive the Holy Spirit are to be baptized and participate in the fellowship of local churches, remembering the finished work of Jesus Christ in communion.
Local churches seek to glorify God by making and multiplying disciples through the great commandment and the great commission. The priority of the great commission is carried out by local churches sending missionaries to proclaim the gospel to the nations, making disciples, planting local churches, and training leaders who will carry on the great commission from their nations. The hope of the gospel is grounded in the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. He is building His Church of new covenant believers who live in worshipful expectation of His return. He will return to manifest His Kingdom and make all things new. God’s redemptive plan and purpose are for the good of His people and the glory of His name throughout the earth. The gospel produces and sustains a people of God worshippers.
How have you or will you respond to God’s good news? “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” – Acts 2:38-39
Author
Steve served as a church planter, pastor, leadership developer, missions trainer, and in missions leadership over the 37 years prior to stepping into the leadership of MɪssɪᴏSERVE Alliance. Steve is married to Terri Jo and they have four adult children and 13 grandchildren.