The Scope and Subtlety of the Gospel
I’m currently reading Unbelievable Gospel: How to Share a Gospel Worth Believing by Jonathan Dodson in preparation for an upcoming Classroom Series session 2 Pillars Church is holding on Evangelism. In the opening chapter, Dodson observes the following about the gospel:
The gospel is both bigger and smaller than we think. Sometimes we can’t imagine the scope of the gospel, as news so good that it changes everything—society, culture, and creation. People really need to hear this. This vision of reality is better than anyone can imagine. The good news of the gospel is better than the best news people can conceive. Others times, we can’t imagine the subtlety of the gospel, that it brings us exactly what we need in Christ: acceptance, approval, forgiveness, newness, healing, worth, purpose, joy, hope, peace, and freedom, all in Jesus. The gospel is bigger and smaller than we think, as big as the cosmos and as small as you and me. It is the good and true news that Jesus has defeated sin, death, and evil through his own death and resurrection and is making all things new, even us!
This is the good news of the gospel. This is the message Christians are called to share. This is the message Christians get to share! It’s implications are huge and cosmic on the one hand, subtle and deeply personal on the other.
I’m really looking forward to this upcoming installment of the Classroom Series. We’ll be seeking to grow in our own understanding of this good news and our calling to proclaim it. We’ll also spend time discussing the practical how–tos of evangelism. It’s shaping up to be a great morning.
Join us on April 20 if you’re in the Lincoln area.