Jerry posted a great comment to my last post about the gospel having its way, and I think it’s important enough to merit its own post.

Jerry’s question:

Would you mind posting on your blog, or placing a link that explains the gospel as you see it? I see that word on here a lot, but have not, as of yet, read exactly what you believe concerning the gospel.

My answer:

Man, that’s a great question but it’s a little like asking, “Describe God and give three examples.” But I’ll give it a shot.

I’ve always looked to Acts 2. Peter’s sermon, right after all the believers were filled with Jesus’ spirit and spoke of “the mighty deeds of God” in the languages of all the people present. Peter spoke convincingly about Jesus being the Messiah, so the crowd asked, “what must we do?”

Peter answered: “Repent, and each of you be baptized 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 your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

And the few thousand who were baptized that day responded like this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.”

To reduce it even further and to summarize:

1. We need to proclaim the gospel of Jesus (”the mighty deeds of God”) in the language of the people we’re talking with

2. The gospel of Jesus is for everyone, and its message is to repent & be baptized for forgiveness and be filled with the Spirit

3. Believers respond to all this by devoting themselves to deep connection with God (teaching, prayer), deep connection with other believers (fellowship, breaking bread, all things in common), and service to the poor (selling property and possessions and sharing with all as anyone has need)

So that’s my take on it. Other thoughts?