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What is the Gospel - Scot McKnight
One of the many good discussions we have had in my family has the question: “what is the gospel.” This question has stemmed out of the fact that the gospel we typically preach seems to be somewhat incomplete (meaning, we often focus on certain parts of the good news at the expense of other just as important parts of the good news). Dallas Willard has some great discussion on how the gospel we preach is one of “sin management” (The Divine Conspiracy - its a deep read, but try and read at least the first few chapters!)
Anyways, to my point, Scot McKnight has written some great thoughts on “What is the Gospel” at Next Wave. I personally think it would be worth your time and effort…
Scott said...
112/13/05 10:57 AM | Comment Link |
Todd,
Wow - now that was a really long article. I found it very interesting. Here are my initial thoughts:
I think the gospel is both world-wide and individual
World-wide: God’s work in making a fallen creatiion brand new again.
Individual - God’s work in a human heart to make it new - giving the individual the ability to love God and love others
I guess I would disagree with Scott one the following (or maybe I just didn’t understand his point): I would not say that in order for people to respond to the gospel they need to love God and love people (as the first step). I think this is a guarantee of the gospel. Afterall, how can people truly love god and love people if God does not first do a miracle in their heart. Only after a “fallen” individual is forgiven by God AND made a new creature by God, can they begin to truly love God and love people.
So I guess that while I would agree that we are all on a spiritual journey…..I think it is important to point out that at some point people need to get off their own journey and join God’s journey….and I think this does have a specific beginning…..even if it is not possible to pinpoint by us as individuals.
OK, I need to get back to eating my lunch before all my time has gone.
Thanks for your blog - even if I don’t say it so much!
Scott
Tim said...
212/13/05 1:32 PM | Comment Link |
Todd- Read “God is the Gospel” by: John Piper. It’s his latest theology book. I put it on my Christmas list but listening to him discribe on a radio prgoram makes me want to order it now! you can check it our at http://www.desiringgod.org
billbean said...
312/15/05 9:04 PM | Comment Link |
I love McKnight’s writing. You’ve probably already read it but his recent one, Embracing Grace, is all about this topic. Quite a bit easier to get through than Divine Conspiracy but not as comprehensive. BTW, if you haven’t checked out his blog I’d highly recommend it. http://www.jesuscreed.org
Todd said...
412/21/05 5:06 AM | Comment Link |
scott, i agree, people need to get off their own journey and get on god’s, sometimes though, this doesn’t happen at one moment. we’ve got a guy in our church who couldn’t really put his finger on a conversion moment. but he has definately decided to follow Jesus and and join God’s story…