What's the classic questions being asked by consumers these days? Probably top on the list are the questions, "How good is the product?" and "What's the benefit for me?"
As Christians swimming in a highly consumerist culture, we have had to modify our approach when sharing the gospel. Our response has become, "What's the benefit? Well, going to heaven, of course?" That's the American gospel. Receive Jesus by faith so you will go to heaven. The leading edge question of evangelism has become, "When you die, where will you go?" Put another way, "Friend, are you going to heaven?"
Is that really the gospel? Did Jesus die on a cross, receive life back by the power of God three days later so that people would go to heaven when they die? Or were there other reasons for Jesus death and resurrection?
I praise God that because I know Christ personally, my future does not include hell! I'm also glad that according to John 11:26, I will live forever. But is the gospel only relevant at the point of death?
Take a look at the first few verses in John 17 and notice how Jesus defines eternal life. Eternal life seems to be more than just a life-insurance policy. Eternal life is receiving the capacity to enjoy in-depth relationship with God NOW. Eternal life seems to be an ability to intimately walk with God so that we are able to take on the mind of Christ, the attitudes of Christ, the motivations of Christ, even the power of Christ and live in His presence NOW while ushering in His Kingdom on this earth.
I'm thinking that is the gospel.
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Along a similar line of thought, I was chewing on this the other day, and posted it on my facebook:
ReplyDelete'The Holy Spirit is Christianity's best/worst kept secret. When one begins to follow Jesus they are given a Helper (the Holy Spirit) who is with them 24/7 to lead them into truth, tell them things that will happen, speak things from God, and reveal Jesus. (See John 16: 12-15 if you don't believe me) That sounds like a pretty good deal that is hardly ever advertised by Christians.'
Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes have to remind myself that we live in two realities at once: the physical, seen realm and the kingdom, "heavenly" realm. There are times when the two meet; like a portal opening between heaven and earth. God keeps himself hidden from view, but his Presence is tangible to those who are awake and alive to Him.
ReplyDeleteThe Helper that Travis spoke of stays with us, giving us access to heavenly stuff. Now, to live the Life! If we, the Church, will walk like we really believe the Reality of heaven then our coworkers and neighbors might finally notice our witness and ask us whassup.
...and Love - not judgment - will be the sweet smell that characterizes our own lives, hidden in His. Jesus, be with me; empower me to not just talk this way...