What is the "gospel"?

Much has been said about the importance of (and our need for) the gospel.  We hear a plethora of Christian teachers proclaiming they "preach the gospel" and that we should believe their message.  But what happens when one teacher teaches a particular "gospel" and another teaches something entirely different?

We hear about a health and wealth gospel; a prosperity gospel; a Jesus-is-your-buddy gospel; a Jesus-only-wants-to-make-you-happy gospel.  We've heard it said of an honest man that "his word is gospel".  "Gospel" even has its own genre in the musical world, which is distinguished from the ordinary Christian music like "Contemporary Christian" or "Praise and Worship".  Is "Gospel" music preaching a different gospel than CC or P&W?

Believers are told to preach the gospel, to hold firmly to the gospel; we're told not to preach any OTHER gospel, and encouraged not to be ashamed of the gospel; we're told Jesus preached the gospel, that the gospel is the Word of God and of Christ. (Matt 4:23, Matt 9:35, Mk 1:14-15, Rom 1:16, 1Cor 9:16-17, Gal 1:8, 1Tim 1:11, 1Thess 1:5, 1Thess 2:13, Acts 13:26, etc)

But if we're not careful, we might miss the true message of the gospel among the various forms of "gospel" messages being spoken, and thereby be led astray.  "But I thought I was following the gospel", one might retort at the final judgment.

Just what IS the gospel?

The definition provided by Merriam-Webster is "the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation."  But that definition isn't really all that helpful, because, after all, we have lots of messages about Jesus floating around, and in my part of the world we don't really grasp the intricacies of a "kingdom".  Besides, what is the likely response you'd hear if you asked someone, "Are you saved?"  "Saved?  Saved from what?" 

Many -- most -- people do not see their need of the gospel.  Americans seem to need the gospel like we "need" another meal:
We're rich, we're fat, we're lazy. 
We don't miss meals here. 
We don't know what it's like to truly hunger.
And that's how I think Americans view the gospel -- "I simply don't need it",  "I'm just fine without it", "What good could it possibly do for me, anyway?" 
So why does it even matter to know what the "gospel" is if, after all, I don't need it?

What IS the gospel, then?  And why do we need it?
Here's what two great bible teachers -- RC Sproul and John Piper -- have to say about the gospel, the message of the Cross.

RC Sproul has this to say about the gospel.  And John Piper says...

Simply put, the gospel is the message of the Cross (1Cor 1:18).  The Cross proclaims the wrath of God against sin, and it places the Son of God in our place.  The message of the Cross reveals how much God hates sin, and how much He loves us.  The message of the Cross declares Jesus was willing to be brutalized in order to ransom us.  We are sinners who WILL one day stand before Almighty God, who is holy, pure, perfect, righteous.  He is our Supreme Judge, both now and at the end of the ages.

BUT...
Apart from the Cross we stand to be condemned by God;
Apart from the Cross the state of man is utter hopelessness.

The hope for sinful man before a righteous Judge is like the hope a serial murderer has in a human court: he is guilty and deserves to be punished.  But God has not only required holiness, He has also provided holiness.  And that is through none other than the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ in our place.  He has taken our sin and removed it; He stands between us and God when we are judged and facing condemnation. 

But we must confess/admit that we are sinners and that we need to be rescued from God's wrath.  We must know Jesus Christ is the only One who can mediate for us, and that through His death we can have forgiveness of sin.  Won't you trust and believe today?

"The Truth About Forgiveness", by Dr. John MacArthur

John MacArthur is batting 3 for 3 in this "Truth About..." series.  While his approach is simply basic, it is extremely necessary.  He, once again, doesn't shie away from what needs to be addressed.  He hits hard and he hits where it hurts.  In this little book, he clearly articulates our need for forgiveness from a God whose forgiveness is undeserved and unwarranted.  This short 114-page book is premised upon two major events recorded in the Bible: The healing and forgiving of a paralytic; and the parable of the prodigal son. 

First, MacArthur details the miracle healing and forgiveness of the paralytic, providing insight into the culture and society at the time of the miracle, as well as what the onlookers and Pharisees were likely thinking.  The reason for the inclusion of the miracle in the gospels is that "healing is actually a perfect metaphor for forgiveness..." (p.37).  It is the forgiveness of the man's sin -- not the physical healing -- that is the climax of the miracle.  "But only God can forgive sin!", was the Pharisees' rebuttal.  And that's exactly what the miracle proved -- that Jesus, being God in flesh -- was not only able to heal, but had authority and the desire to forgive.

Which leads us into the next section.  In chapter 3, utilizing the parable of the prodigal son, MacArthur demonstrates how God WANTS to forgive.  If any chapter is going to anger readers, it's likely to be this one.  The bulk of the content of this chapter flies in the face of today's post-modern mindset that suggests we are all inherently good and lovable.  At the outset of the chapter, MacArthur writes, "We must understand that there is nothing in any sinner that compels God's love.  He does not love us because we are lovable.  He is not merciful to us because we in any way deserve His mercy.  We are despicable, vile sinners who, if we are not saved by the grace of God, will be thrown on the trash heap of eternity, which is hell.  We have no intrinsic value, no intrinsic worth -- there's nothing in us to love" (p.49).  Is it just me, or does this passage seem to be a direct attack against the concept of a book written recently by a pastor who suggests "love wins", where there is no judgment, where there is no hell?

But MacArthur doesn't stop there; He doesn't leave us lingering in woe.  Instead, he describes God's love for us and how he desires to forgive.  Here's what he has to say: "God's love for the reprobate is not the love of value; it is the love of pity for that which could have had value and has none.  It is a love of compassion.  It is a love of sorrow.  It is a love of pathos.  It is the same deep sense of compassion and pity we have when we see a scab-ridden derelict lying in the gutter.  It is not a love that is incompatible with revulsion, but it is a genuine, well-meant, compassionate, sympathetic love nonetheless" (p.50).

So, not only has God proven His willingness and desire to forgive, but He has actually done something about it.  Once again, substitutionary atonement enters the picture.  Skeptics hate the thought of it, but MacArthur doesn't back down.  He concludes the book with a firm nudge to his Christian audience: "Those who have the greatest sense of forgiveness are quickest to forgive others.  The people who know they've been forgiven much are able to forgive much.  I hope that's true of you" (p.108).  Additionally, "unbelievers might pay more attention to our gospel message if we gave them something special to notice" (p.110).

Without a doubt, I give "The Truth About Forgiveness" 5 stars!  It is truthful, hard-hitting, and necessary.  Buy it, read it, and give it to someone who needs to know the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review of it. I was not threatened or coerced or promised favors in exchange for a favorable review of it. All opinions are mine.

"The Truth about Grace", by John MacArthur

It has been said that John MacArthur is much nicer in person than he is in his books.  I've met him in person, and I must agree.  MacArthur is hard-hitting, and he doesn't shie away from truth.  It's precisely the reason I enjoy his writing and his sermons.

Why would God so love a world that is chock full of sinners?
And why would God so love a world chock full of sinners that He would give anything even remotely good to it?
And why still would God so love a world chock full of sinners that He would give anything good to it, especially His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for their sin?
And why, even more so, would God so love a  world chock full of sinners that He would give the One Savior, Jesus Christ, to die in their place for the crimes they've committed, and then give them the chance for eternal life when all they've done is oppose and hate Him?  (p.34-35)

Why would He do all of this?
One simple word: Grace.

We don't deserve it.  We've done quite well at proving that fact.  What we're NOT talking about is simply doing good to one's friends.  We're not even talking about doing good to one's neighbors.  Instead, the true spirit of Godly grace is doing good to one's enemies (p.4).  That is just what God has done for us -- He crushed Jesus Christ EVEN WHILE we were enemies, sinners, rebels.  His love and grace is not a love like ours.  We find it easy to love our friends, and difficult to love our enemies.  But, as MacArthur quotes Dr. Barnhouse, "Love that gives upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace."  And that is just what God has done.  He has stooped to give us grace (p.18).

"The Truth about Grace" is full of solid biblical teaching on what true grace is.  Dr. MacArthur does not water it down, but puts it out there for his readers to accept or reject.  The last of the 5 short chapters, "Grace Lived Out", gives his readers one final punch in the nose: "Grace that does not affect one's behavior is not the grace of God." (p.105)  No reader will close the book without asking, "Am I sure I am in the true grace of God?", just as the bible writers suggest we constantly evaluate ourselves.  But the pages preceding the punch give us clear indication of how we can truly know.

The Truth about Grace" is a good resource for new believers -- it is short, concise, clear, and yet challenging.  It is also a good resource for evangelism -- it is blunt, honest, straight-forward, and yet loving.  It is only 105 pages long, so I'm not sure why it costs $12.99.  Nevertheless, it is a good little work.  It is one of three books in MacArthur's "The Truth About..." series.  I give this one 5 stars.  For my review on "The Truth about the Lordship of Christ", click here.


Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review of it. I was not threatened or coerced or promised favors in exchange for a favorable review of it. All opinions are mine.

"It is Well", by Dr. Mark Dever & Dr. Michael Lawrence

"Do you want to know what hell looks like?  Do you want to know what sin really deserves?  Then look at Christ on the cross.  For there we see judgment day breaking into history." (Lawrence, p.211)

In times such as these, when the central issue of the gospel of Jesus Christ -- Substitutionary Atonement -- is called into question, mocked, and disgraced, "It is Well" is a much-needed resource.  True to their expositional style of preaching at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in D.C., "It is Well" is chock full -- cover to cover, front to back 216 pages, 14 chapters -- of exposition on one single topic: substitutionary atonement.

The argument has been leveled by skeptics that the "absurd notion" of substitutionary atonement of Jesus on the cross for sinners looks more like child abuse than it does atonement.  After all, they question, how could it be anything less than appalling for a god to kill his own son to pay for another's sins, as if that would work anyway?

I like the way Dever and Lawrence describe what atonement looks like.  Imagine a man who falls into a deep ocean from a pier.  He cannot swim, so he begins to flail his arms trying to stay afloat. Another man dives into the water, saves the drowning victim, but in the end only dies himself.  He is a hero for saving the life of a man who could not save himself.

But our culture has likened substitutionary atonement to the following parable.  Imagine a man who is sitting on a pier fishing a deep ocean.  He cannot swim, so he stays on the pier.  Another man runs up and says to the man on the pier, "I'm going to jump into this ocean and drown for you".  So he plunges headlong into the ocean and dies.  However, the man on the pier thinks to himself, "What a fool!  I did not need him to drown for me, for I am just fine."

Sadly, that's what many think about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of the world.  We tend to think we are inherently good and that we do not need to be "saved" from anything.  After all, we're not even drowning in the "ocean", so to speak. 

But the bible teaches us that we all are drowning, and the state of man before God apart from Christ is utter hopelessness!  Yes, we really do need a savior!  But not just any savior, a perfect Savior that would completely satisfy the wrath of God on our behalf.

And Jesus Christ has done just that!  He died the death that you and I deserve; bore the wrath that was directed at us; took the punishment that was due to us!  Jesus' death was not merely a good man's example of how we should live.  No, it actually accomplished something.  And God's wrath has been satisfied completely for those who trust in Jesus Christ.

That is the theme of every page in "It is Well".  The cross is the focal point.  Each chapter begins with an introduction to the passage being discussed -- from both Old and New Testaments.  And the authors do a fantastic job relating the story of the cross to both Christians and non-Christians, Believers and non-Believers alike, for each author regularly addresses his "Christian brothers and sisters" as well as his "non-Christian friends". 

This book is very well formatted and easy to understand.  As one could easily imagine, however, there are some pretty "heady" truths and big "Christian-ese" words that require definition.  Not to fear, Dever and Lawrence not only define these terms, but they explain them in such detail that mature and immature believers, as well as those who have never picked up a bible, could easily understand.  This book is not a "fast" read.  You have to be willing to "slog" through some challenging material, but in the end it will be worth it.

I'm very glad I read "It is Well".  Thank you to Crossway books and the Together for the Gospel conference 2010 for giving it to me!  I would highly recommend this one to pastors and deacons/elders of congregations.  It could also serve as a great study tool for small groups.  5 stars without question or hesitation!

Tough Mudder 2012

My fellow teammates and I ("Team Sheepdog") competed in this event.  As our captain said, "They didn't use us in this video because we made the course look too easy."  Check it out!

"SEAL OF GOD", by Chad Williams, with David Thomas

Former US Navy SEAL Chad Williams takes his readers on a riveting journey not only into the life of a SEAL recruit, but the aftermath of what faith in Jesus Christ did to his mindset and his career.

Williams grew up in a "Christian" home, but was distant from God and rebellious most of his young life.  Without much other direction in life, he decided one day that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL.  Growing frustrated with his immaturity, Williams' dad contacted a former SEAL, Scott Helvenston, to run Chad through the ringers.  The meeting would not dissuade Chad Williams, but instead served to created an ongoing, mentoring relationship between a former frogman and an up-and-comer.

Williams allows his readers to witness a heart-pounding account into the daily life of a SEAL recruit enduring BUD/S class, especially the grueling 5 days known as "Hell Week".  Once graduated from BUD/S, Chad Williams was a full-fledged Navy SEAL.  The pinnacle of every young man's dreams, right?

In his own words, Williams said he continued living in rebellion, only this time like a "rock star".  He drank obscene amounts of alcohol, picked fights, you-name-it.  Although he was at the top of his game, Williams was still longing for more.  But in order to get his parents "off his back" for being a drunk rebel, Williams agreed to attend an event hosted by Greg Laurie.  As it turned out, Williams would not merely attend that gathering, but he would be cut to the heart by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  From that day, Williams life would be dramatically changed.

Taking his new life in Christ with him to work, Williams would discover that life as a Christian was no bed of roses.  His SEAL teammates grew to hate and distrust him, thinking he could not truly be a trustworthy, ruthless teammate as a Christian.  They would even persecute him to within an inch of his life.  He was the recipient of a severe beating, and after an investigation he would be transferred out of SEAL team 1 to SEAL team 7.  His pursuit following his conversion was to become an evangelist.  While in the Navy, he dedicated him to be a "SEAL for God", which is where the title of this book is derived.  He would eventually complete his 6-year obligation and leave the Navy.

LIKES: The story of Chad Williams is riveting.  I didn't want to put the book down, especially while reading the first half.  It encouraged me to be not only physically courageous, by spiritually strong and courageous as well.

DISLIKES: It's difficult to criticize a book written by a man who endured much more hardship than me.  (Especially when he could kill me in my sleep before I ever knew it was coming.)  Williams is not a self-proclaimed theologian, but an evangelist.  To some degree, all believers are theologians and we must be careful in how we present scripture.  But there were passages that were cited out of context, such as "no weapons formed against you shall prosper", etc.  Williams used passages similar to these to help him tell his own life story, rather than using them carefully to tell the story of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION OF THE BOOK: Williams did a great job showing men (the primary audience for the book, I think) that being a Christian is not for weaklings and sissies.  The conclusion of the book tied a shortened version, yet decent, gospel message into the story of his own life in a much more cautious way than I would have expected a SEAL to present it.  It wasn't bad; just soft.

RATING: I loved reading "SEAL of God", and I can't wait to find the right person to whom I will give my copy of this book.  It is 280 pages long, but reads much shorter than that.  I give "SEAL of God" 4 stars out of 5.  Pick up a copy today.  You will not regret it.  Then buy a copy for a young man.


DISCLAIMER: I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review.  I was not threatened or coerced to provide, or promised any rewards in exchange for a positive review.  All opinions are mine.

BE ON YOUR GUARD:

It is easy to diligently stand guard when we know an attack is imminent. Our minds ready our bodies for action when we think an enemy's haunt is just around the corner. But it is a much different thing to be on guard when life is going smoothly. We allow ourselves to be lulled gently to sleep when our sailing waters are smooth and easy.

Recently, 4 of our 20-some chickens were killed in the middle of the night by God-knows-what...probably raccoons. We haven't had too many problems with predators since we started this chicken-raising venture, and this marks only our second encounter in as many years. After stalking and killing 3 raccoons that terrorized our chickens last year, they have remained largely absent. They scurried off our radar screen. Not a blip.

But last night they hunted with ease. Why? Because we grew complacent. We didn't think about the raccoons returning any time soon. As the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind". But they returned. With a vengeance.

So it is in the daily protection of our souls. When we are under attack is when I think most believers are at our strongest. We're mentally more prepared and more willing to confront our fears, our struggles, our temptations when they are staring us in the face. But when they are absent, that is when we are most vulnerable.

When we sail on calm waters we forget about the raging squall that is always a possibility; When the sun is shining is when we forget how dangerous the once-ominous storm clouds can be. But when we slumber and drop our guard, that is the time when the enemy will most assuredly attack.

We see the same tactic used in warfare. Today it is called "stealth". It's the element of surprise that most effective against us. And that, my friends, is when we need to be most alert.

How are things going for you? Have you been strong, lately, in the face of those besetting sins that tempt you most? Have you journeyed with relative ease for a season? Are you comfortable? Well, I'm glad you've enjoyed that wonderful peace, but be on guard, stand watch, be alert.

Before His arrest, Jesus told His disciples to be alert and on guard, to pray that they wouldn't fall into temptation. Were they in a comatose state, thinking all was well as long as Jesus was present? Were they cozy? One can only speculate. But I doubt they were on high alert, as was their Lord, because they went away and fell asleep!

My friend, please don't let that be you. Be on guard. Be alert. Be ready. For the devil roams around, seeking whomever he may devour. The danger -- although you may not sense it -- is imminent!

If you have not trusted Jesus Christ for the care of your eternal soul, I encourage you to do so.  For the attack against your soul is just as imminent a danger.

THIS IS WHAT YOU WERE:

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1Cor 16:9-11)

Before Christ, THIS is what you WERE.  The key word here is WERE.

"While we WERE yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly." (Rom 5:6)

Notice this: At the time we WERE dreadful sinners (thieves, murderers, idolaters, sexually immoral, etc), THAT is when Christ died for us.  He did not reach out to us when we were already clean, holy, pure, righteous, or worthy\.  We were wicked.  Period.

But that is not the end of the story.  You WERE washed and sanctified and justified in Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God!

In His abundant love, God rescued us from our pit.  He reached out to us and saved us.
We WERE saved by His grace, and we ARE continually being saved by that same grace.
It is truly a great reason to celebrate!

"The Truth about the Lordship of Christ", by John MacArthur

"The Truth about the Lordship of Christ" is clearly a biblical response by MacArthur to the ever fading grip our society holds on absolute truth.  We no longer like to talk about sin, the exclusivity of Christ for salvation, the assurance of salvation, right living, confession, and submission.  Instead, we are in control of our own lives and truth is subjective.  Therefore, we determine what truth is ourselves.

In this short, 132-page book, MacArthur provides a plethora of biblical support for the issues stated in my first paragraph.  It is topical in nature.  That said, this book is a departure from MacArthur's typical style of exegeting a particular passage of scripture as it relates to one general topic.

LIKES: I like the fact that MacArthur can step down a bit from his challenging style and write a book for new believers or for believers looking to re-establish the foundations in their life.  This brief book continues to conform to MacArthur's "in-your-face" style.  He doesn't back down on the difficult issues.  So, while speaking quite simply, he speaks bluntly.

I also liked the layout of the book. After each topic was addressed (and some were more brief than others), the conclusion of the book briefly stated in review the core doctrines of what a Christian is, how s/he behaves, and what s/he believes.

DISLIKES: My only dislike comes as a result of my expectations when I ordered this book.  I thought it was going to be the deep theology MacArthur teaches so well.  I didn't expect the simplicity.  So I guess I can't say I disliked anything about it.  It was simply a different expectation on my part.

CONCLUSION: Overall, this book would be a great resource for new believers.  I think it would also be good for someone teaching a class on the foundations of Christianity since MacArthur has provided many/most of the crucial passages and thoughts in this little book.

I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.  It was theologically sound (as MacArthur is) and straight forward.


Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review of it.  I was not threatened or coerced or promised favors in exchange for a favorable review of it.  All opinions are mine.