The Gospel, Part I this Sunday

I can't wait for Sunday! We begin a new series, simply titled, ”The Gospel”. I like the simplicity of the title, yet the life changing power the gospel contains!

The gospel is the core of Christianity. The gospel literally means, ”good news!”

There’s an old hymn that sings, ”I love to tell the story...” That is my story - I love to tell of the greatest story ever told. Trust me, there is nothing better than being a pastor and talking about the gospel.

If you are not a Christian, come join us and pay close attention - this is the greatest love story ever told and you are one of the main characters in the narrative. If you are already a Christian, you will be reminded and encouraged by the grace and love of God shared in the message. You will also be inspired to invite your friends. After all, who wants to keep the greatest news to themselves?

Think about it - the biblical teaching of grace goes against everything “the world” thinks about God. The world believes that God helps those who help themselves; grace teaches us that God helps those who can't help themselves. The world believes that God's attitude toward us is one of stern disapproval; grace teaches us that God's attitude is one of love and acceptance. The world believes that God's mercy has limitations; grace teaches us that God's mercy is unlimited. His grace is free, it's big, and it's strong. And it's available anytime a person decides to ask.

Phillip Yancey tells of an organization in Los Angeles, California that operates an "Apology Sound-Off Line." basically it is a telephone service that allows people to call in and confess their wrongs for the price of a phone call. They log over 200 anonymous calls a day; people confess everything from adultery to murder. One lady who had caused a traffic accident that killed five people called in and said, “I just want to say I'm sorry. I wish I could bring them back.” [From What's So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey. (c) 1997. Zondervan Publishing House. page 35]

Everyone needs forgiveness. Everyone needs a fresh start from time to time. Come join us Sunday as we look at the never tiring story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait...