The Gospel Today

Hi. Together we can solve the problems of the world. Really! The gospel of Jesus Christ provides all the answers we need.

Our world is in crisis. You see it in the headlines every day. Major problems of all sorts abound. Our world has got its hands full. We have reached a point of crisis that requires answers and action.

Whether you are a christian or not, you will likely be surprised by this website. Surprised because the gospel of Jesus is different, far more powerful and relevant, than most think. The words of Jesus actually do hold the answers to all our problems.

We seem to be entering into a new "Gilded Age" in which the gap between the rich and the poor has never been wider and grows wider each day. God hates this. Yet, the christian church is largely silent about it.

God's creation is being abused; even desecrated, as never before. Our planet is at risk of destruction due to our selfishness and sin. God hates this. Yet, the christian church is largely silent about it.

Christians should be about the business of building God's kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." God hates that we mostly could care less about His earthly kingdom.

It is wrong and dangerous to ignore what God has to say about what is required of his people. This is the part of the gospel, the hole in the gospel missing in so much of what passes for christian theology today.

The root cause of poverty and injustice of all sorts is selfishness (sin by another name). Individual and/or community/societal selfishness. Yet, living out the gospel, will, as the apostle Paul said in Romans 12, transform us by renewing our minds so that we no longer conform to the usual (selfish) ways of this world. Yes! That's what our world desperately needs as many people as possible, preferably everyone, to do.

A gospel culture will propel us to overcome our innate sin nature, our natural selfishness, and give us the courage to make the sacrifices, and do the things, that must be done to make our world a better place -- and further God's kingdom. This is true in our individual lives and also true corporately. This is how the gospel can play an important role in politics. It's all about changing our natural selfish and sinful state to be more like Jesus.

In this life (i.e. now) we are to be "born again" into a new, unselfish, life in which we follow Jesus' example and work to build God's kingdom on heaven and on earth. We do that by proclaiming the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand; Jesus has provided "The Way" if we will believe and enter God's Kingdom.

Furthermore, as citizens of God's Kingdom we must live in The Way of Jesus; The Way of the Cross. The Christian life should be about continual change from our natural sin/selfish nature to become more like Christ; align our lives, our actions, our values with those of Jesus.

That means sacrifice. That means accepting and promoting individual and community/societal sacrifice in order to accomplish the things God cares about and expand His righteous kingdom. Those things social justice, economic justice, creation-care, peace, care for the weak, the "other", the immigrant, the sick, the oppressed, and the poor. We proclaim the gospel through word, but most importantly, by deed.

In so doing, we become the salt of the earth; the light of the world. We make our communities and our world a better place; share God's love; and thereby expand God's righteous kingdom.

We should wake up each morning excited to be a part of the kingdom of God and wondering how we can show our love for God by loving our neighbor and doing good things to advance God's kingdom right here, today. Now, that's the way to live!

I hope this website can help both liberals and conservatives to see the power, truth and goodness of the full gospel of Jesus. It really is good news for all.

Ultimately, the thing I dream most about is that we can all join together in building the Kingdom of God, as Jesus prayed: "on earth as it is in heaven." That's the work we desperately need to be about.

Perhaps you are reading this and thinking:

Wow, I've never heard about God's kingdom on earth. Or that he wants everyone to join with him in furthering the kingdom. I didn't know he cares about injustice in the world or that he wants the world to be better; more righteous. And, that all of that is tied up together with God's heavenly kingdom. Wow, I want to know more.

Or, maybe you are uncomfortable with what I'm saying. I was too at one time. You might even feel like what I am saying is challenging your faith. I can only say that for me, over time, I have gained a greater appreciation and love for the God of the bible and for his son, Jesus.

Whatever you are thinking; in the end, this isn't about me or you or what we might think or feel. This website is about getting to the bottom of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I've been convicted by the gospel and it has changed me forever. But, obviously, many people disagree with me about the gospel. And, if that describes you -- then I eagerly desire to hear from you. I'd only ask you to take some time to read through the site. I have taken great pains to document the scriptural basis for everything I say. But I'm certain I don't have everything completely figured out. Even the apostle Paul talked about "seeing through a glass darkly."

But, I do think there are some basic things that God is clear on -- about how christians should live; about what it means to be a christian. And, that's what this website focused on. The things that are clear. The main things. The important things. The gospel things.

What Then Shall We Do -- TODAY?

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.

John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"

"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.

Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"

He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."

Gospel of Luke 3:7-14

What shall we do in response to the gospel? John the Baptist knew -- bear fruit; be selfless; do justice.

The gospel shows us that the answers are always about sacrifice; both individually and as a society; in order to love our neighbor and make God's world a better place. The gospel compels Christians to work for justice and mercy -- especially for the poor, the outcast, the oppressed.

Even better, the gospel of Jesus is practical and relevant to our world today. It has much to say about things like income inequality, health care, homelessness, hunger, immigration, war, peace, the environment, taxes, and much, much more.

Does that include our political lives? Most definitely. Check out The Gospel and Politics.

Other Articles Relevant to this Topic:

• What Should a Christian Church Be Like?
• How do Christians Proclaim the Gospel?
• The "We Don't Want Your Money" Church
• Get Your Gospel Politics Bumper Sticker