Theology: Reflective Paper
Introduction:
As Christians we are identified by a number of terms: Child of God, Person of Faith, Believer or Follower of Christ just to name a few but what if we were identified by our spiritual maturity rather than in general terms? Would we be more diligent in our spiritual growth and more solid in our foundation of faith if it were part of our identification as followers of Christ? How many of us, myself included, would truthfully be called Prayer Warrior, Evangelist (a preacher of the gospel), Disciple (students of Jesus), Man/Woman after God’s own heart or even Faithful Servant? The foundation of Christian maturity must be solid and established on the true doctrine which begins with understanding “The Gospel” and on Prayer, from petition to fellowship.
Part One: The Gospel
Theological Definition
“Getting the gospel right is crucial. It is a matter of spiritual life and death. If you miss this, it does not matter what you get because you will miss God.” (Dr. Tom Ascol, Getting the Gospel Right) The Gospel is news rather than instruction. The Greek term “gospel” (ev-angelion) distinguished the Christian message from that of other religions. An “ev-angel” was news of a great historical event that changed the listeners’ condition and required response (such as a victory in war or the ascension of a new king). The Gospel is news of what God has done to accomplish salvation through Jesus Christ in history. (Dr. Tim Keller, Gospel Christianity I)
Biblical Foundation
Christians throughout history and even today have a tendency to add to, alter, water down or forget the foundation of the doctrine, The Gospel. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth but is really writing to all believers throughout the ages that the main focus of The Gospel is and must be Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV) “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being
As Christians we are identified by a number of terms: Child of God, Person of Faith, Believer or Follower of Christ just to name a few but what if we were identified by our spiritual maturity rather than in general terms? Would we be more diligent in our spiritual growth and more solid in our foundation of faith if it were part of our identification as followers of Christ? How many of us, myself included, would truthfully be called Prayer Warrior, Evangelist (a preacher of the gospel), Disciple (students of Jesus), Man/Woman after God’s own heart or even Faithful Servant? The foundation of Christian maturity must be solid and established on the true doctrine which begins with understanding “The Gospel” and on Prayer, from petition to fellowship.
Part One: The Gospel
Theological Definition
“Getting the gospel right is crucial. It is a matter of spiritual life and death. If you miss this, it does not matter what you get because you will miss God.” (Dr. Tom Ascol, Getting the Gospel Right) The Gospel is news rather than instruction. The Greek term “gospel” (ev-angelion) distinguished the Christian message from that of other religions. An “ev-angel” was news of a great historical event that changed the listeners’ condition and required response (such as a victory in war or the ascension of a new king). The Gospel is news of what God has done to accomplish salvation through Jesus Christ in history. (Dr. Tim Keller, Gospel Christianity I)
Biblical Foundation
Christians throughout history and even today have a tendency to add to, alter, water down or forget the foundation of the doctrine, The Gospel. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth but is really writing to all believers throughout the ages that the main focus of The Gospel is and must be Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV) “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being