Just What is “The Word?”
“….and he was preaching the word to them” (Mark 2).
“….but we have the mind of Christ” (I Corinthians 2).
Just what was it that Jesus taught them? Just what is this “word”? And just what is it of which Paul speaks – this “mind” of Christ? This is the most critical question because this is what attracted, motivated, and activated those who heard Jesus and heard of Jesus. And it was what got him executed.
We get a significant glimpse at just what this teaching, this instruction, this wisdom, this “word” actually was by spending time in Matthew 5-7. Jesus, with his radical dependence on Yahweh and his radical obedience to Yahweh, was naming the political and religious (Rome and Jerusalem) rule and rulers as corrupt and abusive of the people and describing just what the economy of Yahweh actually looks like: where the last are considered first and where all have everything they need and no one is in want.
Some Others Are Thinking along the Same Lines….
Just how valuable and timely is this “Just What is “The Gospel” Anyway” Project? Well, check this out: in the Christian Century October, 2023 issue a Letter to Editor on an Atonement Theology article (Atonement without Participation, an August 2023 article) finished with this: “….Here’s a reasonable exercise for us progressive Christians: in two paragraphs, say why and from what Jesus saves.”
Hmmmmm, that sounds alot like this Project, right?! In 100 words or less, write out your explanation/definition of “The Gospel!” Go ahead, give it a shot. Share it here. Let’s talk about it and learn from each other. Comment on this blog with your 100 words or less!
Another way to Get at those 100 Words or Less
Just today I posted a blog entitled “Follow Jesus and….Kill the Zombies and Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing” in my Field Notes From a Relgion-less Christian blog at www.beinganddoingmatters.com. There I talk of how key it is for a renewed church to keep the focus on “the Gospel.” But, alas, just what is “the Gospel?” Naming and claiming just that is what this space is all about. How about your 100 words or less?
How AI Today Defines and Explains “The Gospel”
On my website there is a tab in the “text” menu for Artificial Intelligence to generate a message or information. I asked this AI to generate something to this request: “Write something about “The Gospel.” What I got is what you see below. What do you think? How accurate is it? Does the language used communicate effectively and meaningfully? How about writing your own Definition/Explanation of “The Gospel” in 100 words or less? Go ahead. It will grow your mind and heart. Share it with us by posting it in the Comments to this post.
From the AI Generated text:
“The gospel, which means "good news," is the heart and essence of Christianity. It encompasses the story of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection. The gospel tells us that despite our brokenness and sinfulness, we can experience wholeness and eternal life through our faith in Christ. It speaks of God's immense love, mercy, and grace, as He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. The gospel emphasizes the truth that salvation is a free gift, not earned or achieved through our own efforts. It invites us to turn away from our sins, believe in Jesus, and follow Him wholeheartedly. The gospel brings hope, forgiveness, and a transformed life, as it brings us into a personal relationship with our Creator. It is a message of redemption and restoration that has the power to change lives, bring healing, and reconcile humanity with God.”
Write In Your 100 Words Or Less
Go ahead and take the dive! Write in your 100 words or less in the Comments and give a chance for others to read (click “Read More” below to get to the Comments) and share!
What is the “Just What is ‘The Gospel’ Project” all About?
Can we talk about what “The Gospel” is? Can we define it and/or explain it in 100 words or less? Can we then get this out there and into the life and lives of a hurting world?
I’ve done my best in a short book to take a shot at it….and in this book I have shared my Definition/Explanation that ended up being 80 words. Here are my 80:
Gospel is you (and everybody) have enough (which means everyone gets what they need in body and spirit), you (and everybody) do enough (which means your fabulousness is not irresistible and your foibles are not irreversible) and you (and everybody) are enough (which means who you are and how you are is complete and whole and needs no improvement). It is a promise given, not a demand made. It is justice and reconciliation. And all this because of Jesus Christ.
You don’t have to read my book to share your 100 Words or less. I invite you to read it, and I do hope it’s helpful (Just What is "The Gospel Anyway? Your Guide to Church Shopping). But please, don’t let reading it be that thing that stops you from sharing.
Start here, by responding to today’s blog. Follow the “Read More” below and find the Comments section where you can chime in.
Let’s do this together so that “The Gospel” can do what it does: liberates mind, body, spirit….and all creation!