The Core of the Gospel - Mon 14 May 2007

When asked what the central message of the gospel is we often respond with something around Jesus’ death on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins. This is indeed fundamental to the Good News but it is not how the New Testament summarises the Good News.

At the beginning of Mark's gospel Jesus says 'The time has come. The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news (gospel).' Mark 1:15 (NIV)

The gospel, or Good News, is that the Kingdom of God is near. Or as Isaiah puts it 'Your God Reigns' Isaiah 52:7. The core of the gospel is all to do with the kingdom of God and the fact that our God reigns.

This week we'll be looking at the kingdom of God and what the reign of God means for us at the checkout, the bus stop, in the workplace and our homes.

But fundamental to our understanding of the kingdom of God is that he has broken into a world dominated by Satan and the forces of evil. The kingdom of God is demonstrated and experienced where ever the rule of God is recognised.

As Christians that means first and foremost recognising the rule of God in our own lives. Not because we ought to but because we want to!

Recognising the rule of God in our lives means recognising his authority over every aspect of our lives; our time, our family, our career, our finances, our relationships and our actions, words and thoughts.

There is no part of our lives that we can withhold from God!

Lord, show me today the parts of my life that I am withholding from you, please forgive me and help me to surrender all to you. Amen