The gospel doesn't work for spectators; you have to participate for it to work it powers.
- Scot McKnight, The King Jesus Gospel
In his book, The King Jesus Gospel, Scot McKnight answers a question not many have thought to ask: Is the good news our churches are proclaiming today the same good news that Jesus and his first followers proclaimed? The answer, in short, is a resounding NO!
McKnight argues that Evangelical churches in particular have unwittingly moved away from Jesus' primary message and lifted up a mere sliver of it. He notes that much of what the majority of Evangelical churches teach is simply sin management: Jesus came to forgive sins so that we can go to heaven once this life is over. While forgiveness of sin is certainly part of the message, it is not anywhere near the entirety of the message.
Jesus' good news was the same good news that had been communicated throughout Jewish history: God is good, God is loving, God wants life to be the best possible for all humanity and the creation they inhabit, and the way to experience that life is to fully trust God and follow God in relationship with God. This good news was very good because it meant that God didn't play favorites - your station in life did not determine your capacity to have audience with the King. This good news was very good because it promised help in the form of the very Spirit of God to help restore every person to health. This good news was very good, too, because it gave hope beyond the grave. This good news was very good, too, because it meant that God would be with you through the darkest valleys.
But none of it really happens from the sidelines.
The Jewish people who inhabited Jerusalem in 450 BC were no strangers to this truth. When they finally heard how life could have been if they and their ancestors would have trusted and followed God, they collectively wept. They realized that they had been non-participants in what God had invited them to engage. they chose their own way, and it caught up with them: their city was in ruins, their people scattered, their name and their God ridiculed.
In light of their understanding of history, the people repented: they confessed their apathy to God, asking for forgiveness from the God who had been so consistently graceful. And then they made a covenant with God to be God's people anew. They would do their best to follow God with every aspect of their lives. They were back on track.
We all have moments in our lives when we see our own reflection in the mirror and are shocked at what we've done or have become. Relationship with God leads to a healthy self-image, healthy relationships with those closest to us as well as those who we can't stand to be around. Relationship with God leads to a healthy balance in our relationship with the material world - our money, toys, and dreams of acquisition. Relationship with God leads to a healthy lifestyle devoid of using any number of things to give us peace in our lives: no more addiction to food, exercise, alcohol, drugs, smokes, porn, etc. Relationship with God leads to healthy conflict resolution instead of increased anger. Relationship with God leads to an increased awareness and concern for the world around us - our hearts grow bigger toward the things God cares about. The list goes on and on and on, but the theme remains: relationship with God leads to health in every aspect of life.
So, it stands to reason, then, that if there are areas of our lives that are not so healthy, it could very well be an indicator of the absence of relationship with God, or at least a lack of following God in those particular areas.
Take a moment and ask yourself what areas of your life stand out like sore thumbs? How have you participated with God in restoring those areas to health?
The people of God, with Nehemiah and Ezra's leadership, committed themselves anew to their relationship with God. May you have the same resolve, and begin to live the good news we have discovered in relationship with God.
Bonus: Baptism/Communion Credo
Bonus: Baptism/Communion Credo
We believe that Jesus lived, died, and lived again
out of love for us and all people.
We see in Jesus God’s personality.
We see in Jesus what walking with God looks like.
We see in Jesus what life can be for everyone.
We see in Jesus the power of love.
Therefore:
We know we are loved by God,
and that our sins are forgiven,
We know we are invited to walk as Jesus,
which leads to the best of life for everyone.
We know our future in heaven is certain.
With the Spirit’s power, we will strive every day
to follow however and wherever God leads us.
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