Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The Potency of the Gospel

What is the Gospel?

Gospel = euangélion, good tidings, good news, a positive message that genders hope in the hearer. In the Old Testament, ‘good news’ is always used by the prophets as a reference to God’s salvation.

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

Gospel = euangélion, good tidings, good news, a positive message that genders hope in the hearer. ▪ The gospel of the kingdom ▪ The gospel of Jesus Christ In the Old Testament, ‘good news’ is always used by the prophets as a reference to God’s salvation. ▪ The gospel of God ▪ The gospel of the grace of God ▪ The gospel of His Son In the New Testament:

If the gospel is good news, then what’s the bad news?

We can try to dress up bad news to not seem so bad.

There is good news that has bad repercussions.

There is good news that is supposed to off-set bad news.

This is not the way things are suppose to be. Sickness and disease Evil behaviour and spiritual darkness Poverty and injustice Guilt and shame

Then what is the good news in the ‘Gospel’?

The good news is that Jesus has come to establish His kingdom in the earth. Heal the sick Cast out demons Free the oppressed Forgive sins

Luke 4:16-22 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”

Matthew 4:23-24 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon- possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Matthew 10:7-8 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.’”

The good news is that Jesus has come to establish His kingdom in the earth. Heal the sick Cast out demons Free the oppressed Forgive sins

How valuable is this good news? (Matthew 13:44-46) How bad do you see your need to be?

Matthew 13:44-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

How valuable is this good news? (Matthew 13:44-46) How bad do you see your need to be? It’s worth everything you have, yet it costs you nothing!

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.”

Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

How do I present the gospel as good news? ● As an invitation first. ● As a warning second. ● Always in love.

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”