The Gospel Rediscovered

Foundation Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1–5

1 Corinthians 15:1-5

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 15

15 Now I make known to you, brothers, the gospel which I proclaimed to you, which you have also received, in which you also stand, 2 by which you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the message I proclaimed to you, unless you believed to no purpose. 3 For I passed on to you ⌊as of first importance⌋ what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised up on the third day according to the scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve,

Introduction:

Opening Question: What comes to mind when you hear the word "Gospel"?

Briefly introduce Scot McKnight’s emphasis on rediscovering the original Gospel message.

1. What is the True Gospel?

The Gospel is more than a personal salvation plan; it is the story of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah and King.

Key Scripture: Mark 1:14–15 (Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God)

Mark 1:14–15 (LEB) And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

The Gospel includes:

Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension as fulfillment of Scripture.

Jesus as the Lord and King who inaugurates God’s kingdom.

2. Gospel in the Ministry of Jesus and the Apostles

Jesus proclaimed: Kingdom-centered good news (Luke 4:16–21).

Apostles proclaimed: Jesus as Messiah and fulfillment of Israel's story (Acts 2:22–36; Acts 10:34–43).

Implication: The Gospel is a narrative—God’s redemptive story culminating in Jesus Christ.

3. Creating a Gospel-Shaped Culture

Embracing Jesus' kingship shapes:

Personal discipleship (Romans 12:1–2)

Community life and mission (Ephesians 4:1–16).

The Gospel calls us to allegiance and transformation under Jesus’ lordship.

Conclusion and Application:

Invite reflection: Is your understanding of the Gospel too narrow?

Challenge: Commit to living out the full Gospel—declaring and demonstrating allegiance to King Jesus.

Anticipated Pushback (Address briefly):

"Doesn't this broader Gospel minimize personal salvation?"

Answer: It enriches it by placing personal salvation within God’s larger redemptive story.

"Isn't emphasizing Jesus' lordship legalistic?"

Answer: True allegiance to Jesus as King naturally flows from genuine faith, transforming us from within.

Clarion Call:

Invite listeners to reaffirm their commitment to King Jesus and His Kingdom.