What Is The Gospel pt 3

Opening Illustration

Learning to lead: One of the most formative experiences I had in my twenties was leading the summer staff at a Christian conference center in the Austrian Alps. My pastor, who led both a church and this conference center, took the summer off to fundraise in the States, leaving me to lead the team during our busiest season. We had volunteers coming from all over the world to serve the churches and organizations that would use our campus.

We had confirmed our entire team except for one person—we'll call him Ben. Then I got an email: Ben might not be coming. He had confessed to being in an inappropriate relationship with a woman. He'd been honest with his church leadership, submitted himself to their oversight, and genuinely repented. His pastors and elders saw real change and contrition in his life, but they felt we needed to know what had happened before he arrived.

I didn't know what to do.

If we said yes and Ben was only paying lip service—if he was just sorry he got caught—and he fell into inappropriate relationships on campus, that would be a disaster. I didn't want that responsibility.

But if he was truly contrite and repentant, if he had genuinely chosen to align his life with Jesus, then this could be a beautiful story of redemption and grace. That's something I wanted to be part of.

Here's the thing: I didn't have to decide alone.

I called my pastor and talked through the situation. He didn't immediately tell me what to do. Instead, he said, "Let's take a day and pray about it. Call me back tomorrow." We prayed separately, and when I called him back, he asked, "What do you think?"

I said, "I think he should come."

"Okay," my pastor replied. "When he arrives, set some boundaries that will help him be successful. If he agrees to them, I think it'll be a great decision."

I reached out to Ben, told him we'd welcome him, and shared some helpful boundaries we had in mind. He agreed without hesitation. He came that summer, and it was amazing. Ben was a blessing to the entire staff and all our volunteers. He stayed on for four more years and became an invaluable asset to the team.

I couldn't have made this decision without the support and oversight of my pastor. He had the experience, the wisdom, and the insight I lacked. He gave me the opportunity to think it through and make the choice myself, then he came alongside me and filled in the gaps that existed simply because I was young and inexperienced.

That experience taught me something profound about leadership and presence. I wasn't alone in that decision because my pastor, though physically thousands of miles away, was still actively guiding me, still ruling over the ministry he'd entrusted to me. And when I needed him most, he was available—not to control every decision, but to come alongside me with wisdom and power I didn't have on my own. This morning, as we look at three essential elements of the gospel, we're going to see this same pattern on a cosmic scale. Jesus didn't leave us as orphans when he ascended to heaven. He's reigning right now, he's sent his Spirit to be with us, and the evidence for all of this isn't hidden—it's been witnessed and testified to for two thousand years.

So if you have your Bibles and/or on your devices, if you would turn to the book of Philippians 2:5-11, if you are willing and able, would you please stand as I read our portion of scripture this morning.

This is the word of the Lord. Praise be to God. Let’s pray… you may be seated.

10 Essential Elements to the Gospel:

We’ll be reminded of these things each week. This week we take the first three. (Adapted from Matthew Bates: Gospel Allegiance)

Preexisted as God the Son

Was sent by the Father

Took on human flesh in fulfillment of God's promises to David

Died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures

Was buried

Was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

Appeared to many witnesses

Is enthroned at the right hand of God as the ruling Christ

Has sent the Holy Spirit to his people to effect his rule

Will come again as final judge to rule

Context to bridge to these things

1. Appeared to Many Witnesses

Acts 2:22–24 ““Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

1 Corinthians 15:3–8 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”

1 John 1:1–2 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.”

Comfort:

Your faith isn't based on blind credulity but on testimony from multiple eyewitnesses

The resurrection can be investigated historically; Christianity makes falsifiable claims

Historical evidence and witness of Jesus:

Tacitus (c. 116 CE) - The Roman historian mentioned that Christ was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius, and that his followers were called Christians.

Josephus (c. 93-94 CE) - The Jewish historian wrote two passages about Jesus in his work Antiquities of the Jews, including the Testimonium Flavianum and a reference to James as "the brother of Jesus".

Well known even in that day to those who were paying attention

Acts 26:24–29 “At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.””

You're part of a community of witnesses spanning 2,000 years

Universities and Higher Education: Medieval cathedrals and many of Europe's universities were founded by the church, with universities considered an institution originating in the Medieval Christian setting. Between 1200 and 1500, at least 80 universities were founded in Europe, many starting on church property.

Modern Science: The first modern scientific laboratories, research institutes, scientific societies, scientific libraries, and science journals were all founded by churchmen and Christian scholars. Of 52 pioneering scientists during the birth of modern science in the 16th-17th centuries, 50 were either devout or conventional Christians. Notable Christian scientists include Johannes Kepler, Galileo, Isaac Newton, and Blaise Pascal.

Abolition of Slavery: In the 18th century, Puritan leaders continued the struggle against slavery, and Methodist and Baptist churches advocated abolition in the United States in the years preceding 1832. In England and the Netherlands, Free churches were active in the struggle against slavery and the slave trade.

Social Welfare Organization: Christian precepts of mutual love and charity were behind the development of institutions such as orphanages. Religious organizations and churches have contributed to advancing more humane programs concerning orphans, slaves, the This includes organizations like the Salvation Army, YMCA/YWCA, and Volunteers of America.

Human Rights and Dignity: Christianity introduced the concept of consent by both spouses as being a prerequisite of marriage, a vital instrument in preventing people being pressured into marriage against their will. Most historians of western morals agree that the rise of Christianity contributed greatly to the general feeling that human life is valuable and worthy of respect.

Arts and Music: Renaissance masterpieces by Catholic artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael remain among the most celebrated works of art ever produced, and Christian sacred music by composers like Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven is among the most admired classical music.

Literacy campaigns and translation work can largely be accredited to those who follow Jesus.

Modern Application:

In an age of skepticism and misinformation, Christianity offers verifiable historical claims

Encourages you to be a witness too—your testimony matters

Provides intellectual credibility in conversations with skeptics

Reminds you that faith isn't private mysticism but rooted in public, observable events

2. Is Enthroned at the Right Hand of God as the Ruling Christ

Mark 16:19 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.”

John 20:17 “Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ””

Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Comfort:

Jesus is reigning RIGHT NOW—not waiting to start His kingdom

Every earthly authority is ultimately subject to Him, no matter how it appears

Your King has all authority and resources to help you today

Modern Application:

When governments fail or oppress, you serve a higher King

Jesus isn't just Savior but Lord—His authority extends to every area of your life

Provides perspective on politics—no human leader is ultimate

Christ is actively ruling in history, not absent or passive

Your work and daily life happen in His kingdom, making even mundane tasks meaningful

3. Has Sent the Holy Spirit to His People to Effect His Rule

John 14:15–17 ““If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:26–27 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

Comfort:

You're not left alone to figure out the Christian life; God dwells within you

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you

Romans 8:10–11 “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Christ's presence isn't limited by physical location—He's with you through the Spirit

Modern Application:

Access to divine wisdom and guidance, comfort, and power for daily challenges

The Spirit empowers moral transformation that willpower alone cannot achieve

Gives confidence in evangelism—conversion is the Spirit's work, not just persuasive arguments

The Spirit gifts you for ministry, meaning you have a unique contribution to make (1 Corinthians 12)

Conclusion

So what does all this mean for us today, right now, this week?

It means you don't have to figure out life alone. Just like I had my pastor guiding me from thousands of miles away when I was in over my head with Ben's situation, you have something infinitely better—a King who reigns right now, not someday, not theoretically, but today. And he hasn't left you to muddle through on your own willpower and best guesses.

Think about what we've seen this morning:

You have witnesses. Your faith isn't built on wishful thinking or blind leaps. It's rooted in historical events that people saw, touched, and testified to—even unto death. You're part of a 2,000-year chain of witnesses who have found this to be true. When doubt creeps in, when the skeptics challenge you, remember: this isn't mythology. This is history. People staked their lives on what they saw.

You have a reigning King. Jesus isn't waiting in heaven for things to get better so he can finally start ruling. He's on the throne now. Every authority you face—your boss, your government, your circumstances—is subject to him. When the world feels chaotic and out of control, your King has all authority and all resources to help you today. Not tomorrow. Today.

You have the Spirit. You don't have to manufacture transformation through sheer willpower. You don't have to figure out your calling alone. You don't have to navigate tough decisions, broken relationships, or moral dilemmas in your own strength. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Right now. The Helper is with you—teaching you, guiding you, empowering you to do what you could never do on your own.

My pastor was a phone call away when I needed him. Your King is closer than that. He's not just available—he's present. He's not just willing to help—he's actively ruling. He's not just cheering you on from a distance—his Spirit lives within you.

So this week, when you face that impossible decision, when you wonder if God is really in control, when you feel inadequate for what's in front of you—remember these three truths. You're not alone. You never were.

Let's pray.