| GOSPEL TRUTH
The true gospel (good news) story of God’s redemptive interaction with humanity is revealed for us in the Bible. We are called to be a part of this gospel truth and live it out today. The Bible tells us that all humanity is created in the image of God for the purpose of relationship with God and each other. God’s first created people were tempted by the enemy to disobey God. The sin of Adam and Eve brought darkness and evil to be a lasting part of our selves and our world. Humankind began to experience separation in their relationship with the Creator. All hope seemed lost… But hope is revived in the truth of the gospel story. In the Bible’s Old Testament, we read that God began to use the nation of Israel to reveal His love and purposes to all societies. Leaders like Abraham, Moses, and even King Solomon tried to lead God’s people back to their creator. God did not leave us lost and alone. He even spoke through the prophets about the coming Savior of the world and God’s desire for humans to love Him and each other. Israel was led back to God time and again through various cycles of disobedience and rejection of their Lord. God used trial and judgment to call His people away from hurting each other. In the Old Testament writings of leaders like Isaiah, God’s message revealed the glorious truth. The messages spoke of a Savior to come in the form of a suffering servant who would identify with all people. The message proclaimed freedom from evil, good news for the poor, release for the captives, and sight for the spiritually blind. The message spoke of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. But humankind would choose wickedness in routine, and this glimmering message of hope would only shine brighter in the Bible’s New Testament. After some time, the writings of the New Testament revealed Israel’s state of confusion and blindness as the once great chosen people now existed under the rule of Rome. The spiritual center of the world had become an oppressed land led by prideful and hypocrital religious leaders. Into humanity’s mess, the suffering servant was sent. Jesus was born of a virgin, by the power of God. In Jesus, God became a man and lived among us. Jesus was a missionary from heaven and He preached the good news of redemption. He revealed Himself as the Son of God, the truth, and the only hope for real life. His teachings and life example were (and are) powerful, however, His jealous opponents crucified him in fear. Jesus led a sinless life, but died for the sins of all people. All of history came down to the moment where Jesus freely accepted humanity’s evil upon Himself. But Jesus did not remain in the grave, His resurrection redeemed life for us all. Jesus is the source of reconciliation for the broken relationships between people and God. Jesus brings forgiveness freely, and asks all humanity to follow Him. He has gathered many to work with Him in reconciliation. Jesus left this world, but began to impact people by sending his Holy Spirit to be in us and to guide us in His mission. For the last two thousand years, many have followed Jesus, and joined Him in bringing the message of new life, freedom from sin, aid to the poor, and hope to the oppressed. This is our missional lifestyle…our calling. We are called to follow the life and teachings of Jesus. We are called to believe in Him and His truth. And we are called to help others know God through Jesus Christ. Someday, Jesus will return to judge and rule this world. He will hold all people accountable. Until that day, we will try our best to love God and people in the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what we believe. IN DEPTH HOW WE READ AND USE THE BIBLE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT |