
The Main Thing
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The main thing about our ministry is our message - The Gospel. We believe that the Christian Gospel is not only what puts us right with God again, but it is what equips us to deal with the realities in the world that we bump into everyday. It is the answer to every problem. So, what is the Gospel?
The Gospel (or Good News) tells us two things:
#1 - Cheer up! You're a lot more messed up than you think you are.
and
#2 - Cheer up! You're a lot more loved and accepted and forgiven in Jesus Christ than you ever dared to dream.
Both of these things are true of Christians at the same time. The first one produces humility, authenticity and repentance. We cannot pretend that we are all we mean to be and we cannot look down on anyone if we are really in touch with the things that are actually down there in that heart of ours. The dark thoughts and feelings and even actions that we have to own up to, if we are honest, force us to cry out that we are more deeply flawed than we can possibly imagine. This creates a longing for a way to face these things in ourselves and in the world around us.
The second one produces dignity, freedom, courage and boldness. If I am accepted by the One who matters most on the basis of His record and achievements and not on my own performance, then I can relax and love others without worrying about whether or not they'll accept me. I can stop living for others' approval and I can stop living as if they didn't matter. If we are forgiven, it gives us wonderful confidence in the perfect record of Christ. This creates a joy and an assurance that God is there and that He loves me in spite of the darkness and the mess.
The Lord Jesus came and lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died...in our place. Why? Because of His great love for us (Ephesians 2:4-10)! What incredible mercy!
No other religion can produce this unique combination of character: a bold humility! How is this possible? Only through Jesus Christ. Do you know Him?