“What is the Gospel? The just and gracious God of the universe looked upon hopelessly sinful people and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to bear His wrath against sin on the cross and to show His power over sin in the resurrection so that all who turn and trust in Him will be reconciled to God forever.” — David Platt 

Possibly one of the greatest mistakes a Christ-follower can make is to believe that the Gospel applies only to salvation. But in the Gospel, we find the foundation for our faith, the power and direction for our walk with God, and the nourishment for our love for God and others. And we should preach it to ourselves every day! 

“Never be content with your current grasp of the gospel. The gospel is life-permeating, world-altering, universe-changing truth. It has more facets than a diamond. Its depth man will never exhaust.” — C.J. Mahaney 

This week we will be reading Romans 4-8. Please take your time with these chapters! This is the Gospel, and this Good News is what we need every day. 

• In Romans 4 we will read about the faith of Abraham:  Paul calls him “the father of all who believe” (4:16). Pay close attention to what faith is and what faith is not. 
• In Romans 5 we will read about the benefits of “being made right in God’s sight by faith” (5:1). Dive in and discover all that is yours in Christ Jesus! 
• In Romans 6 we will read about how our new life in Christ frees us from the power of sin over us. Look for what you have been freed to.  
• In Romans 7 we will read about how we’ve been freed from the curse that came on us when we broke God’s law (remember chapter 3 – we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard). Paul will share with us about his own personal struggle with sin versus God’s law. Look for the rescue he had—and now you have—in this battle! 
• In Romans 8 we will read about the life-giving Spirit of God who lives in those who have been made right with God through faith. Look for all that is yours because of the Holy Spirit living in you. There is SO MUCH! 

Try something new as you read this week. Read these chapters out loud: let your ears hear the life-giving, God-breathed words of the Gospel. If you’re like me, you may find yourself moved to tears of gratitude for the immensity of the grace and love of God for you in the broad reach of the Gospel, not just for your salvation, but for every detail of your life. Don’t be satisfied to know the Gospel only as your rescue; know all you can about the new life to which God has called you! 

“…Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and Who creates new things out of nothing” (4:17). 

I do, too! Do you? 

But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand 

That’s when death was arrested and my life began 

— Death Was Arrested/North Point InsideOut