Today, Dr. David Prince spoke powerfully in chapel, reminding us of a critical truth: the Gospel is not just for beginners but is the essence of our Christian walk from beginning to end. Too often, we as Christians think that the Gospel is something we grow beyond — something we move past once we’re “advanced” in our faith. Dr. Prince challenged that notion, asserting that we will always need to be reminded of the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not the “A, B, Cs” of Christianity but the A to Z — the beginning, middle, and end. 

As Dr. Prince said, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be the center, context, and goal of our Christian living.” This powerful statement calls us to ensure that the Gospel remains at the core of our daily lives and actions. It is not just a set of ideas or doctrines that we learn once and move beyond but is the foundation of our identity as believers. We are called to live in light of the Gospel every day. 

Dr. Prince also emphasized the importance of being Bible readers, not just Bible quoters. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the Gospel must be applied not only to ourselves but also to our relationships. Paul’s words remind us that our Christian lives are not just about individual salvation; they are about being transformed and living in unity with one another through the Gospel. “I have been crucified with Christ,” Paul writes, and through this truth, we see that our lives are no longer about our performance but about what Christ has done for us. 

This transformation is not about becoming less human or erasing our unique personalities; it is about being restored to the life we were created to live. “If the Gospel is at the center of your life, nothing else in your life needs to happen for you to find joy,” Dr. Prince reminded the campus community. Our focus on ourselves only leads to confusion about who we truly are. Instead, we are called to look to Christ for our identity and fulfillment. When we make the Gospel central, it frees us from the pressures and burdens of trying to find joy or identity in other things. 

The Gospel transforms the way we view our lives. Dr. Prince pointed out that our life is a unique and strategic ministry opportunity. God has equipped each of us for this, and through the Gospel, we find our true purpose and calling. As we grow in our relationship with the Gospel, we begin to see signs of that growth: we become less touchy, stop focusing on what others think of us, and celebrate the successes of others. We no longer see ourselves as entitled but as grateful for the blessings we’ve received in Christ. 

Ultimately, Christianity is about living in the freedom Christ has already won for us. The victory has been secured, and we can live in that freedom today. As Dr. Prince so poignantly put it, “Know true freedom!” In Christ, we are free to live out our calling, serve others, and reflect His love and grace to a world in need. 

As we reflect on today’s message, let us remember that the Gospel is not just the starting point but the entire journey. It is the foundation, the focus, and the goal of our Christian lives.