The return of Jesus Christ is not only the hope of the Christian, it is an important element to the gospel message itself. This truth announces that judgement day is coming to the world and justice is coming for God's people. In addition, it serves as our motivation to live holy and for eternal things as we wait for God's kingdom to come.

The gospel isn't just true, it's powerful. God has infused this message with a power which brings life and transformation to those who believe it. And yet it is tempting to think the gospel isn't enough because it seems foolish in the world's eyes or not working in the ways we want. Nevertheless, the power of the gospel remains and God's people can believe this once again today.

A Christian's testimony tells the true story of how our lives have been impacted by an encounter with Jesus Christ through the gospel. It tells of who we were and who we are now because of what God has done through Christ. There is great power in our testimony to declare the goodness of God to others who can then in turn come to have their own experience and a testimony for themselves!

A look of Jesus's conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4.

The Christian gospel announces the great news that Jesus Christ died, Jesus Christ has been raised and Jesus Christ is coming again. This life changing message is not only the announcement that a good man named Jesus of Nazareth died for our sins, but that Jesus the Christ died for our sins! Understanding the title and expectation of "Christ" (or Messiah) unlocks a new level of depth and beauty of the good news of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is the announcement of what has happened, what will happen and what is happening now because of Jesus Christ. It is not just the news about these events but the declaration of the effect of these events on the world and especially on those who believe the good news. What Jesus Christ has accomplished is good news!

The Christian gospel isn't a good feeling or good advice, it's good news. It is the announcement of something that has happened, something that will happen and something is happening now - all centering in God's great work through Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells a story to illustrate the core message of the biblical gospel and answer the question of whether or a not a person who has lived for themselves be brought back home to God. Often called the "parable of the prodigal son", this story teaches us about God, ourselves and what God's heart is towards his children when we wake up and recognize our need for him.

Pharisees were considered the most righteous people of their time. So when Jesus declares that "unless your righteousness surpasses the Pharisees", his audience must have been in shock. How could this be? The key is that the righteousness of a Pharisee is external and based on their own efforts. Jesus is calling a new kind of righteous people - who, empowered by the Spirit, have a new life from the inside out.

God doesn't tell His people to stop sinning and leave it at that. He calls us to a new life instead of our old life. He calls us to be holy instead of being unholy. He calls us to truth instead of lies. The daily life of a Christian is choosing to living the new way instead of the old way - fueled, empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit.

Humanity's default setting is not to live for God but to live for self. When a person turns their life to Christ and receives the Holy Spirit, things can change and new life begins from the inside out. Even as Christians, we will still struggle, needing to daily live by the God's power and not return to our default setting.