Having dived deep into each of the four Gospels in the New Testament, our final episode considers what The Gospel of Jesus Christ means for sharing it. Prominent and passionate evangelist Sam Chan discusses the ways we can summarise The Gospel. He also raises how Jesus adapted the way he delivered the good news to those he was engaging with so, perhaps we should too, then.

Meet our Guest

Sam Chan is a medical doctor and trainer at EvQ School of Evangelism. Sam also is public speaker for City Bible Forum and Third Space, as well as award-winning author of books such as How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being THAT Guy) and Evangelism in a Skeptical World

Sam Chan – City Bible Forum

Bible references during this episode

• 17:30    John 3 – Jesus talks with Jewish leader Nicodemus.
• 17:50    Ezekiel 36:22-38 – God will give you a new heart and new spirit.
• 17:58    John 4 – Jesus talks with Samarian woman at a well.
• 18:10    John 9 – Jesus heals a man born blind.
• 19:20    Matthew 10 – Jesus sends out his 12 disciples to those who should know God’s kingdom.
• ·         19:45    Mark 5:1-20 – Jesus performs an exorcism in the region of the Gerasenes.
• ·         20:50    Acts 2 – Peter's sermon about the Jewish Messiah and “repent and be baptised”.
• ·         21:20    Acts 14 – Disciples tell non-Jewish people that they do not worship the true God.
• ·         22:00    Acts 16 – Evangelising three different types of people.
• ·         25:10    Luke 1:1-4 – Luke begins by defining his intent for writing and sharing this gospel.
• ·         25:20    Mark 1  - The book of Isaiah quoted and Jesus declares: “Kingdom of God has come near.”
• ·         25:48    John 1 - “The Word has become flesh.”
• ·         30:35    Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
• SECTION 2
• ·         00:25    Luke 18: 15-17 – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
• ·         9:05       2 Corinthians 4:7-18 – We are “jars of clay” filled with God’s treasure.
• ·         12:20    1 Thessalonians 1:5 - “... You know how we lived among you for your benefit.”
• ·         15:20    Mark 3:1-6 – Jesus’ compassion and anger.
• ·         15:40    John 11 - Jesus wept because Lazarus had died.
• ·         15:45    Matthew 19 - Jesus loved the “rich young ruler”.
  
  

Helpful resources mentioned by Sam:

• Tim Keller
• Two Ways To Live
• Mark Sayers – This Cultural Life
• Glen Scrivener and Mark Greene about Billy Graham crusades and evangelism
• Sam Chan’s books – How To Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), and Evangelism in a Skeptical World
• Nathan Campbell’s blog – St Eutychus

 

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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Among everything Deb opens up from John’s gospel, Deb has a terrific summary of the purpose of Jesus descending to earth - to drag us back up to where we truly belong, with God.

Meet our Guest

Dr Deb Snoddy is a Lecturer in Biblical Studies, teaching Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, at Catholic Institute of Sydney. Deb is a founding member of the SCD Centre for Gospels Research.

Dr Debra Snoddy – Catholic Institute of Sydney

Bible references during this episode

• 8:00 – John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and hte Word was with God, and the Word was God."
• 8:40 – John 1:18 "... The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father's side – he has revealed him."
• 10:44 – John 20:30-31 "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
• 11:50 – John 3:1-21 Jesus and Nicodemus and being "born again".
• 12:10 – John 2:1-12 Jesus' mother Mary responds to his power and authority.
• 13:25 – John 6:16-21 Jesus walks on water. (cf Matthew 14:22-33)
• 15:20 – John 18-20 "The Passion Narrative" of Jesus' death and resurrection.
• 16:00 – Genesis, Book of Revelation and "Garden of Eden" imagery.
• 17:00 – John 19:25-27 Mary and the beloved disciple, at the foot of the cross.
• 17:50 – John 1:12 "... To all who did receive him, he gave them the right be children of God..."
• 19:05 – John 14-17 The glory of God in Jesus.
• 19:45 – John 11:1-54 The resurrection of Lazarus "leads to" the death of Jesus.
• 22:50 – Luke 24:13-35 Disciples encounter Jesus on road to Emmaus.
• 25:35 – John 2:13-25 Jesus "cleanses" his Father's House/
• 25:50 – Psalm 69:9 "... zeal for your house has consumed me"
• 29:55 – John 6:35 "I am the bread of life."
• 30:00 – John 8:12 "I am the light of the world."
• 30:10 – John 10:7 "... I am the gate for the sheep".
• 31:20 – John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd."
• 31:35 – John 11:25 "I am the resurrection and the life."
• 34:40 – John 11:35 Jesus wept.
• 36:30 – John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life."
• 37:00 – John 15:1 "I am the true vine..."
• 43:00 – John 15:12-14 "... You are my friends if you do what I command you."
• 46:20 – John 6:35 "I am the bread of life."
• 54:55 – John 12:20-36 The good news also for the Gentiles.
• 55:00 – John 4:1-21 Jesus and Nicodemus

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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What is The Gospel, according to the Gospel of Luke? Dr John Griffiths (Alphacrucis College) John wants us to see that the third gospel puts the spotlight upon what salvation is. Far from only having spiritual effects, salvation in Christ impacts every realm of our lives, from the physical to social, economic to political. Come with John as he takes us through the holistic gospel in Luke's Gospel.

Meet our Guest

Dr John Griffiths is Lecturer in Biblical Studies, as well as Diploma of Leadership and Ministry Program Director at Alphacrucis College, Sydney, Australia.

Dr John Griffiths – Alphacrucis College

Bible references during this episode

• 5:06 Luke 19:10 – Key verse for understanding the gospel according to Luke’s gospel.
• 6:20 Isaiah 61 – “…The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
• 10:45 Luke 9:37-45 – Jesus casts out a demon from a boy and gives him back to his father.
• 11:20 Luke 7:11-17 – A funeral procession, a son resurrected and returned to his mother.
• 13:45 Luke 6 – The “Sermon on the Plain” and being a citizen of God’s kingdom.
• 15:40 Luke 4:14-30 – Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 and declares “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
• 16:25 Luke 12:13-21 – The parable of the Rich Fool.
• 16:30 Luke 16 – The parables of the Shrewd Manager, and the Rich Man and Lazarus.
• 17:55 Deuteronomy 15 – The Jubilee Year.
• 20:30 Matthew 5 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
• 21:30 Acts 2 – Community of believers sharing possessions.
• 21:50 Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit.
• 22:55 Joshua 7 – Achan holds something back from God.
• 24:20 Luke 1 and 2 – Songs of Mary and Zechariah.
• 25:50 Matthew 20:28 – The Son of Man gave his life as “a ransom for many”.
• 27:30 Luke 24:13-35 – The Road to Emmaus.
• 27:40 Acts 1 – “Is this the time you will restore the kingdom of Israel?”
• 30:00 Exodus 12 – A “mixed multitude” joined God’s people.
• 34:00 Acts 2 – 12 Tribes, God’s Spirit and gathering the “exiles”.
• 37:40 John 14-16 – Jesus shares about The Holy Spirit.
• 38:00 Galatians 5 – The Fruit of the Spirit.
• 39:00 Acts 10 – Cornelius and the Holy Spirit.
• 39:50 Acts 8 – Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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One word: Jesus. The Gospel according to the Gospel of Mark can be summed up in that all-important name and person. But as we learn throughout this episode, Mark expert Peter Bolt knows the good news is more joyfully complicated. From the pace and focus of Mark's gospel, to the implications of God's kingdom drawing near, join Peter as he surveys the second gospel of the New Testament.

Meet our Guest

Professor Peter Bolt is Director of Academic Strategy, and Director of the Centre for Gospels & Acts Research at Sydney College of Divinity, Australia. Peter is author of several books, including The Cross from a Distance, Jesus’ Defeat of Death: Persuading Mark’s Early Readers and The Narrative Integrity of Mark 13:24-27. 

Professor Peter Bolt - Sydney College of Divinity 

Peter Bolt's books at Amazon 

Bible references in this episode 

• 5:20 Mark 14:9 - “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” 

• 6:30 Mark 1:15 - “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” 

• 8:40 Daniel 12:9-13 – Daniel is told by a heavenly messenger that it’s not for him to know when will be “the time of the end”. 

• 13:20 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings – The kingdoms of Israel and Judah. 

• 14:40 Daniel 7:9-15 - “...One like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.” 

• 17:25 Daniel 7 – The kingdoms of the world depicted as beasts devouring each other. 

• 19:45 John 20:30-31 – Not everything Jesus did or said has been written down. But enough has been so that you can believe in him. 

• 20:50 The Book of Acts. 

• 22:25 John 1 - “Poetic” summary of Jesus entering the world as God in human form. 

• 23:50 Mark 1:4-11 – John the Baptist speaks as the voice of God, trumpeting Jesus’ arrival. 

• 24:40 Mark 1:12 - “Immediately” is a frequent term in Mark’s gospel. 

• 26:45 Mark 2:1-12 – Mark’s gospel slows down to focus on Jesus and the paralysed man. 

• 34:35 Mark 4 and 12 – A cluster of parables and one major parable. 

• 35:35 Mark 13 – Jesus reveals “future events about to arrive”. 

• 37:35 Mark 4:24 - “See how you hear.” 

• 37:50 Isaiah 6:9-10 – Look without perceiving, listen without understanding. 

• 41:08 Mark 8 – Jesus returns to imagery and ideas of “The Parable of the Sower.” 

• 41:30 Mark 6:30-44 – Jesus' first “feeding of the multitude” miracle. 

• 44:40 Mark 8:11-21 - “Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread?” 

• 51:25 John 6:68 - “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 

• 55:40 Mark 13 - “Apocalypse” means “unveiling”. 

• 56:35 2 Kings 6:8-23 – The Lord God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant and he could see a “heavenly” army. 

• 1:01:00 Mark 13:26 - “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” 

• 1:02:10 Mark 16 – A man rose from the dead and the Kingdom of God displayed in Jesus. 

• 1:06:40 Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus sleeps through a storm on the sea. “Be still.”
  
  

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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Let's get into the first Gospel in the New Testament – the Gospel of Matthew. David Starling (Morling College, Sydney) guides us through the "Matthewness" of what Matthew reveals to us about The Gospel. As David helps us to see, the Gospel according to Matthew relates to its age-old backdrop, the justice and righteousness of God, and heartfelt desire to obey the Lord Jesus.

Meet Our Guest 

David Starling is Morling College’s Vice Principal (Academic), as well as Dean of Bible and Theology, and lecturer in New Testament. David worked as an English teacher in Western Sydney before completing theological studies and serving as a pastor in Sydney's Inner West.

David Starling – Morling College

Bible references during this episode

• 2:10 Matthew 4:17 – “From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'”

• 2:45 Matthew 3:2 – “… Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

• 4:44 Matthew 24:14 – “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world…” 

• 5:05 Mark 13:10 – “And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to the nations.” 

• 9:40 Mark 14:9 – “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” 

• 11:25 Matthew 26:13 – “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” 

• 16:42 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – Paul received and passed on the gospel details. 

• 19:50 Matthew 1 – The genealogy of Jesus. 

• 24:40 Matthew 1 and 2 - Jesus’ birth and infancy. 

• 26:40 Luke 24 – Jesus fulfills all Scripture. 

• 30:55 Isaiah 40-66 – Gospel language in the Old Testament. 

• 31:50 Isaiah 42 – The Servant of the Lord and God’s justice. 

• 32:50 Matthew 5 – The Beatitudes and “good news for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”. 

• 36:45 Matthew 4 – Jesus and the Devil in the wilderness. 

• 39:20 Matthew 7:24-27 – The wise and foolish builders. 

• 41:00 John 20:31 – “Believe” 

• 41:08 Mark 8:34 – “Follow” 

• 41:40 Luke 24:45-48 – “Repent” 

• 44:00 Matthew 28:16-20 – “Obedience”  

• 44:40 Matthew 1:18-24 – Joseph’s kind obedience to law of Moses. 

• 45:25 Hoseas 6:6 - “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” 

• 45:35 Micah 6:6-8 – Act justly, love faithfulness, walk humbly with God. 

• 46:00 Matthew 23 – Jesus says religious hypocrisy is not the obedience God calls for. 

• 46:30 Matthew 19 – Obedience grounded in God’s creation. 

• 57:10 Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 
   

Helpful resources mentioned by David:

• "The Bridge to Life" – navigators-bridge-to-life.pdf 

• "The Four Spiritual Laws" – The Four Spiritual Laws-English-knowing God Personally

• New Testament theologian Simon Gathercole – Professor Simon Gathercole | Faculty of Divinity 

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Before we get into each of the four biographies of Jesus in the New Testament, let's explore what "the gospel" meant before and after Jesus came to Earth. Join Dr Ali Robinson as she walks us through the political and regal connotations of "the gospel", and how Jesus radically transformed its meaning forever.

Meet Our Guest:

Dr Ali Robinson is a New Testament lecturer at United Theological College, part of Charles Sturt University in Sydney, Australia. Dr Robinson specialises in New Testament studies, with particular expertise in the biblical book of Jude. With a strong background in both academic research and teaching, she brings valuable insight into how historical contexts shape the understanding of religious texts.

Alexandra Robinson - School of Theology (csu.edu.au) 

Bible references in this episode:

• 2:40 – The Book of Jude  

• 7:30 – The Gospel of Mark 

• 7:45 – The Book of Galatians 

• 9:05 – Isaiah 40:9, 52:7, 61:1 

• 13:30 – Mark 1:1 - "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God..."

• 15:30 – Mark 8:27-33 - “You are the Messiah” and “Get behind me Satan.” 

• 15:47 – Mark 15:39 - “Truly this was the Son of God.” 

Helpful resources mentioned by Ali:

• 10:00 – Jonathan Pennington – Reading the Gospels Wisely 

• 18:03 – Richard Bauckham and oral tradition – Jesus and the Eyewitnesses 

Key Takeaways:

• The term "gospel" originally referred to political declarations in the Greco-Roman world, including imperial announcements and victories.

• In a Jewish context, the word "gospel" found in the Book of Isaiah conveyed future hope and divine restoration.

• Early Christians, notably Paul, redefined "gospel" to embody the message of Jesus Christ, emphasising humility, compassion, and salvation.

• The New Testament Gospels reflect a dual narrative: asserting Jesus's divine power while showcasing his servanthood and sacrificial love.

• The word "gospel" has since become inseparable from the story of Jesus, symbolising the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to humanity.

Notable Quotes:

• "When they used this word in the Greco-Roman world, it was usually in association to some sort of emperor, like 'Good news, the new emperor's been born.'" - Dr. Ali Robinson

• "The good news is that God hasn't abandoned creation. God cares deeply for all that he has made." - Dr. Ali Robinson

• "Through weakness, we really see who Jesus is and I don't think there's anything comparable to that across human history." - Dr. Ali Robinson

• "Jesus being the one who breaks into the world as God incarnate... starts the rule of God here on earth." - Dr. Ali Robinson

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Welcome to The Gospel According to the Gospels. The gospel of Jesus Christ is well known and widespread. But what EXACTLY is The Gospel? Can you boil it down to 25 words or less, or do you need whole chapters? Is it just one thing Jesus - or MORE – from sacrifice to salvation, forgiveness to forever? Around the world, in different times and places, the gospel actually seems to be different. Or have a particular focus. Emphasis. Outcome. So, do we really know what the gospel is?

Using the four biographies of Jesus in the New Testament, we will together explore The Gospel - according to the Gospels. Each episode, a different expert will guide us through one of the Gospels, or a related theme, to galvanise our grip on the gospel of Jesus Christ. To inspire us to love and cling to it more and more and more.

Hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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