Dear Cornerstone Family,
Last week in the new Sunday School class, Built to Last: Enduring Faith in Turbulent Times, we asked the question, “Where do you get your news?” We asked that question not to lobby for one news or media outlet over another. (I wouldn’t touch that with a 39 1⁄2 foot pole!) We asked that question to be reminded that the most important news in the world at all times is the gospel.
Here are the five key points we considered:
The gospel is news. In a culture that is focused on what we need to do to change the world, it is imperative that Christians and Christian communities emphasize that the most important thing for the changing of the world is not something we do but something God has already done. What does this mean for Christian identity and calling? It means Christian identity and calling arises not from what we do but from what God has done (news) in sending the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to be our Savior.
The gospel is good news. In a culture that is swallowed up with bad news, it is imperative that Christians and Christian communities emphasize the goodness of the gospel. What does this mean for Christian identity and calling? It means Christian identity and calling arises not from fear of the bad news about men and nations but the good news of the death, resurrection, ascension, and return of Jesus Christ.
The gospel is true news. In a culture that’s increasingly bombarded with perspectives, opinions, and even fabrication, it is imperative that Christians and Christian communities emphasize the truth of the gospel. What does this mean for Christian identity and calling? Therefore, Christian identity and calling arises not from the latest headline, hot take, theory, or conspiracy of the world but the true news of the gospel that works within, behind, and reigns over everything that takes place in the world.
The gospel is powerful news. In a culture that grasps for every type of worldly power—especially political power—for the changing of the world, it is imperative that Christians and Christian communities emphasize the gospel as the power of God unto salvation for the advance of the Kingdom of God (Rom. 1:16, Mark 1:15). What does this mean for Christian identity and calling? It means Christian identity and calling arises not from the gaining of worldly power but from the powerful news of the gospel entrusted to us for the changing of men’s hearts working through the agency of the Holy Spirit (Acts 17:8, 1 Thess. 1:5).
The gospel is enduring news. In a culture where change is increasingly considered the only certainty and shared virtue, it is imperative that Christians and Christian communities emphasize the gospel as enduring news that never changes and will last forever (Rev. 20-21). What does this mean for Christian identity and calling? It means Christian identity and calling arises not from ever changing worldly or cultural circumstances (good or bad), but from the never changing realities present in the enduring news of the gospel that lead to Christ’s victory in the end (Heb. 13:8; Phil. 2:9-10).
As 2021 gets off the dime, I hope these brief reminders serve to ground your life in what really matters—the good, true, powerful, and enduring news of the gospel.
Your servant,
