Dear Church of the Open Bible,
It doesn’t take long for a conversation to reveal what matters to those in it. After the typical greetings, the topic will inevitably bend towards what is occupying the heart of at least one of those involved. Some of these include sports, politics, finances, family, work, school, and so on. What we talk about can indicate what matters to us.
I’ve been trying to be a bit more intentional in this regard. To that end, a question I like to ask, whether around our supper table or driving, is “How would you describe the gospel?” Or “How can the gospel be applied to this situation?” I realize this is a very “pastoral” thing to do but it’s been helpful to keep it at the centre, at least of my mind. Look at how Paul describes the gospel in 1 Thessalonians:
For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. - 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Take an opportunity to notice the various aspects of how Paul articulates the gospel in these two verses, and what it looked like for the believers in Thessalonians to receive it. We will look at this more closely in our update next week. But until then, let me challenge you to ask someone what the gospel is this week. Who knows where a question like that will lead?