I just finished reading an interesting book in which the authors state that there should be (as they describe it) “a faithful and compelling performance of the gospel.” I immediately reacted thinking “What is that?”
This phrase struck me because I have never thought in those terms (e.g. a “performance” of the gospel.) The authors were quick to point out that their usage of this term is not in the sense of entertainment. Nevertheless, it was both engaging and almost sacrilege for me to think of a “performance” of the gospel.
As I reflected on this, Romans 1:16 quickly came to mind, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel does perform, and it should perform powerfully! But how is this power manifest? Would that be the gospel’s performance? What does it look like for us to live the gospel? What does a faithful and compelling performance of the gospel look like? Does anyone know?
Maybe if we could answer these questions we might also be able to state what the “good news” really is. What is the gospel? What do you think?
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I like that phrase! I guess my conservative evangelical roots my quake at the new description, but I agree with the concept. When I ever I read Roman 1:16 I read it as the Gospel having inherent power. Nonetheless it should and could be an observable power. I would say most times it is a power to enable one to see spiritually or to begin to think or believe differently. However, it may go beyond that, it may be that God orchestrates events, crises, and conversations to prepare the person to receive the Gospel. Or it may be a miraculous or powerful confirmation to the person who believed in the Gospel. I have seen all of the above.
I like that phrase! I guess my conservative evangelical roots my quake at the new description, but I agree with the concept. When I ever I read Roman 1:16 I read it as the Gospel having inherent power. Nonetheless it should and could be an observable power. I would say most times it is a power to enable one to see spiritually or to begin to think or believe differently. However, it may go beyond that, it may be that God orchestrates events, crises, and conversations to prepare the person to receive the Gospel. Or it may be a miraculous or powerful confirmation to the person who believed in the Gospel. I have seen all of the above.
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