Is the gospel functioning in your life? That was Mike Bullmore’s basic question for us yesterday. If you didn’t hear this message, you need to listen to it as soon as possible. If you did hear it, listen to it again. Get it here.

Mike explained that “all of our behavior must flow out of the gospel. In fact, it’s a big part of our lives as Christians to make the connections between gospel and conduct: this is how we harness the power of the gospel.”

I love the concentric circles diagram.

• In the center is the gospel itself: “Christ died for our sins” 1 Cor 15:3.
• The second circle contains gospel truths: doctrines that are true because of the gospel, such as Rom 5:1, Rom 8:1, and Rom 8:32.
• The third circle represents gospel conduct: behavior that results when the gospel is understood and applied. We see examples in 1 Cor 6:18-20, Eph 4:32, Eph 5:25.

Mike then gave us four implications of these circles:

1. The functioning gospel must operate in our own private lives.
2. We must look for the functioning gospel as we receive teaching. We must pursue “the continual rediscovery of the gospel.”
3. We must use the functioning gospel in our care for one another. We have to help each other make the connections!
4. We must be careful not to just pick up the vocabulary. Don’t be content with mere words.

Two applications questions for you to take to your parents for discusssion:

1. What part of the gospel do you think I need to grow to understand better?
2. What is one area in my life that I need to connect to the gospel?

Categories: Monday Matters, five15 blog