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The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? … View moreThe Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
Attend any of our Bible Addresses at the above address to hear topics like this......
Why is the Bible Made Up of Only the 66 Books?
Introduction
A question is posed regarding the experience of studying a Bible that contained the books of First and Second Maccabees in secondary school. While … View moreAttend any of our Bible Addresses at the above address to hear topics like this......
Why is the Bible Made Up of Only the 66 Books?
Introduction
A question is posed regarding the experience of studying a Bible that contained the books of First and Second Maccabees in secondary school. While the narrative behind Hanukkah was enjoyable, the question arises: why are these and other apocryphal books not included in every Bible? The core of the question is rephrased to explore why these specific books are not considered inspired.
Canon vs. Inspiration: A Crucial Distinction
The first point made is that it is important to distinguish between the canon of Scripture and inspiration. The canon (from *c-a-n-o-n*) refers to the collection of texts recognized as authoritative by a religion. It is clear that many more inspired sayings and writings existed than are captured in the 39 books of the Old Testament canon. This logically leads to a further question: should we then search for other inspired writings outside our canon? The answer given is no.
The Overarching Reason: God’s Providence
The most important reason is foundational. Belief in God is established for reasons largely independent of the Bible’s exact book count—such as the evidence from creation, the historical facts of Jesus’ resurrection, and the scattering and return of Israel. If we believe in such a God—a moral God who sent Jesus—it is reasonable to assume He wants to communicate with us and is able to ensure we have the texts He intended. Therefore, we can trust that the Scriptures we possess are what God intended us to have and are sufficient for His communication to us.
Why Do We Have the 39 Books of the Old Testament?
While trust in God’s oversight is primary, it is still instructive to understand the historical process. Key evidence points to the early fixation of the Hebrew canon:
Strong evidence from the Babylonian Talmud and the writings of the first-century historian Josephus indicates that Jews had settled on a three-part Hebrew Bible structure (the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings) comprising 24 books long before the 1st century. These 24 books correspond to the 39 books of our Old Testament.
Jesus himself hinted at this three-part structure in Luke 24:44 when he referred to “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
Josephus specifically noted that the detailed records written after the time of Nehemiah (circa Artaxerxes) were not granted the same credit as the earlier records because “there has not been since then the exact succession of prophets.” This reflects mainstream Jewish thought that writings after a certain period held a secondary status.
The Formal Recognition at Jamnia
Following the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD, Jewish rabbis convened at Jamnia. They formally pronounced these 24 books as the canon of the Hebrew Bible. Significantly, there was hardly any debate on the issue because the canon was already long established through centuries of use and practice. This was not a human committee arbitrarily choosing books, but rather confirming a canon that God had providentially overseen and that was already fixed. The Jewish concept of scrolls that “defile the hands” (requiring ritual washing due to their holiness) also served to distinguish these authoritative scriptural scrolls from others.
How the Apocrypha Entered Christian Usage
The Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek (the Septuagint) in Alexandria. These Greek translations included some secondary books, like First and Second Maccabees. It was through these Greek translations that such books came into some streams of Christian usage. Today, churches like the Anglican Communion may accept some apocryphal books “for instruction in life and manners but not for the establishment of doctrine.” The Catholic and Eastern churches have slightly different sets, but none treat these secondary books as a primary source for doctrine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, God has providentially overseen the process that has given us the Bible we have today. Cross-denominationally, there is a recognition that the apocryphal books do not carry the same status and authority as the 66 books of the canon. They can be useful for cultural and historical background, such as understanding the context of Hanukkah or Jewish life in the intertestamental period. Most importantly, we have no need to be concerned that we are missing inspired revelation or that we have books in our Bible that shouldn’t be there. The canon we possess is sufficient and authoritative.
A Scriptural Phrase
The phrase “the truth” is commonly used in expressions like “being in the truth” or “living the truth.” This usage stems directly from scripture, where the phrase appears 66 times in the New Testament. A third of these instances are found in the writings of John, … View moreA Scriptural Phrase
The phrase “the truth” is commonly used in expressions like “being in the truth” or “living the truth.” This usage stems directly from scripture, where the phrase appears 66 times in the New Testament. A third of these instances are found in the writings of John, who frequently employs sharp contrasts such as light versus darkness and truth versus falsehood.
The Knowledge of the Truth
Scripturally, “the truth” is fundamentally linked to a specific knowledge and worldview. A key reference is 1 Timothy 2:4-5, which states that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Therefore, the truth centres on recognising God as the Creator and Jesus Christ as His Son, along with the purpose embodied in that relationship.
The Practice of the Truth
However, the truth is not merely a set of facts to be acknowledged. The Bible also speaks of “practicing the truth” or “obeying the gospel.” This indicates that fully accepting the truth necessarily involves resulting actions and a way of life motivated by that truth. It is a combination of right belief and right practice.
The Truth Defined
The apostles provide clear definitions of this truth in their preaching. For example, in Acts 2:22-24, Peter declares: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst… this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death.” Several similar summaries in the Acts of the Apostles align closely with the core tenets of the Christadelphian statement of faith.
The Truth and the Trinity Doctrine
While these apostolic definitions might sound broad, they contain crucial distinctions. For instance, these statements proclaim Jesus as “the Son of God,” not “God the Son.” There is no Trinitarian formula. This foundational difference directly affects worship and practice. It leads to praising Jesus for his achievements as the Son, rather than worshipping him as God Almighty. It also upholds the essential need for Jesus’ role as the one mediator between God and man, which is altered by other theological frameworks.
The Truth and the Personal Devil Doctrine
Furthermore, these apostolic statements make no mention of a personal, supernatural devil. The belief in such a being is a flat contradiction of the monotheistic view presented in scripture, which affirms there is no other being like or beside God. Accepting the biblical truth changes one’s behavior: it removes fear of another powerful evil being and prevents blaming such a being for life’s problems or personal sin, focusing instead on the need for personal repentance and change.
A Note on Using ‘The Truth’
Finally, it is perhaps unhelpful to use the phrase “the truth” as a direct synonym for the Christadelphian community. This can suggest a presumptuous judgment that membership here is the only place where truth resides. While we believe we hold the truth as revealed in scripture, it is not our place to make that definitive judgment about others.
Summary of the Truth
In summary, “the truth” is a scriptural term we should use. It encompasses the knowledge of the one God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the purpose of God revealed in the gospel. It is as much about a resultant way of life as it is about a body of knowledge. We should be mindful to use the term in its rich, biblical sense, avoiding a presumptuous application that refers solely to our community.
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Ever wondered what the Bible is about?
Never Found Anybody That Took The Time To Spell It Out?
You're getting Cose...
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories and moral teachings. It is a coherent narrative from Genesis to Revelation detailing God’s purpose with the earth … View moreEver wondered what the Bible is about?
Never Found Anybody That Took The Time To Spell It Out?
You're getting Cose...
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories and moral teachings. It is a coherent narrative from Genesis to Revelation detailing God’s purpose with the earth and His intention to fill it with His glory.
* **The “One Purpose”**: Christadelphians believe God has one unified purpose, revealed progressively through His promises (the “One Hope”). This begins with the promises to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) concerning the land of Israel and a seed (Christ) that would bless all nations.
* **Prophecy as the Plotline**: End-time prophecy is the climax and fulfilment of this entire plotline. Understanding the prophecies concerning the return of Christ, the resurrection of the faithful, the restoration of Israel, and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth is to understand the *destination* toward which the entire Bible is moving. Without this destination in view, a reader can easily misinterpret individual parts of the story.
Requst to be part of the Correspondence Course on our site.
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Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road Extn, Mt Roskill Sunday 3 November 2.30pm.
The Bible has consistently provided an explanation for the state of the World by accurately describing today's reality. The same book describes how the problems are resolved with the return of the Lord … View moreWesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road Extn, Mt Roskill Sunday 3 November 2.30pm.
The Bible has consistently provided an explanation for the state of the World by accurately describing today's reality. The same book describes how the problems are resolved with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and has a message of hope for you and your family.
Sponsored by the Christadelphians Auckland
Forgiveness – Difficult and Challenging
We all are familiar with the responsibility we have to forgive others and how difficult and challenging this can be.
We can understand what is expected of us and perhaps grasp a little of the concept of the Father’s abundant grace towards us in Christ… View moreForgiveness – Difficult and Challenging
We all are familiar with the responsibility we have to forgive others and how difficult and challenging this can be.
We can understand what is expected of us and perhaps grasp a little of the concept of the Father’s abundant grace towards us in Christ Jesus and to know our responsibilities of reflecting this grace
towards others.
We are familiar with the teaching of Jesus in the parables of the prodigal son - where the Father welcomed back the lost son in contrast to the attitude of the elder brother- and the unjust steward
who failed to show the same compassion to his fellow servant that had been shown to him.
The logic and rationale of this is clear.
Perhaps there is doubt in our minds and we judge that the other is not truly repentant. Is our human judgement a condition of forgiveness?
So why do we find it so difficult to accept and show grace to others?
Is there something of our nature that can overrule that logic part of our minds which knows the spiritual principles?
Perhaps this is what the Apostle Paul is thinking when he writes:
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.Romans 7:14-15 ESV
He calls it “the flesh”. We could also refer to it as our emotions or feelings. These cannot be switched on or off at will and so often control our decisions and actions.I suppose that is the difference between divine grace which in Christ presents us faultless before the
Father’s throne and human frailty that carries emotional memories which perhaps only prayer and time will heal.
We may be seeking forgiveness from others. It may well be granted and we may expect to be accepted as if the past never happened - but emotions and feelings can’t be just switched off. There may be consequences of our past behaviour which will live with us still.
And those of us who have offered forgiveness may still carry with us the hurt and disappointment of past experience which cannot be forgotten however much we wish we could.
So let’s acknowledge human weakness, offer forgiveness but understand that acceptance will so
often be marred by consequences.
And thank God for his unconditional grace that whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The Christadelphian Hall 3159 Great North Road 7pm All Welcome
When the word Armageddon is used in the news media and movies, likely, images of a major catastrophe spring to mind.
To gain a true understanding of what Armageddon really means, requires turning to the Bible, because Armageddon is a… View moreThe Christadelphian Hall 3159 Great North Road 7pm All Welcome
When the word Armageddon is used in the news media and movies, likely, images of a major catastrophe spring to mind.
To gain a true understanding of what Armageddon really means, requires turning to the Bible, because Armageddon is a Bible word. It also requires looking at how the word is used in the Bible.
The Address tonight, gives a brief introduction to the subject.
The word Armageddon is found in the Bible here:
Revelation 16:16 “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”
The Impact will be World-Wide as it heralds Christ's Return to set up God's Divine Kingdom Age. Come and listen to this illustrated Bible Address and find out if the Bible Armageddon will have an impact on your life and why.
What does the Bible say about gaining a new future beyond what we know now.
Is this 'salvation' - a life beyond the grave in heaven or hell or is it after the resurrection in a Divine Kingdom on earth?
What did Jesus teach?
The Lord's Prayer states - ...'Thy Kingdom Come, … View moreWhat does the Bible say about gaining a new future beyond what we know now.
Is this 'salvation' - a life beyond the grave in heaven or hell or is it after the resurrection in a Divine Kingdom on earth?
What did Jesus teach?
The Lord's Prayer states - ...'Thy Kingdom Come, that your Will is Done, In earth as it is in heaven'
What does the Old Testament state?
'And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:2-4 KJV
If this is the Biblical teaching of the future World scene - whats our place now?
For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 ASV
What should we do now to gain that kind of life? Are we to earn a Christian future by our merits or is there also a need to explore what is the purpose of God too?
'What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; and yet ye give them not the things needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.'
James 2:14-17 ASV
Jesus' teaching calls us to a Crossroad in life:
And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
Mark 16:15-16 ASV
What will you do?
Come to our Address and see what the Bible really teaches!
Come to our Bible Address today -
Sunday September 11 2pm
The Christadelphian Hall
3159 Great North Road New Lynn
A Christadelphian Video: #2 Why Does a Russian Leader Send An Army Against Israel?"
Christadelphian Video presents the second of a brand new series of short but concise episodes specifically aimed at Bible Students of all denominations. This series has been carefully developed to methodically… View moreA Christadelphian Video: #2 Why Does a Russian Leader Send An Army Against Israel?"
Christadelphian Video presents the second of a brand new series of short but concise episodes specifically aimed at Bible Students of all denominations. This series has been carefully developed to methodically progress through key Bible passages relating to End Time scenarios.
Our presenter, Mr Frank Abel, (a lifelong Bible student himself) examines a well know phrase/ passage from scripture and provides a thorough analysis of how it may be relevant to thr things that are happening right before our eyes at this present time (2022).
This series is suitable for those new to the Bible and those with years of experience - An edifying and encouraging series well worth your time
CHRISTADELPHIANVIDEO.ORG, a worldwide collaboration by Christadelphians to help promote the understanding of God's Word to those who are seeking the Truth about the Human condition and God's plan and Purpose with the Earth and Mankind upon it.
#1 Does this man (Putin) have Hooks in his Jaws?
Christadelphian Video presents the first of a brand new series of short but concise episodes specifically aimed at Bible Students of all denominations. This series has been carefully developed to methodically progress through key Bible passages … View more#1 Does this man (Putin) have Hooks in his Jaws?
Christadelphian Video presents the first of a brand new series of short but concise episodes specifically aimed at Bible Students of all denominations. This series has been carefully developed to methodically progress through key Bible passages relating to End Time scenarios.
Our presenter, Mr Frank Abel, (a lifelong Bible student himself) examines a well know phrase/ passage from scripture and provides a thorough analysis of how it may be relevant to thr things that are happening right before our eyes at this present time (2022).
This series is suitable for those new to the Bible and those with years of experience - An edifying and encouraging series well worth your time.
CHRISTADELPHIANVIDEO.ORG, a worldwide collaboration by Christadelphians to help promote the understanding of God's Word to those who are seeking the Truth about the Human condition and God's plan and Purpose with the Earth and Mankind upon it.
Christadelphians Online
Tradition amongst Biblical Scholars is that the Gospels were written up to 100 years after the events that they describe; that is the ministry of Jesus, called the Christ of the 1st Century. We'll look at seven evidences, some internal, that show that this may not have… View moreChristadelphians Online
Tradition amongst Biblical Scholars is that the Gospels were written up to 100 years after the events that they describe; that is the ministry of Jesus, called the Christ of the 1st Century. We'll look at seven evidences, some internal, that show that this may not have been the case. What is the implication of this? Most obviously, is that the history and more importantly the claims of who Jesus was and did had a far more dynamic relivence to the Jewish world prior to the destruction of Jewry in AD70. His mission, through his teaching as being the son of God, was a witness to the Jewish people of why he had to die and be resurrected as evidence as being God's Messiah. This fact was of course, rejected by the leaders of his day but his first advent was proof of the Old Testament prophecies that his role as Saviour was first to the people of the Land before the Gospel teaching of a Coming World Age was then distributed to the Roman world and beyond. The Gospels record a future Kingdom on Earth and Jesus was and is portrayed as first, 'King of the Jews and then King over all the earth bringing peace to this evil world at a time fast approaching. Join with us and look at more evidence that the purpose of the Gospels is to teach the Good News of Jesus Christ's Return to restore God's Purpose with all mankind, after 2000 years of attempted universal enlightment since the Gospel was first preached.
Names change significantly from place to place and from time to time. They are difficult to remember. The New Testament contains many named individuals. One can see the statistical distribution of names in the Gospel area from ancient literature and from inscriptions in tombs. Using modern … View moreNames change significantly from place to place and from time to time. They are difficult to remember. The New Testament contains many named individuals. One can see the statistical distribution of names in the Gospel area from ancient literature and from inscriptions in tombs. Using modern statistical techniques these can be compared with the distribution of names from the New Testament; it can be seen that the two distributions match very well. It would be very difficult for even a modern author to invent names with the correct distribution; an ancient writer would not have the statistical methods to even attempt to do so.
This is very good evidence that the Gospels were written close to the time of Jesus, and that the writers did not invent the stories in them. The fact that the names are remembered at all indicates that the accounts were remembered in detail and not just in general terms.
Click "Read More" to watch a YouTube video on this topic.
How can we know that the Gospels contain a reliable record of the things that they describe? One method is to compare the Gospel accounts with what has been discovered by archaeology. The Gospels contain details of places, people, events, and customs. Archaeological excavations have allowed some of… View moreHow can we know that the Gospels contain a reliable record of the things that they describe? One method is to compare the Gospel accounts with what has been discovered by archaeology. The Gospels contain details of places, people, events, and customs. Archaeological excavations have allowed some of these to be investigated and the finds have always confirmed one another. The Gospels are accurate in their descriptions.
Click "Read More" to watch a YouTube video on this topic.
The first in a series of short seminar videos created to help you better benefit from the reading of your Bible. Do you own a Bible? Do you read the Bible? Do you want to know about the plan and purpose God has with the earth and mankind he placed upon it? Join our presenter Mr. Rob Hull and follow… View moreThe first in a series of short seminar videos created to help you better benefit from the reading of your Bible. Do you own a Bible? Do you read the Bible? Do you want to know about the plan and purpose God has with the earth and mankind he placed upon it? Join our presenter Mr. Rob Hull and follow this series of short videos about 'Life's BIG Questions'.
Click "Read More" to watch a YouTube video on this topic.
‘There must be more for me to learn about the Bible story and that can involve my family?’
We agree. The Gospel Message, is usually only heard at Christmas and Easter but it can be the truth about life & death - yours.
Join us as we explain the Key to God’s Master Plan and the Gospel … View more‘There must be more for me to learn about the Bible story and that can involve my family?’
We agree. The Gospel Message, is usually only heard at Christmas and Easter but it can be the truth about life & death - yours.
Join us as we explain the Key to God’s Master Plan and the Gospel Message of living for ever. Free Study Book for you to keep. Bring this Invite with you. Registrations: 6.45pm
‘Learning God’s Master Plan Seminar ’
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