Thames Valley Churches of Christ Thames Valley Church

Introduction
What is your picture of the gospel? If we are to fully embrace all that it means to be a new creation, we need a clear and compelling vision of the gospel.
In the previous class we explored the fact that the gospel is good news, as well as the way Jesus defined the good news, and how we can cultivate a healthy view of the gospel.
Today is part 2 of two classes designed to refresh and expand our view of what the gospel is, and what it means for us today.
A skinny gospel of forgiveness and going to heaven needs fleshing out into the full picture of what Jesus was teaching, demonstrating and offering.
Before we get into the main points, just a reminder that the gospel (new good news) is the coming of the kingdom.

Mark 1.14-15

“Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””


What are some of the implications of the arrival of the Kingdom for you and me?
1. Gospel Mission
Accepting Jesus means a personal, global and cosmic impact:
”The gospel is personal but never private." Trevor Hudson
Joining up with Jesus means joining him in his mission. Have a look at Luke 4:16-21. What was his mission? Among other things, it was—and is—justice for the poor, healing for the sick, liberation for the oppressed. We are called into this mission. You are a portal for God's justice, mercy and liberation.
Jesus said this about his mission:

Luke 4.43

“But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.””


He was a proclaimer of the the good news, and we, as his followers have the same privilege,

Romans 10.15

“And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!””



What does it mean to be 'sent'? What does it mean to go and 'bring good news' to people?
In your group, discuss the various ways we are sent and bring the good news. Explore different contexts such as family, neighbours and workplace. What difference does it make to be a bringer of good news in these situations? How do we recognise when we are being called to bring good news in those places?
Is there a place for cold-contact evangelism? This situation in Acts looks very like it,

Acts 8.4

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”


The word 'preached' is the 'euaggelizo' word meaning 'to proclaim good news'.

2. Gospel Life
In John's gospel the word ‘kingdom’ is used less than the other gospels. Instead he uses the word ‘life’ (‘zoe’ in Greek) as a rough equivalent.

John 17.3

““This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”


The good news (kingdom reality) we enjoy is a new life (eternal life).
This fullness of life containing eternity starts now - not in heaven. The gospel is knowing God, not simply going to be with God.
As Richard Foster put it, "The goal of the Christian life is not simply to get us into heaven, but to get heaven into us."
You might like to read all the references to 'zoe' in John's gospel and see what you learn about this new creation life we have - right now: John 1:4; 3:15-16, 36; 4:14, 36; 5:24, 26, 29, 39-40; 6:27, 33, 35, 40, 47-48, 51, 53-54, 63, 68; 8:12; 10:10, 28; 11:25; 12:25, 50; 14:6; 17:2-3; 20:31.
If the good news (gospel) is our new life, what does that mean for the way we think about ourselves, our faith community and our relationship with God?
Conclusion: Cultivating a Healthy view of the Gospel

Questions and suggestions for reflection and discussion
How does Jesus embody the gospel mission and the gospel life?
How could you and your local group grow in the gospel mission?
How could you and your local group grow in the gospel life?
Read one of the gospels and make notes on anything you not

Introduction
What is your picture of the gospel? Doubtless it is affected by your personal spiritual biography and formative spiritual experiences.
Is it possible that your view could contain an incomplete or even distorted view of the gospel?
For many, the gospel is mostly about forgiveness, going to heaven, and avoiding hell. Is that all?
Today is part 1 of two classes designed to refresh and expand our view of what the gospel is, and what it means for us today.
1. Good News
The gospel is not 'the gospels' which are the first four books of the New Testament detailing the life of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The English word gospel comes from Old English 'godspel' meaning 'good news'.
The ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’ (from the Greek, euangelion). The Scriptural idea is encapsulated in this verse:Isaiah 52.7“How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!””
The image is someone running from the battlefront, bringing good news of a military victory. Watchmen were trained to notice how these specialist runners ran. If they were doing the survival shuffle it was bad news. If their legs were pumping, and the dust was flying, it was good news.
In essence, this is the gospel. God has won the victory; we are part of his victorious people and we share in his celebration.

2. How did Jesus define the good news?
Jesus connected the good news with the coming of the kingdom. They are one and the same.Mark 1.14-15“Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

Why did he see the gospel as the coming of God's kingdom? Because the kingdom is where God reigns and gets his stuff done. Because his stuff is good (love, mercy, justice, forgiveness, healing, wholeness), it is good news that the kingdom is here. It is an attractive place!
That is why we pray:Matthew 6.10“‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”When you pray this prayer, what image do you have in mind? What are you hoping for and expecting will happen?

A completely different kind of life is now available:Romans 14.17“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 6.14-15“Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;”We are in God's kingdom and share in the practices and promises of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. How are these manifested in your life? What about in your local group?

Conclusion: Cultivating a Healthy view of the Gospel
Questions and suggestions for reflection and discussionWrite a one sentence description of the gospel that you could share with anyone
How would you explain the gospel to someone who has never heard it before?
How does Jesus embody the gospel message?
What key biblical passages define or illustrate the gospel message?
What are the most common misconceptions about the gospel you have heard - or you used to believe?
What aspect of the gospel is most meaningful to you?
How could your local group grow in understanding and living the gospel?
Read one of the gospels and make notes on anything you notice that reveals the gospel

I hope you found these thoughts helpful. Drop me a line if you have any questions or feedback: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
Next time we will proceed to explore what Jesus' gospel means for mission and life.
God bless, Malcolm

Introduction- Do you like how you look? Have you ever seen yourself on video?- However, our inner view of ourselves matters much more than wether we have an accurate picture of our physical behaviour.- Our picture of ourselves is shaped by our picture of God. Correcting the latter is vital before attempting to heal the former.
Why is my picture of myself so critical?
Christians must take this seriously because our growth into being a new creation depends on cooperating with God in his grand project to transform us into ever-increasing Christ-likeness. 2 Corinthians 3.18To be healthy spiritually means working for God from a place of acceptance, not for acceptance. Do we truly believe there is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less? It is vital that we find a way to deliberately surrender our need to work to be accepted.
We do this by allowing God to re-shape our picture of ourselves by contemplating what He says about us. Let's look at some Scriptures to help us with this.
What can we say about who we are?
a. You are made in the image of God - Genesis 1.27There is a distinction between the animals and us -- the animals came from ‘the land’ - Genesis 1.24-25Humanity is distinctive in that we were created directly by God. The animals come from the earth, we come from above.God's creative work prior to creating humans was 'good'.After creating humans, God said his work was very good,Genesis 1.31We are immeasurably valuable to God because we are his beloved little image bearers, and this makes a difference to who we think we are. It also changes what we think about other people and how we treat them. More on that later.
b. You are already accepted as God's belovedGod wants to include us in His love, John 3.16God sent Jesus because he already loved us, not so we would become lovable. We don't always feel beloved, but God knows this and stands ready to reassure us - just like he did with Jesus.Jesus - Mark 1.11, Matthew 17.5If even Jesus needed reminder and affirmation -- how about us!
We are as beloved to Jesus as he is beloved by Father God - John 15.9
c. You are deeply 'warped'- "Scripture describes man as curved in upon himself to such an extent that he bends not only physical, but also spiritual goods towards himself, seeking himself in all things." Martin Luther- Agape love is needed for us to be in healthy relationships, but we are incapable of this without God.- Need God to un-bend us. Can be painful, take time.
James 1.2-4- This work of God needs to be done not so we become loveable but because he loves us and so that we can better represent him in this world.
d. I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights, John 14.23- God isn't careless about where he lives. When he set up his home in you He did so because he loves you. Your heart is the ideal home as far as He is concerned.
ConclusionSome suggested practices to help you piece together a more healthy picture of yourself. In other words, to see yourself as God sees you.- Every morning, when you wake up, ask God to give you an awareness of his personal love for you. Notice what surfaces when you do this. Keep asking...- Try repeating this phrase at points in the day: "I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights -- and l."  Notice what surfaces when you do this- Meditate on a Scripture reassuring you of God's love such as Romans 8.38-39- Study Psalm 23 and the attitude of the shepherd (God) to his sheep (you).- Pray through Psalm 103 -- a Psalm which praises God for His compassion and forgiveness. It emphasises God's love and mercy towards those who fear Him.
Here are some questions that might prompt a fruitful discussion with your friends:
- What knocks your view of yourself off-balance? For me, it is when I am criticised.- What has helped you develop a more accurate picture of yourself so far? Again, a picture of yourself more in line with how God views you.- Do you have any favourite Scriptures that hel

Exploring Our Picture of GodWhat is your picture of God? We're diving into deep stuff today: Our impressions of God and how they affect us. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see how our views of God have evolved over the years.Childhood ImpressionsRemember when you were a kid? For me, God seemed distant and holy, except when I thought about Jesus. He made God feel closer, more like a friend than a distant deity. As I got older, the hymns and anthems I sang at church started making God seem more majestic, like a huge, powerful, creative force.Why Does Our Picture of God Matter?A.W. Tozer said,"What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us"It's so true, isn’t it? Our image of God shapes who we are and how we relate to others. If we see God as loving, we're more likely to be loving ourselves. But if we see Him as angry or distant, it can mess with our heads.Dallas Willard put it this way:"The single most important thing about us is our idea of God and its associated images."Challenging Our AssumptionsThink about where your ideas of God came from. Were they from your parents, teachers, or that old guy at church who always preached fire and brimstone? How do we find a better picture of God? Consider the following points.1. God is always greater (and better) than we imagine"Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." - Psalm 145:3 NASBGive this verse a few moments of your time. Have you ever thought about how amazing God really is? His greatness, power, love, and light—it's mind-blowing. We’ll need to meditate on God’s greatness if we’re to get anywhere near an accurate picture of Him.2. Revealing the True Nature of GodIt's easy to get the wrong idea, like thinking God can't be trusted or that He's just waiting to punish us. But Jesus came to set the record straight. He's like God's selfie, showing us exactly what God is like in human form."Jesus said to him, 'Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?'" - John 14:9 NASB3. God is closer than we imagineWe're not alone; He's always with us, guiding us, and loving us no matter what."and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 NASBWe walk through life with Jesus, accompanied by the Father and Spirit. We’ve got a tribe, we’re safe, we belong, and we know where we’re going.4. God is Three-In-One"'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'" - Matthew 28:19 NASBHis wonderful, complex, relational love is indestructible. He offers us this love to be experienced here, now, and in eternity. God’s loving creative power overflowed in creating us. Now, we get to participate in divine love.Conclusion: Embracing Healing and TransformationSo, let's invite God to heal and shape our view of Him. When we see God as the loving, compassionate, powerful friend that He is, it changes everything. We're not alone and we’re not vulnerable; He's always with us, guiding us, strengthening us and loving us no matter what.Let’s journey together as a church in discovery and healing. Let's explore the depths of our faith and deepen our relationship with the divine.Your brother, Malcolm
For Reflection
Contemplate the sculpture of the prodigal’s reunion with his father (Luke 15) on this site: https://www.malcolmcox.org/a-new-creation-class-3-new-creation-new-picture-malcolm-cox/. What do you notice? What does this picture show us about Father God's heart and how he feels about us?

Sense of smellIn terms of the number of distinguishable stimuli, our sense of smell can detect thousands of different odours. Additionally, smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. During the COVID epidemic many sufferers lost their sense of smell, and speaking for myself I’ve occasionally experienced phantom smells - quite often dog poo! What do smells have to do with Easter?
Death smells badPerhaps you remember Martha’s comment when Jesus ordered that the stone blocking Lazarus’ tomb be removed:“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”” (John 11:39 NIV11)It’s not surprising Martha was reluctant to open the tomb. After four days of death, she knew her brother’s body would smell bad. Spices were used to reduce the bad smell. Consider what happened when Jesus was buried:“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40 NIV11)The women who followed Jesus planned to finish the work Nicodemus had started:“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” (Mark 16:1-2)Death smells bad. There is no way around it. It smells bad to human noses and to human hearts. The finality of it, the emptiness of it, the uselessness of it frustrates us. What is it for? No one knows — except Jesus.
Resurrection life smells goodWhen Peter and John reached the tomb they noticed something. The wrappings were there, but the body was not.“[John] bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.” (John 20:3-8 NIV11)Soon afterwards, Mary sees Jesus. She does not recognise him, thinking he is the gardener. Then he speaks, and she realises it is him. What does she not see? What did the Apostles not see? Spices. There is no mention of spices. The angels in the tomb don’t mention them, nor do the Apostles or any of the witnesses. Why no spices? Because there is no bad smell! 
God smells the good The writers of Scripture often mix literal and metaphorical ideas. Themes like ‘light and darkness’, ‘water’, ‘wilderness’, ‘the shepherd and his flock’ and ‘the garden’ have both physical and spiritual meanings. The same is true of good and bad smells. Noah’s sacrifice after exiting the ark is described like this:“The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood…” (Gen. 8:21)
Our prayers smell like incense to God:“…the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8)Our sacrifices and prayers create a pleasant aroma to God. But how do we smell to our neighbours?
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV11)
We smell like Jesus Our lives remind people of the Son of God so much that it is as if we smell like him.We are the aroma of death for those who wish for no change. In other words, we do not smell like hope to them because it is not the kind of