by Bud Lambert
The Greek word translated gospel (euangelion) is used by New Testament writers to denote "good news." But what is that good news? Some say it is "the plan of salvation - hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized; no more and no less." Others say it is the church or kingdom ( Matthew 4:24; 9:35; 24:14). Some say it is the "death, burial, and resurrection of Christ" ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). And still others say it is the promise given to Abraham ( Galatians 3:1-9). What do you say it is? Can you say with a good conscience that you have thoroughly studied it in your Bible and that you now have a full, complete, clear understanding of it?
The Greek word translated evangelist literally means a messenger of good (eu, well or good, and angelos, a messenger). Evangelists are people who announce the gospel (good news) to others. Thus, to be evangelistic, it is essential we have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gospel. We can't announce what we don't know!
A common complaint among churches of Christ is "we aren't evangelizing like we should!" Could it be we aren't evangelizing because we're not familiar enough with the gospel? Or, perhaps a better question is, if we really do know and understand the gospel, how can we not be doing more evangelism?
Exercise:
1. Without looking at your Bible, write down on a sheet of paper
what you would tell someone if you were to tell them the gospel.
2. Take your Bible, and do the most in-depth study of the word
"gospel" you have the ability to do.
3. When you finish your study, compare the two sets of paper.
4. Go do evangelism.