In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges tells the story of meeting with groups of Christians and asking them this question: “What one word describes the Bible message you most needed to hear as an unbeliever?” The answer he’s looking for is the word “gospel.”
Then he asks a follow-up question: “What one word describes the message we most need to hear as believers?” The answers he gets are varied but usually relate to the word “discipleship.”
While discipleship is certain a key message for Christians, Bridges argues that there is a more basic message we need to continually hear. That message is the “gospel.” It’s the gospel message that is the foundation and motivation for a life of discipleship. Borrowing a line from a friend of his, Bridges like to say, “Preach the gospel to yourself everyday.”
This past Sunday I preached the gospel to myself and the folks at Bethel Baptist Church in Strathroy. The truth of this message (from Colossians 1:15-23) has helped melt the clouds of sin and sadness in my soul over the years. If you could use a reminder of the liberating power of the gospel for the Christian, you can listen to the message here.
You might want to read the first few chapters of Jerry Bridges’ book, The Discipline of Grace.
Rick and Linda Reed 