the Gospel is bigger than you think?
Have you ever felt like the gospel was reduced to a simple formula? A "get out of hell free" card? Many of us have been handed a version of the good news with a very "shallow depth of field," focusing only on our personal salvation while the rest of God's incredible plan remains blurry.
Questions for Reflection
Your Gospel "Depth of Field" 📸
The sermon uses the metaphor of a camera's aperture to describe our understanding of the gospel. In what ways has your view been in "shallow focus," perhaps concentrating only on your personal salvation and rescue from hell? What specific "background elements"—like God's plan to redeem all of creation, the call to justice, or the unity of believers—do you need to ask God to bring into sharper focus?
Experiencing the "Dynamite" 💥
Paul describes the gospel as the power (dunamis, or dynamite) of God. This power isn't just a past event or a future hope; it's available for our present reality. Where in your life are you currently settling for a "powerless" version of Christianity? In which specific area—a persistent sin, a broken relationship, a community issue—will you dare to ask for God's "dynamite" power to bring explosive, transformative change this week?
Living in Three Tenses ⏳
The sermon reframes salvation as something that has happened, is happening, and will happen ("I was saved, am being saved, and will be saved"). How does viewing your faith as an ongoing process, rather than a one-time event, change how you approach your daily struggles, your spiritual growth, and your moments of doubt?
Pulling the Future into Today ➡️
If the gospel is ultimately about God "putting the world to rights," then our lives as citizens of heaven should be a preview of that coming reality. What is one tangible, practical way you can "pull the future forward" into your present? This could be by pursuing restorative justice in a conflict, showing radical compassion to an outsider, or loving an enemy as God will one day reconcile all things.
The Risky Prayer of a Deeper Faith 🙏
The sermon concludes with the challenge to pray a "risky prayer": asking God to reveal the full, world-changing power of the gospel in your life. What is your initial, honest reaction to that challenge? What fears or hesitations does it bring up? On the other hand, what is your greatest hope for what God could accomplish in and through you if you sincerely prayed that prayer and meant it?