What is the Gospel?

Last Sunday, our minister, Dr. Derek Thomas, began a series on the Gospel. During his sermon, he gave those of us listening a bit of homework. -- "Tell me the Gospel in 50 words or less."

This was not an easy task. My first attempt was 200 words. Each word seemed so essential to the whole of the description! It took me about four attempts to really boil it down to precisely what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it.

I encourage you to take a moment and try this exercise. Not only did it make me focus on the Gospel (which I think was Derek's intention to begin with) but it made me strip away all the "fluff" and speak to the basics of the Good News.

Here are my thoughts on the Gospel, in 50 words or less:

I am a sinner, unable to redeem myself. As my Creator, God wants an intimate relationship with me. He sent Jesus to live and die for me. Jesus suffered God’s wrath as punishment for my sins, though He never sinned. It was the only way that I could be redeemed.

I'd love to read your versions of the Gospel in 50 words or less. Send them to me.