Getting Started

There are several thousand years of Biblical history. Old Testament. New Testament. Church history. Where do you start? How ‘bout at the center?

What is the Gospel?

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (ESV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.“ Romans 1:16 (ESV)

The Gospel is central to Christian teaching. No Gospel, no Christianity. No Gospel, no fulfillment of the Hebrew scriptures. The word ‘gospel’ in Greek simply means ‘good news’. So what is this good news? In short, Jesus - His coming, His sacrifice, and His resurrection.

Who is Jesus?

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:15–18 (ESV)

What is Sin?

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (ESV)