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Does the Gospel have to be made attractive? Does the Gospel have to be made relevant? Does the Gospel have to be adapted to modern needs? Before we can answer those questions or even really ask them, we need to know what the Gospel is.

“He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16

Its a brief statement, but it is a summary of the Gospel.

• The eternal Son added humanity to his person at the will of the Father–John 1:14.
• Suffered on behalf of his rebellious creation–2 Corinthians 5:21.
• He was vindicated when raised from the dead by the Father through the Spirit–Romans 6:4.
• His victory was preached–Acts 8:4.
• His rebellious creation believed on him–Acts 13:48.
• His Father received him home–Ephesians 1:20.

It’s still the greatest story ever told.  Can you make it any better? Is there something you would do differently? What would you change?

Everything that occurred in the life of Jesus, everything that Jesus did, and everything Jesus achieved was “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). Can we make it more beautiful? Dare we critique God’s work? If the Gospel is not appealing to us, is it not we who should change? If the Gospel does not stir our hearts to praise, should we not seek a new heart?