Thanks, Scot. I’m enjoying this series on the gospel, and am rereading again, perhaps for the fourth time your book, Embracing Grace. Interesting to see how people are looking at gospel today.

Hello, As they say, long time reader first time poster. I have really enjoyed many of your posts. I have especially enjoyed your focus on the Gospel. What is at the heart of what the Gospel is? Is it a correct understanding of the divinity of Christ, theology of the resurection, the understanding of the end times, etc.
I am having some very difficult intellectual struggles with what has come to be the substance of the presentation of the gospel in the modern church. Is it having the correct systematic theology or is it following the way of Christ’s example of sacrifice, honoring others as children of God, giving up our own tunics when are eyes learn to see the need around us.
Some would say I am focused on works. Maybe, but is it any less than the focus on intellectual works of believing and understanding Christ in the divine. (as divine does not have i am sure the same meaning for any 2 people) What slice of the church universal has all the beliefs on Christ exactly right and what are dealbreakers? My fear is ansewring the who, what how, when questions and finding out it is all about the why.
I do not mean to come off as attacking anyones theology. My fear is the focus on the “right message” and missing walking in the footsteps of Jesus. If it only matters what we believe, then we would have most of the history of the worlds population in trouble. More than that, if you respond that God’s Grace is there for the ignorance of those who have never heard, why would you risk somebody’s salvation by giving them the opportunity to reject the “gospel”.
I write the above because i fear that the emphasis may be on the wrong thing. Fact may be confused with Truth. These are honest struggles I am asking for thoughtful help. Please do not respond by using an out of context fortune cookie verse like No one comes to the father. I have read all the books of the bible.(something I assure you most of my evangelical friends have not) By actually reading them and study the context, I have come to a place of honest doubt. I am asking for engagement and forgiveness if harshness comes through the posting, it is not my intent.
My question boils down to this, Have we created a God who gives access to the right beliefs over the following of the path of Jesus. Thank you for any thoughts.

Welcome Jayson.
No “out of context fortune cookie verses” here, my friend.
Your question makes even more sense when you go round to any number of these churches who each preach that they (alone) have the path to salvation based on a special twist to a verse. And realize how very many of these churches there are. Perhaps something to do with the droves turning away from the church (see earlier thread on this one). Personally, I think this has a lot to do with the recent state of e-communication. It’s overwhelming to be able to go online and realize the sheer number of people with that message – the truth as I see it.
Bunny trail… in this passage, I’ve heard the word “ashamed” pulled out and emphasized in a way that says… if you’re not a vocal member of the religious right here in the USA, then you are “ashamed” of the gospel.
So my advice to you, right now, purchase or order your copy of The Blue Parakeet and join the discussion that is just beginning here… and hopefully will continue in your own place and time.

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I will check out the thread. My challenge is the rhetoric of the religous right can make me have a difficult time taking the inerrancy crowd seriously. ie…unless you subscribe to young earth you are not taking god at his word.
Scot–If you happen to read this post I would love a string on people who love the Bible but do not believe it was dictated to prophet using shorthand.

Diane (“Jayson”?),
Not sure what your question has to do with this post?

Nothing to the post, just a subject I struggle with and would love to hear your thoughts on in another post. I have enjoyed many of your takes and would love your insight on that question.
Unsure why Diane’s name was listed, probably my mistake.