Week Two: What is My Picture of the Gospel?

Before listening to this teaching, take a moment for everyone to write down their own definition of the gospel in 2-3 sentences.

READ

Read the following passage aloud slowly.
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 10:7-15, 17:3)

1. (After the first reading, leave a moment of silence to reflect on this question) 
   What stood out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase caught your attention during this particular season of your life?
   
2. Read the passage again slowly.
   
3. (After the second reading,  leave a moment of silence to reflect on this question) 
   As you consider what stood out in your reading, how might God be inviting you to reorient your picture of the Gospel?

DISCUSS

Use the following questions to guide group discussion

1. Take a moment to share your definition of the gospel with one another. Discuss how your definition might change in light of this teaching. 
   
2. Have you ever thought about conversion in the way that Carolyn described it, as a journey and not simply a one time event? 
   
3. What are some examples of how you see the kingdom of the fallen world at war with the Kingdom of God? How about some examples of God’s Kingdom in the world? 
   
4. How have you experienced the “abundant life” that Jesus offers in the Kingdom of God? 
   
5. How might this view of the gospel change the way you live your life on Earth?

View a pdf of this guide here.