Losing the Gospel

The Gospel is a gift that must be protected and proclaimed.  It must be faithfully passed on to the next generation.  Failure to clearly express the Gospel can have devastating long term consequences.  In his book, Marks of the Messenger, Mack Stiles points out the the Gospel is not lost suddenly in the blink of an eye.  He argues that it is lost gradually over four generations.  He states it as such:

1. The gospel is accepted.
2. The gospel is assumed.
3. The gospel is confused.
4. The gospel is lost.

Stiles writes:  "For any generation to lose the Gospel is tragic.  But, as Philip Jensen says, the generation that assumes the Gospel is the generation that is most responsible for the loss of the gospel."  

Are you faithfully protecting and proclaiming the gospel?  Are you taking the Gospel for granted and assuming that it will be passed on, or are you seeking opportunities to share your faith?

Do you have a clear understanding of the Gospel yourself?  If not, take steps today to insure that you do and then pray for opportunities to tell others what Jesus Christ has done for you!

I recommend Stiles' book as a source for knowing, living, and speaking the gospel.

Another great resource is Greg Gilbert's book:  What is the Gospel?