The Gospel Story: April 12, 2026
Living the Gospel: More Than Just a Story
Good afternoon, everyone! In today's sermon, Pastor Michael took a break from his usual expositional style to dive deep into a question that sits at the very heart of our faith: What is the gospel?.
Rather than just treating it as a historical checklist, he challenged us to see the gospel as the power of God for salvation—a living story that has the power to change our hearts and lives right where we are.
The Gospel Story in Seven Steps
Pastor Michael broke down the "Jesus story" into seven key movements:
Jesus Came: He prioritized a relationship with you over His own comfort.
Jesus Lived: He showed us how to live and fulfilled the requirements of perfection so we don't have to carry the weight of "not being good enough".
Jesus Died: He took on the "disease" of sin to pay our debt and show the ultimate form of love.
Jesus Rose: His victory over death means we worship a living God and can experience a brand-new "spiritual life".
Jesus Ascended: He is now reigning on a throne, guiding us as His body on earth.
Jesus Sent His Spirit: We are never alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us with everything we need for life and godliness.
Jesus Will Return: He is the answer to our suffering, promising a future of justice, healing, and wholeness.
Gospel Affirmations: Making it Personal
The most practical takeaway from the sermon was the idea of Gospel Affirmations. Pastor Michael encouraged us to take these seven truths and process them to fit our own spiritual needs.
For example, if you struggle with loneliness, you might remind yourself that Jesus came for you because He wants you. If you struggle with anxiety, you can lean into the truth that Jesus is on the throne and in control.
The goal is to move the gospel from the back of our minds to the front, letting it address our specific brokenness and addictions. As Pastor Michael reminded us, the righteous live by actively believing this story every single day.
How are you processing the gospel this week? Take a moment to write out your own affirmations and see how Jesus' story provides the solution to what you're facing today
