Series: The Gospel: It's Not...
Message: About Salvation
Preacher: Mark Johnson
Daily Walk: Mark Johnson

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 97:1-5.

Read:  Exodus 32:32; Romans 9:3 (ESV). As you re-read the text for the final time this week in the English Standard Version, what new insights did you discover about God’s character?

Reflect: Health is good news. “The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the Word. It is the Lord's design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great efforts to proclaim the gospel message" (Medical Ministry, p. 259).  But the Gospel is not about health.  
The Sabbath is good news. "By the seventh day God had finished his work. On the seventh day he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day.  He made it a Holy Day because on that day he rested from his work, all the creating God had done" (Genesis 2:2, The Message).  But the Gospel is not about the Sabbath.
Salvation is good news. "There is a diversity of gifts, but all the workers are to blend in harmony, controlled by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. As they make known the gospel of salvation, many will be convicted and converted by the power of God" (Acts of the Apostles, p. 274).  But the Gospel is not about salvation.
Health is a tool that helps us understand and appreciate the Gospel. The Sabbath reminds us of the many lessons God has given us that point to the Gospel. Salvation is a natural result that comes from a trusting relationship with the One who lived and died to teach us what the Gospel is.
The Gospel, the ultimate good news, is that God the Father is just like Jesus. "The Father and I are one" (John 10:30, GNT).
And here's what the Gospel does: "Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding, we become changed" into His likeness (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 355).

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. ​​What would salvation and eternity be like if God was judgmental, arbitrary, severe and unforgiving?
2. Who do you want to see first in heaven, God the Father or Jesus? Would it make any difference?

Respond: Pray for brighter and more distinct views of God.

Research: Look up all the texts where the word gospel is used in the book of Romans.