Before we can talk about discipleship, leadership, or helping others follow Jesus, we first need to understand the very foundation of our faith—the Gospel. Everything we believe and everything we do as Christians is built on this truth. The Gospel is not about religion, rules, or rituals—it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s the message of God’s love, grace, and redemption for all humanity. Once we understand what the Gospel truly means, we begin to see why it changes everything—our past, our present, and our purpose.
The word Gospel simply means “Good News.”
It comes from the Greek word euangelion —
Eu = good
Angelion = message or news
It’s called “good news” because it answers the bad news of our sin and separation from God.
Rice Broocks, one of the founders of Every Nation, defines the Gospel this way:
This truth is the foundation of everything we do in Victory.
The Gospel is not about religion—it’s about Jesus and what He has done on the cross.
It’s about growing in a relationship with Him and sharing this good news with others.
Justice means we get what we deserve.
Because of our sin, we deserve death and separation from God.
Romans 6:23a — “For the wages of sin is death…”
Mercy means we don’t get what we deserve.
Out of His compassion, God made a way for us to be forgiven through Jesus Christ.
Instead of punishment, God offers pardon.
Grace means we get what we don’t deserve.
Even though we deserve death, God gives us eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Romans 6:23b — “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Bad news: We are all sinners and deserve death.
Good news: Jesus took our place, paid the penalty of our sin, and offers forgiveness and eternal life.
Eternal life doesn’t start when we die—it begins the moment we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.