When you ask the question “How many gospels do we have?”, most people will say four, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But the truth is there is only one gospel, four versions. But then there is a fifth version, the gospel according to you.
Example: How many of you highlight in your Bibles? For those that do, John 3:16 is usually always underlined or highlighted. Same with John 10:10, “I have come that you might have life and have it in the full.” But if you look up Luke 12:33 it is seldom highlighted. It reads “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” Or Matthew 5:43, 44, “Jesus said, it is written, love your neighbors, and hate your enemies, but I tell you to love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you.” Most people don’t have these verses highlighted. That’s what we mean by the gospel according to you. Many times we take what we like and discard the rest. Here is one of my favorite poems on this subject.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YOU
If none but you in the world today
Had tried to live in a Christ-like way,
Could the rest of the world look close at you
And find the path that is straight and true?
If none but you in the world so wide
Had found the Christ as his daily guide,
Would the things you do and the things you say
Lead others to live in a Christ-like way?
My friends of Christ, in the world today
There are those who watch us upon our way
And they look to the things we say and do
To measure our Christian standard true.
Now some will follow the Gospel of Christ
With His love so unfailing and true,
But what will they think and what will they say
About the Gospel according to you?
Each day you are writing a letter to all.
Take care that your writing is true;
Because the only Gospel that some will see,
Is the Gospel according to you.
Anonymous
When people look at you, do they see a window or a mirror? Example, if they see a mirror, they see only a reflection of themselves. You’re no different than they are. But if you’re a window, they will see Jesus in you, His love, His joy, His kindness, etc. Remember, each day we are writing a letter to all. Take care that your writing is true because the only gospel that some will see is the gospel according to you.
LIFE LESSON: Be a window. St. Augustine said “Go out and preach the gospel; if you must, use words.”
We appreciate your continued support and for partnering with us to proclaim the truth in God’s Word about His amazing grace. To Him be the glory!
The Galatian Road seminar was a recent success. Soon we should have Bible study materials for leaders and participants.