What is the gospel?

The "gospel" is a term that is used a lot.  Gospel music, preach the gospel, share the gospel, the gospel books, etc....  Such a term as this must be defined in the Bible, right?  But how would you define the gospel?  Again, there is a difference between being able to defend a position and being able to define it.  Wouldn’t it be nice it there were a chapter and verse that could be pointed to rather than relying on memorizing a canned presentation?
I submit that the gospel is defined in Bible and the definition clearly states who God is and what He requires from us.  Ready...


Revelation 14:7 “...Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:  and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”


Why do I think that is a good definition for the gospel?  Well, look at Revelation 14:6.  That verse reads “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," and then the beginning of verse 7, “Saying with a loud voice....” Verse 7 is the message that the angel is delivering which is identified in verse 6 as being the everlasting gospel. 
Whatever is shared as the "gospel" can use this verse as its framework.  People need to know who God is and what he requires from us.
Who is God? He is the creator and the judge.
What does he require from us?  To fear him, to give glory to him, and to worship him.
 That also covers the Bible from Genesis through Revelation.

 Give that some thought, there is more to come...

Defining beliefs

Most of us can defend what we believe using the Bible, but can we define what we believe using the Bible? Sounds like a strange question, but what I have noticed is that there are many differing beliefs being presented and defended, but very few being clearly defined by the Bible. For example, and this is just an example with the discussion to be saved for a later blog, is there a clear definition for the Trinity in the Bible? Note, I am not asking for the evidence to support the concept of a Trinity. I am asking for a definition.
I have found some interesting discussions in support of and against the Trinity. Both sides use the Bible to defend their position. Can two opposing views be right?
Another example, creation and evolution. Young earth vs old earth. This is a little harder, since the evidence is not only found in the Bible, but there is also physical evidence available to be examined. Aside from the evidence, what would cause someone to believe in creation vs evolution or a young earth vs and old earth.
Okay, okay, now I am getting into issues of faith, yet another future blog topic...

In the beginning...

I thought I would start a blog to share some thoughts about what I believe and hopefully in doing so cause you to study and search for truth. My purpose is not to tell you what to believe, but to share what I have found that has helped me in my walk with God.

My hope is that you will be encouraged and challenged and that your walk with God will be enhanced. So hold on to your Bible and get ready to search...