The word ‘Gospel’ means ‘good news’. The good news is that it’s not about what we do for God, it’s about what God has done for us. Here are 3 short parts of Paul’s letter to the Romans in the bible explaining the gospel.

1. We need to start by admitting that we are sinners. You might think you aren’t as bad as some other people, but Romans 3:10 says ‘there is no-one righteous, not even one’. So we don’t just need guidance or advice, we need salvation. 

2. Romans 5:8 says ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up, he died for us knowing us at our worst. God doesn’t ask us to change and become holy people before he will accept us, He loves and accepts everyone who trusts in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Change comes later.

3. Romans 6:23 says that ‘the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ The good news of the gospel is how eternal life is a free gift to us, even though it cost Jesus his life. 

As Irish people we sometimes find it hard to accept gifts - we feel the need to pay something back. But we can never pay this back, what Jesus wants us to do is live in the freedom and joy that comes from trusting the gospel. That is why it is such life-changing good news.

As a church we want you to know the gospel and believe it. This good news is better than we dare to imagine. Everyone who is part of our church has experienced the goodness of the gospel in their own lives. Ask anyone from our church the difference the gospel has made in their life, and be prepared to hear some beautiful stories of how God’s love has brought meaning and joy to their lives.