by Sean Finnegan
According to Hebrew bible expert, Walter Bruegemann, all of us live by a script.  He contends that our society is constantly scripting us with technological, therapeutic, consumer militarism.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, we must fight this tendency by refusing to conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  The gospel message itself offers us a whole new script.  It’s hopeful rather than pessimistic, motivated by love rather than fear, characterized by abundance rather than scarcity, provides us an anchor to weather the storms of this life, gives us lasting purpose, and makes sense of morals.  Ultimately, we all have to choose what kind of script we will live by. We are privileged and commissioned to give the world a foretaste of the kingdom through our actions and words, by modeling a new way of doing relationships, by performing outrageous acts of cross-shaped love to a world that is numb, consumeristic, obsessed with sexuality, terrified of extinction, and generally over busy, under paid, and bored.  We offer the world a new script. We are the people of God who have a prophetic message to deliver—a message of hope and forgiveness, a message of value and purpose, a message of freedom about a God who is dedicated to fixing up this place and who will one day send his son to make everything wrong with the world right.
The Good News

kingdom

origin is in Genesis creation
promises to Abraham
Davidic royal line chosen

2 Chronicles 17.11-14


pre-exilic prophets

Isaiah 2.1-4
Isaiah 35.4-7


exilic prophets

Daniel 2.44
Daniel 7.13-14, 18, 22, 27


post-exilic prophets

Zechariah 14.6-9


John the Baptist

Message of repentance in light of the coming kingdom


Jesus’ ministry

gospel proclamation (Luke 4.43; Matthew 4.23; 24.14)
teaching the way of Jesus (i.e. Sermon on the Mount)
healing/exorcisms
radical acts of love to outcasts
parables (Matthew 13)
calling of 12 and promise to reign (Matthew 19.28)






crucifixion

1 Peter 2.21-24
for our sins
to show us the way of Jesus
to enable us to die to sin and live the way of Jesus




resurrection

Jesus really is the Messiah (Acts 17.31)
defeat of evil (Colossians 2.15)
we too will be raised (1 Corinthians 15.20)




holy spirit

fire of God

tongues, prophecy, healing, boldness (Acts 2.4)


empowered to live the age to come now

fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5.22-23)





Effects of Believing the Gospel

given a bright future

2 Timothy 1.10


given a new life to live now

2 Corinthians 5.17
Romans 6.4

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