Jared Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and author, and Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, delve into the essence of the gospel. They explore whether the gospel is primarily a story or doctrine, stressing Christ's centrality. The duo discusses the importance of gospel centrality in personal transformation and the delicate balance between grace and morality in preaching. They also touch on the interplay between faith and government, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully with both realms.
The gospel is a comprehensive narrative that includes doctrinal truths and practical applications for effective ministry in the church.
Discipleship, as highlighted in the Great Commission, emphasizes lifelong growth in Christ fostered through community and sound teaching.
Understanding the relationship between law and gospel is crucial to avoid moralism, encouraging believers to embrace grace while being guided by law.
Deep dives
The Role of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary emphasizes its mission to serve the church by equipping ministry leaders and church members alike. Through initiatives like the For the Church Institute, it provides free video courses on diverse theological subjects, including biblical texts and preaching. This resource aims to deepen understanding of the gospel within the context of local congregations, allowing individuals and groups to engage with crucial theological concepts. The seminary’s commitment to offering these resources reflects its vision of fostering growth in faith and leadership within the church community.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Influence
The discussion introduces the teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as an inspirational framework for navigating the complexities of modern culture while remaining faithful to gospel truths. Through an online course led by Bonhoeffer expert Dr. Brant Himes, participants are invited to explore Bonhoeffer's life and thoughts, particularly his strong commitment to following Christ. The intention is to empower individuals to embody their faith amidst challenges and societal pressures. This engagement with Bonhoeffer’s legacy encourages a profound examination of what it means to live faithfully in today's world.
The Importance of Discipleship in the Local Church
A significant focus of the conference revolves around the concept of discipleship within local church settings. Emphasis is placed on the Great Commission from Matthew 28, highlighting that discipleship extends beyond conversion to include lifelong growth in Christ. Personal testimonies reveal how relationships and community at church play vital roles in spiritual development and accountability. The discussions also suggest that effective discipleship involves both a commitment to teaching sound doctrine and fostering meaningful connections among believers.
Understanding the Gospel: Story, Doctrine, and Practice
The conversation underscores the multifaceted nature of the gospel, asserting it as encompassing narrative, doctrinal truths, and practical application. The gospel's essence is presented both as a story about the life and work of Jesus Christ and as a framework for understanding theological implications such as justification and sanctification. Practically, participants explore how this understanding of the gospel should influence ministry strategies, encouraging leaders to integrate gospel truths into everyday practice. The goal is to ensure that teachings do not merely remain abstract but foster real-world change in individuals’ lives.
Navigating Law and Gospel Tensions
A nuanced discussion emerges around the relationship between law and gospel, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions to avoid moralism and antinomianism. The conversation advocates for understanding the law as a means to reveal our need for Christ and the gospel's transformative power. It emphasizes that while grace leads to repentance, the law still holds value in directing personal and communal behavior. Thus, the dialogue encourages a balanced approach where believers embrace the law’s guidance while clinging to the grace found in Christ for ongoing growth and change.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley recorded live at the For The Church Conference at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with guests Jared Wilson and Patrick Schreiner to discuss the gospel.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Is the gospel story, doctrine, or practice?
Is the whole story of the Bible the gospel?
What is the difference between a doctrine and a story?
Where do we start when we are reading gospel text?
How do we feel about the language “practicing or performing” the gospel?
Do we participate in the gospel?
What is the nature of belief?
Why are you still gospel-centered after all these years?
What does it mean to be gospel-centered?
Is it a bad thing to call people to moral rightness?
What would a ministry look like if you were proclaiming “the gospel” but avoiding the law?
Is the gospel political?
Guest Bios:
Jared C. Wilson serves as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor, For the Church. He is the author of a number of books, including but not limited to Gospel Wakefulness, The Prodigal Church, The Pastor’s Justification, and Supernatural Power for Everyday People. He also serves as an elder at Liberty Baptist Church. He and Becky have been married for twenty-three years, and they have two daughters: Macy and Grace.
Midwestern Seminary is excited to announce FTC Talks, exclusive conversations with MBTS faculty about ministry related topics. Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks today at mbts.edu/ftctalks to reserve your spot. Join us for talks about women's discipleship, God's heart for the nations, gospel-driven ministry, Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, and how every Christian is a counselor. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. Sign up today at mbts.edu/ftctalks.
