Be careful…

There are two gospels.  No, there is only one Bible with one New Testament.

But there are two gospels. One is the gospel of personal relationship and the individual saving grace of the Savior.

You hear it in the hymn "In the Garden."I come to the garden alone…""And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own."

Personal prayer, individual personal conversation with Jesus is at the center of this gospel.

Then there is the social gospel.

And we hear the words of "For the Healing of the Nations." For the healing of the nations, God we pray with one accord; for a just and equal sharing of the things earth affords; to a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word."

These words express the concern for the world, the poor, the powerless, the sick, the conflict between us and more.

We cannot have one without the other.  I personally believe, the personal gospel comes first. Our devotion to the Savior shapes our commitment to the world. Through him we discern what we should do and with whom.

Beware if your gospel becomes all one OR the other. Be careful in doing without tending to your believing. Be careful in believing you neglect your doing.

Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff