Which Gospel?

S - “Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), … I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! … For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. … But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.” Galatians 1:1, 6-8, 11-12, 15-17 NASB

O - Though Paul will speak of the cross several times in this letter he does so only in the context of the resurrection. His preaching, apostleship and gospel is based singularly on the person of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). This is heaven's message - Jesus and him raised from the dead (“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;” Romans 10:9 NASB). The context of Kingdom living (the reality which engages all the rest) is the resurrection of Jesus not the crucifixion.

A - Heaven sends one way and earth another. Religion is focused on information and crucifixion. The Kingdom is focused on a person and resurrection. Heaven has one gospel and earth has another. Heaven proclaims the resurrection and then unpacks the cross. Earth proclaims the crucifixion and occasionally mentions resurrection. I am called by Jesus to Jesus and his irrepressible (cannot be controlled or contained), eternal life. The question asked later in this letter remains paramount: “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 NASB

P - Lord Jesus,

You are the gospel, the way, the truth and forever life. You call us all to yourself and to adoption and God's sons and daughters. I admit and accept you are the good news … the gospel sent from heaven.  I am very glad to know you as a person and not a concept.  I love you back!
Steve