God’s Megathemes
A Grandfather’s Legacy
by
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The Gospel Is Good News
The gospel stands apart from all other world religions because it is, first and foremost, not a religion. This chapter offers several megathemes that speak to the uniqueness of the gospel and how it is truly good news to all who embrace it.
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Other World Religions Say, “Do and You Will Be Accepted.” The Gospel Says, “You Are Accepted; Therefore Do”
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:4–9 NIV)
This is the gospel, the “good news,” every follower of Jesus should live out. I owe much of the content of this section to the teachings and writings of Tim Keller (founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City), who has affected my understanding of, and appreciation for, the gospel immensely.
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About the Book
There are many truths in scripture that are never explicitly stated yet are present in every story in the Bible. For example, we miss God’s best for us when we are disobedient, and when God acts, it always results in the greatest good, for the greatest number, for the longest period of time. But while these and other truths are available for us, there may not always be an explicit chapter and verse of the Bible to consult.
In God’s Megathemes, author Jim Phillips identifies over twenty “megathemes” of scripture—those principles, lessons, ideas, and truths that are never explicitly stated but that pervade the Lord’s message to us. Arranged under six major themes for your spiritual growth, these megathemes range from themes of the trustworthiness of God and his Word, the destructiveness of sin, and the goodness of the gospel to what it means to live a Christlike life, how God provides for us, and what kind of adversity we face as followers of Jesus.
Knowing these truths will affect your deepest convictions about who God is, what God does, and why he does it. God’s Megathemes will help any who want to know God better to find the spiritual nourishment they need from uncovering the truths of God’s Word.
About the Author
Jim Phillips has been a follower of Jesus for over fifty years, and he has been a Bible teacher for more than forty years. He is the city director for the C. S. Lewis Institute in Annapolis, Maryland, and his purpose for writing God’s Megathemes was to pass on to his children, grandchildren, and readers the truths from scripture that have guided his walk with Jesus and enriched his life. His hope is that these megathemes will increase your love for Jesus and your desire to follow His teachings.