Comments on: Less Gospel, more Christ please

By: What’s the difference between Islamic and Christian extremists? | HeadHeartHand Blog

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:57:17 +0000

[...] Gospel-centeredness: I’ve expressed some concerns about this before (Less Gospel, More Christ please). Dane Ortland helped me understand the context of this movement better in a comment to that post [...]

By: David Murray

David Murray — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:52:23 +0000

Thanks for your response, Dane. Helpful perspective. Someone else told me that they use this kind of “Gospel” phraseology to distinguish their message and ministry from the legalistic Christ-less moralism that has been so pervasive in the USA. Three years on, I’m still learning the lingo!

By: Dane Ortlund

Dane Ortlund — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 06:54:50 +0000

Thanks for this thoughtful and appropriate post, David. I can only speak for myself, but one reason for my frequent use of ‘gospel-centered’ and such phrases is the other imbalance, which you don’t mention–using the name Jesus all the time, but using it in a non-biblical/non-gospel/non-grace way–a way that Jesus would never approve! WWJD, e.g. There’s the name Jesus–in service of moralism. I hasten to add, though, that I have found myself at times getting distracted from the Person for all my talk of the (more abstract) ‘gospel. There’s a timely and valid point in your post. Thanks.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:36:28 +0000

How true…I’m guilty of this at times, and I’m going to make a conscious effort to use my Saviour’s beautiful name more often. Thank you for such an insightful post.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:21:28 +0000

Thanks for your encouraging words, friends. And, Bob, that’s very helpful context that you’ve given me – helps me to understand the holy motivation for this language.

By: Carine

Carine — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:53:52 +0000

This is piercingly true. Could it be that we are in danger of leaving (or perhaps have already left) our first love? …”And it’s Christ I want preachers and writers to give me…How my soul is nourished and invigorated when I meet Jesus and walk away with Him! Thank you, David. The Lord be with you.

By: M. Trawick, assoc. mem./Dr. Beeke's church

M. Trawick, assoc. mem./Dr. Beeke's church — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:09:18 +0000

Yes! you have put into words what I’ve tried to… Just to mention the name of Christ in a sermon is NOT preaching Christ. “oh, we preach the Gospel, and we preach Christ” is said over & over from the ministry we came out of, but the actual sermons are nothing but man’s opinion about a variety of subjects. HNRC has blessed us beyond words BECAUSE the actual Christ is preached & we have grown in grace & in the KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is ALIVE in my heart and life–not just a being out there somewhere that I would pray to. We serve a LIVING GOD!! we love your observations; your messages yesterday were for ME!! thank you so much.

By: Michael Allen Davenport

Michael Allen Davenport — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:36:32 +0000

…excellent observations…

By: se7en

se7en — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:07:38 +0000

Brilliant post. Thanks for making me stop and think rather than just accept what comes my way!!!

By: Bob Kellemen

Bob Kellemen — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:47:57 +0000

David, Good post and point taken. I think the current “Gospel-centered” language was/is an attempt to redress a perceived imbalance where everything was “seeker-sensitive” and about “us.” The desire has been to make everything “All About Him.” It was/is also an attempt to redress an imbalance that seemed to focus on “felt needs” and perceived shallow preaching/teaching instead of upon our ultimate need of salvation and of robust preaching of the Word. I think that for many/most/all using “Gospel” they are hearing themselves say and write “Christ.” But your post, especially the opening illustration about your wife’s name, drives home your point well. In trying to pull the pendulum one way, perhaps it has been pulled too far the other. Thank you for your courageous reminder.