Do you ever go back to the basics and try to answer yourself to the seemingly easy question of “What are the Gospels”? Chances are, if you do this exercise, you’ll find yourself hesitating, stumbling, or rambling about the four books - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -, without coming to an actual conclusion regarding the essence encompassed in these writings. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Phrases like “good news” and “God’s love” can seem so simple, yet this exact simplicity makes it so difficult to really get it. 

Truth is, for many of us, the Gospel is like that secret recipe everyone talks about, but few actually know how to prepare. The Christian Gospel is more than a story, more than history, yet somehow, it’s so familiar that it fades into the background noise of our faith. In reality, it’s the beating core of Christianity, even if, after all this time, we take it for granted. So, I’d say it’s worth going back to the basics and breaking it down - piece by piece. What is the Christian Gospel, and why does it matter so much?

Let’s first see why The Gospel is so often misunderstood. Think about it, we’re trying to fit its message into our 21st-century minds like a square peg into a round hole. We view it as ancient history, moral advice, or even as an inspiring narrative, but we miss the transformational power it’s meant to have. It’s not simply a message to be preached; it’s a reality to be experienced. And once you grasp this, it changes everything—not just your Sundays, but your Mondays through Saturdays too.