I'm closing the comments on this thread. This is actually boring now. Bell says this is the GOSPEL – the Gospel is a very specific calling. Clearly MTB, Matty and all the Bell-lovers don't quite see how specific it is. I'm done.

Yes some people say this, and some people say that…well folks i want to ask you this? Who here has the right to throw the first stone?

a challenge for you…can you imagine if we forgot about who said what and when and as "the church" (christians all over the world) just prayed instead of fighting or disagreeing with one another?

Just a crazy thought that maybe, just maybe…Jesus wouldnt be getting caught up in these twisting of words, but would be busy telling people of the gospel through being a living example of the gospel…

yes, we should preach repentance. then what? Yes we should repent. then what?

Douglas said: "The Gospel is that man is infinitely sinful in the sight of a holy God, who will punish sin and sinners, however in His mercy, He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to die in the stead of billions who would repent and believe in Him and the work of redemption. We are called to herald THAT message to all the nations for the salvation of God's people to His glory and for their enjoyment."

when we herald that message – we are the Gospel – living proof of the good news. our story and God's story intertwined, thanks be to God for giving the gift of life through the death/resurrection of Jesus.

then once that message is proclaimed… then what? do we retreat to our homes to wallow in grace? do we stand on street corners and condemn and boast?

or do we answer the call: to walk like Jesus (1 John 2:6). to love. tend to widows and the poor. to pray. to give. to practice self denial, solace, forgiveness. to make disciples. to build community. to share in community.

is proclaiming Gospel all there is to this faith that we share in Christ Jesus?

i appreciate and respect the various opinions that have been posted here but Douglas – i am having trouble with your comment you've made repeatedly that Bell's message "would feed, clothe and empower a man in this life – yet will send him hungry, naked and weak into eternity"

Douglas, you don't know if that is true or not. you can speculate – but you do not know.
God knows. not you. not me.
I've also read the books. heard the podcasts. i have also talked with members of his church. and i see and hear a completely different message than what you hear. before anyone passes judgement – maybe they should enter into conversation with and build relationships with people who are members of that congregation. and i'm not talking about faux relationships where there is a lot of talking but no listening… no attmept at understanding.

i could tell you personal stories, example of people being the church – living, breathing, repenting, serving, loving, giving people. but what's the point. some, it seems, would rather paint with broad strokes. that is too bad. Those that like to bash and criticize, I doubt they'd be able to be fair. could they really look at things through different lenses? i could be wrong. but perhaps a little humility would be useful for all of us who have posted here.

the thing is, you are not the judge. you are not living in community nor do you know the hearts of Bell or his parishioners. let God be God. and you be you. and i'll be me. Stan can be stan. Matty can be Matty. etc.
I think our time could be put to use in better ways.

note: i am not trying to be combative. please understand that. sometimes it is hard via a message board to communicate in a way that doesn't seem combative. like i've said before, i care about real, honest, genuine conversations.

thanks.

Quite frankly, this world is hurtling towards a date with a God who will judge it in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31). As I said in one of the comments, Bell’s ideas in and of themselves are not that bad. But let’s just clarify something – they’re not the Gospel.

The Gospel is that man is infinitely sinful in the sight of a holy God, who will punish sin and sinners, however in His mercy, He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to die in the stead of billions who would repent and believe in Him and the work of redemption. We are called to herald THAT message to all the nations for the salvation of God’s people to His glory and for their enjoyment.

Bell seems to dismiss that implicitly in his continual propounding of a message which is heavy on here and now, yet seems to neglect eternity. As I said in response to another comment – Bell’s message would feed, clothe and empower a man in this life – yet will send him hungry, naked and weak into eternity

This life is a vapour – we’d do well to remember that…

this video isn't just about salvation – it's about what happens after salvation.

it's also 11 minutes. let us remember that. 11 minutes. 11 minutes does not equal the whole of a man, his beliefs or his theology. is that not safe to say?

on one level this video is about the church – and the churches responsibility.

which is better? an empire who rules with an iron fist or the way of Jesus which calls and invites people to change the very world we live in – "through loving acts of compassion and generosity?"

@ 6:52 Bell refers to God whom raised Jesus from the dead.

this video was made for the church – the body of believers who already know Christ was sinless, atoned for us. people whom have already been called to believe in "God's son as the only way of salvation."

he speaks of choice – follow Christ or follow Ceaser. he shows that following Christ vs. following governments or the world, is better.

"for them, the Gospel was an invitation to a whole new way of life."

he acknowledges the Holy Spirit's presence in the church.

God – through the church – makes a way for people to live out faith in community. that is not contrary to the gospel of Jesus. Jesus made a way for the disciples to live out their faith in community. On the cross, he makes a way for all of us to do the same.

this video is about being a living, breathing, 'little Christ' to the world. not spewing hate but love. many christians – you all know – spew hate… not love. those that do live a gospel contrary to Jesus. there seems to be some undertones that refer to this.

@ 9:11 – he says the Gospel is the good news that God hasn't given up on the world. that the tomb was empty and a giant resurrection rescue is under way and that you and me can be apart of it. Jesus is saving me, from my sins, from my mistakes, my pride, despair, brokenness, etc."

Bell said that. how does anyone find that contrary to the gospel of Jesus? that is as much a part of the gospel as any part. salvation through death. resurrection. saved from sin. that's Gospel.

@10 min, Bell talks about how God works within us so that we might know that we are sinners and are in need of salvation. we need rescued. he mentions that over and over. what is salvation – if not a rescue?

at the end – it just talks about how the church is the living, flesh and blood of the gospel. We are the vessels of which the gospel message of Jesus is given to the world.

could it be more plain and simple? @ 10:24 "you are invited to be the hands and feet of Jesus." the church is invited to be Jesus to the world. a shining light. a light that shines Jesus within us…

for me – i see the Resurrection all around me. God has used many special people who have been vessels of God's loving kindness… who showed me the way. words and actions that inspired me… they spoke messages from God to me that in turn helped shape me and make me who i am today, in Christ.

that is the Gospel message of Christ lived out. plain and simple.

honestly, it appears that so many are just hung up on the last sentence – "you are the Gospel." context. please – keep things in context.

watch the whole entire 11 minute video and see the big picture of what a simple 11 minute video is trying to present.

if anyone expects this video – or any other 11 minute video to be salvation to people, then perhaps the boat has been missed. this video could be a catalyst. to bring about conversations… about God, Jesus, his plan for humanity and His plan for the church. that is where ministers of the gospel – you and me and anyone else who loyally follows and lives Jesus – come in to present the salvation story and needs to a world that is dying… in need of life. in need of rescue.

i look forward to discussion, if anyone wants. i do not look forward to, nor do i think it is fair to offer jabs that humiliate or shame people with differing opinions or the 'you are wrong and i am right' comments either.

thanks for reading. i am praying for healthy discussion.

blessings.