Question 1

What is the Gospel ?

Accepted Answer

The Gospel is the historical fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies (Is 40-55) in Christ. According to them, God himself would come (Is 40.9-10) as a king to reign over Creation (Is 52.7) to deliver his people. The right judgment upon his people would cease and God would cover the iniquities of its people (Is 40.2). It would be fulfilled and expanded to every nation by the death of the Suffering Servant (Is 42.1-9; 49.1-6; 50.4-11; 52.13-53.12). The Gospel of Jesus (Mk 1.1) is that God came in Jesus (Mk 1.2-4; Is 40.3). He is the sinless Suffering Servant who died at the cross (Mt 12.17-21; Lk 22.37; 1 Pt 2.22-25) and the saving king who resurrected and ascended to heaven (Lk 1.32-33; Ac 5.31). Whoever repents and trusts Him as Lord and Savior has eternal life (Jn 3.16; Rm 1.18-19, 10.9-10).

Question 2

How do I grow in the faith ?

Accepted Answer

God has designed the Christian life to be a life of growth (Ep 4.15; Col 1.10; 1 Pet 2.2: 2 Pet 3.18), in particular when it comes to faith (2 Co 10.15). In order to our faith in Christ to grow, God has ordained three main means of grace (Ac 2.42). The first one is the study of Scriptures, which makes us hear the word of Christ producing and nourishing our faith (Rm 10.17). The second one is prayer through which we demonstrate our dependency to God and progress in our knowledge of Christ (Jud 20-21; Col 1.9-10; Ep 3.14-19). Prayer also transforms our intelligence to conforms it more to the will of God (Mt 6.9-10; Lk 22.42; Jn 15.7; Rm 12.12). The last one is communion with a local Church where the Gospel is preached and lived through healthy brotherly relationships (Ac 2.42-47).

Question 3

How do I study the Bible ?

Accepted Answer

The Bible has been written several millennia ago in cultural settings very different from ours; thus,  its study needs to be methodical. When we read a text, its literary genre should be identified : poetry, historical account, parable, apocalyptic text, etc. We can ask the text the questions : when, where, who, what, why, how? Looking at the immediate context of the text, identifying its location in the book and eventually in the whole story of the redemption recounted in the Bible gives further information. With, in addition, prayer and assistance from the Holy Spirit and the Church, we can understand well the meaning of the text for its initial recipients, but also what God wants to tell us through it today, to grow in his knowledge and to become more like Christ.

Question 4

How do I pray ?

Accepted Answer

Prayer is a response to the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and its redeeming work at the cross. Covered by the righteousness of Christ, we can come with assurance before the throne of God, creator of all things, to receive mercy, to find grace and help (He 4.16). With prayer, we worship him for who he his and what he has done; we intercede for others and give him grace for his faithfulness and goodness in our lives. Prayer is first a discussion with God: we talk to him and we listen to him. We can speak to him aloud or silently in our heart. We can pray alone or in community. We can use our own words, pray the Psalms, Jesus’ prayer (Mt 6.9-14) or other texts of the Bible. Prayer is trinitarian : we speak to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, by the Spirit (Mt 6.9; Jn 15.16; Ep 6.18).

Question 5

What is a healthy church ?

Accepted Answer

The foundation of a healthy Church is the Gospel of Jesus-Christ (Mt 16.18). It preaches it faithfully from the Scriptures and exhorts its members to live it daily, which includes mutual forgiveness (Col 3.13). Such a Church finds in the Gospel a joy that drives it to share it in the community around it and even further. It is committed to discipleship; it helps believers grow in maturity and autonomy in faith, to foster multiplication (Mt 28.19-20; 2 Tim 2.2). A healthy Church reflects a healthy leadership : it has elders and deacons appointed for their spiritual and moral virtues (1 Tim 3.12-13; Ti 1.5-8). These leaders are responsible for a loving and pedagogical church discipline (Mt 18.15-22). Finally, a healthy Church acknowledges other healthy Churches around it and partners them.

Grace Fellowship International

Welcome to our Church in Paris ! Explore our community, commitments, and resources as we grow together in our faith in Jesus-Christ.

Information and contact

Website and social media

More about us

Free Christian resources

About this account

More from Linktree