Rooted

What is the Gospel?

Most people have an answer — but is it the complete one? In this episode, we walk through what the Gospel actually is, what it isn't, and why every piece of the definition matters.

Key Scriptures

• Romans 1:16
• 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
• Ephesians 2:8–9
• Romans 10:9–10
• Acts 5:31

What We Cover

• The three most common counterfeits — and why they fall short
• The four pillars of a complete Gospel: God, Humanity, Christ, and Response
• Why the Gospel is an announcement first — not an instruction
• How a false Gospel produces exhaustion, and the real one produces transformation

Discussion Questions

• Could you define the Gospel clearly to someone who's never heard it?
• Which counterfeit Gospel do you think is most common in the church today?
• What does it mean to respond to the Gospel — not just agree with it?

Pastor's Steve’s Book Recommendation

What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

Gilbert builds his case around four core subjects — God, man, Christ, and a response — drawing from Paul's presentation in Romans and the sermons throughout Acts.It's a short, accessible read that goes deep where it counts.

Pick it up on Amazon

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear the real thing.

Rooted

"What Is the Bible Actually About?"

Episode Summary

Pastor Steve and I have a conversation to answer one of the most foundational questions any believer can ask: What is the Bible actually about?

The answer is both simple and profound. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible isn’t an instruction manual or a collection of hero stories — it’s one unified story with one thread running through every page: Jesus Christ.

In this conversation, we explore how to read Scripture, why the Old Testament makes more sense than it can feel at times, what covenant and kingdom actually mean, and how false gospels become dangerous not by what they add — but by what they leave out.

Key Topics Covered

• The Bible as one unified story, not a collection of disconnected books
• Why Jesus is the thread running from Genesis to Revelation
• What "covenant" and "kingdom" mean — and why they matter for reading Scripture
• How to approach the Old Testament without getting lost
• Why false gospels are dangerous for what they omit
• What it means to read the Bible looking for Jesus, not just advice

Key Scripture References

• Luke 24:27 — Jesus opening the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus
• John 5:39 — "These are the Scriptures that testify about me."
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is God-breathed

Resources Mentioned

• 📖 According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible — Graeme Goldsworthy: https://a.co/d/0621ltt2
• 📖 Kingdom Through Covenant — Peter Gentry & Stephen Wellum: https://a.co/d/02q3wH6H
• 📖 The Jesus Storybook Bible — Sally Lloyd-Jones (great for kids and adults alike): https://a.co/d/0ca6CezL

Reflection Question

When you open your Bible, are you looking for advice — or are you looking for Jesus?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who's been struggling to put the Bible together. Every conversation on Rooted exists to help you see Scripture more clearly and Jesus more fully.

In this episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and Joe walk through the historical evidence behind the Bible. They discuss why the New Testament is actually the most well-attested document from the ancient world and how discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the careful transmission of the Old Testament.

Rather than avoiding difficult questions, this conversation encourages thoughtful investigation. Christianity is rooted in real history, and the evidence surrounding the Bible invites confidence rather than fear.

The Bible is not fragile. It has been examined, challenged, and studied for centuries and it still stands.

Pastor Steve’s Recommended Resources

For those who want to explore this topic more deeply, here are several helpful books:

• Why Trust the Bible? — Greg Gilbert https://a.co/d/08inYpMq
• Can I Trust the Bible? — R.C. Sproul https://a.co/d/0h5tbgQi
• A Survey of the New Testament — Robert H. Gundry https://a.co/d/04VCct7t
• Encountering the New Testament — Walter A. Elwell & Robert W. Yarbrough https://a.co/d/02XYRwTg
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart https://a.co/d/09f0J37P