It’s finally done. 🙂
Creating The Gospel Challenge has been one of the toughest yet most rewarding projects I’ve ever undertaken. Designed as a study for new Christians, this resource tackles the Book of Romans—a theological masterpiece that has shaped Christian doctrine for centuries. But Romans is no simple book. I delayed this one for years out of sheer fear. 🙂 Today, I want to share why this project stretched me to my limits, and why I’m so excited it’s finally available.
Why Romans?
The Book of Romans isn’t just another epistle; it’s Paul’s “magnum opus.” It systematically lays out the Gospel—what it is, how it works, and what it means for every believer. For new Christians, understanding Romans is foundational for their growth in faith. But let’s be honest: Romans is also deeply complex. It’s a book that pastors and theologians spend lifetimes studying. My challenge was to make this accessible for someone just starting their walk with Christ.
The Challenges of Creating The Gospel Challenge
1. The Powerful Scope of the Book
Romans covers everything from human sinfulness to the mechanics of salvation, the role of the law, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the practical outworking of the Gospel in daily life. Trying to distill such a monumental book into bite-sized, digestible pieces for new believers felt, at times, impossible. Every chapter demanded careful thought about what to include and how to explain it without losing the depth of Paul’s message.
2. Making Complex Teaching Accessible
One of my primary goals was to present the truths of Romans in a way that a new Christian could grasp without feeling overwhelmed. That meant unpacking concepts like justification, sanctification, and adoption into God’s family in simple, relatable terms. How do you communicate the power and scope of Romans 8 in a way that really helps new Christians??! The workbook’s fill-in-the-blank format and short daily videos were designed to engage learners step-by-step, making the study approachable while still faithful to the text.
3. Navigating Romans 9–11 from a Wesleyan/Arminian Perspective
Romans 9–11 is a theological minefield. Questions about God’s sovereignty, election, and Israel’s role in salvation history have sparked centuries of debate. Approaching these chapters from a Wesleyan/Arminian perspective required both care and clarity. I wanted to honor the text while remaining faithful to the theological convictions that have shaped my understanding of God’s character and His work in the world. That section alone took countless hours of prayer, study, and rewriting.
Why I’m Excited
Despite the challenges, I’m thrilled to share The Gospel Challenge because I believe it’s a resource that can transform lives. Here’s what makes it special:
- Daily Video Content: Each of the 62 days includes a 5-7 minute video to guide participants through the key ideas of the text.
- Interactive Workbook: The fill-in-the-blank format keeps participants engaged and helps reinforce their learning.
- Mentor Check-Ins: Encouraging daily connection with a mentor fosters accountability and deeper discipleship.
- Prayer and Scripture: A 2-minute guided prayer and links to daily Bible reading (with audio options) ensure a well-rounded spiritual experience.
This isn’t just another Bible study; it’s a discipleship tool designed to help new Christians grasp the beauty and power of the Gospel. It’s a tool for churches, mentors, and individuals who want to see new believers take their first steps of faith with confidence.
A Heavy Lift—Worth Every Moment
Was it hard? Absolutely. But the weight of creating this resource pales in comparison to the joy of knowing it’s now in the hands of pastors and churches who can use it to disciple others. My prayer is that The Gospel Challenge will equip new Christians to live out the Gospel with clarity and conviction, and that it will glorify the God who inspired these incredible truths.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Gospel Challenge, I’d love for you to check it out and see how it could make an impact in your ministry or personal discipleship efforts.
Exclusively Available Through NewStart Discipleship
The Gospel Challenge is exclusively available through NewStart Discipleship. Pastors can get a license to print unlimited copies for their ministry. This ensures that the resource can be widely used to disciple new believers effectively without worrying about per-copy costs. If you’re a pastor looking for a robust discipleship tool, you can learn more and get your license here: https://get.newstartdiscipleship.com
Was it hard? Absolutely. But the weight of creating this resource pales in comparison to the joy of knowing it’s now in the hands of pastors and churches who can use it to disciple others. My prayer is that The Gospel Challenge will equip new Christians to live out the Gospel with clarity and conviction, and that it will glorify the God who inspired these incredible truths.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Gospel Challenge, I’d love for you to check it out and see how it could make an impact in your ministry or personal discipleship efforts. Together, let’s help new believers embrace the Gospel and live transformed lives!
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