Everyone knew me as the “good girl.” And honestly, that’s how I wanted to be known: perfect, admired, a role model, the rule follower. It was a persona I longed for mostly because I thought it equaled “godly.” For years, I believed the lie that what God wanted from me was all of my uprightness and obedience, and maybe after that was taken care of, once I arrived, I could form a more personal relationship with my Creator.
But, there came a point when the “good girl” persona began cracking, flaws started showing, and I became exhausted with the endless trying. “God,” I thought, “is this what You’re all about?” It wasn’t until the mask of perfection began chipping away (despite my firm grip attempting to keep it together) that I began to start again at square one. I scribbled down on a piece of paper a simple goal that I posted to my mirror, seeing it every day as a reminder, that read, “Get to know the real Jesus.”
Maybe you—or someone you know—are in the same boat as I was. You’ve memorized a lot of verses. You’ve mastered the rules. You’ve been a part of a million different service opportunities or ministries. But still, you feel like there’s something missing. You’re ready to know Jesus with a child-like wonder again, but you have no idea where to start.
Gospel Foundations, a year-long, comprehensive study of Scripture, puts everything from the Law to Revelation in the context of Jesus, pointing you and your groups to the One who was always there from beginning to end. Including six volumes with seven sessions per volume, Gospel Foundations is a great resource to help you and your community engage in meaningful conversations and walk together toward understanding how the gospel transforms our lives and missions.
If your ministry or group is thirsting for transformation, struggling with legalism, or doesn’t quite grasp how the Bible is all connected, Gospel Foundations will put Jesus at the center of it all and point your group toward deeper relationship with Him. The study is available for both adults and students, so all of your groups can work through Gospel Foundations as one body, sent out on mission together to declare the good news and its power.
If the whole Bible, from start to finish, is the story of God’s plan to redeem us through Jesus, then why wouldn’t we read every page in light of the news that our Savior has come to rescue His Bride? When this began to sink in, when I finally began “getting to know the real Jesus” like I posted on my mirror, I realized that nothing would be the same. And nothing will be the same for you, either.
You are free from moralism because of Jesus. You are holy because of Jesus. You are valuable because of Jesus. You are seen and known because of Jesus. You are fully loved because of Jesus.
Get to know Him. Because of Jesus, once we get it, it really does change everything.
You can learn more about Gospel Foundations in the video below, or click here for 3 free sessions of the Gospel Foundations study plan
Emma McLeod is a copywriting intern at Lifeway and a senior journalism major at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Most days, you’ll find her drinking far too many hazelnut lattes, traveling (or imagining her next travels), and wedding planning for her December nuptials.
