Effectiveness in evangelism depends now on “the Christianity” of Christians.
Thus we need a new story to tell. We need a version of the Gospel that naturally and routinely affects our actual life—not just our death and afterlife. It is clear from Jesus and the major writers of the New Testament that life has always been the focus of the authentic Gospel. For instance:
John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus said: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here…those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life. It's your life that must change… What counts is your life. (Mt. 3, The Message)
Jesus, announcing the Gospel said: "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message." (Mk. 1, The Message)
Paul, describing the work of God in us, said: We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. (Titus 2, The Message)
Peter, expressing the outcome of the resurrection said: Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life… As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing… (1 Peter 1, The Message).
I like that. I don't know if I would say we need a new story in that I don't think the story has changed. I think we often lose sight of the true story and reduce it to death and afterlife. That is wrong to do but the true story is not a new one.
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