What is gospel culture?
One of the most important aspects of our life together is not only our doctrine (which is vital) but also our culture. Spend time at Immanuel Nashville long enough, and you'll notice that we talk a lot about how the gospel shapes our words, values, and the relational environment of our church. We call this gospel-shaped environment "Gospel Culture." Gospel culture is what happens when the truth about Jesus beautifies our life together. In other words, Gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture.
There are four distinct marks of Gospel Culture:
"If we want this culture to thrive, we can’t take doctrinal shortcuts. If we want this doctrine to be credible, we can’t disregard the culture. But churches where the doctrine and culture converge bear living witness to the power of Jesus." - Ray Ortlund
As we seek to make the real Jesus non-ignorable in our city and far beyond, we are committed to building and strengthening a gospel culture here at Immanuel. To learn more about gospel culture, we recommend picking up the book, The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ (Building Healthy Churches) by Ray Ortlund. Also, consider signing up for Next Steps, our four-part membership seminar!
There are four distinct marks of Gospel Culture:
- Honesty
- 1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
- Honor
- Romans 12:10 - Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
- Rejoicing
- Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
- Hospitality
- Romans 15:7 - Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
"If we want this culture to thrive, we can’t take doctrinal shortcuts. If we want this doctrine to be credible, we can’t disregard the culture. But churches where the doctrine and culture converge bear living witness to the power of Jesus." - Ray Ortlund
As we seek to make the real Jesus non-ignorable in our city and far beyond, we are committed to building and strengthening a gospel culture here at Immanuel. To learn more about gospel culture, we recommend picking up the book, The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ (Building Healthy Churches) by Ray Ortlund. Also, consider signing up for Next Steps, our four-part membership seminar!