The Ancient Witnesses

240 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

He opened the topic by putting the following question to us pastors: “If you could choose one passage to represent the message of the gospel, which would you choose?” “That’s easy,” said Preacher, “John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ” “Preacher’s got it,” said Joseph, “but I vote for the heart of the Gospel.” “What’s that?” asked Cesar. “Romans 3:19-26,” replied Joseph, “which says something like, ‘apart from the law the righteousness of God has now appeared.’” “What about Romans 1:16?” I asked, for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes …” “That’s good too,” agreed Joseph, “but what about you Father Greg, what’s your choice?” Father Greg pondered the question for a moment, and then replied, “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God. ” 20 We all agreed that Father Greg’s choice was best, especially when Mentor announced that Ephesians would be our focus for the gospel message. Mentor now read from Ephesians 2 phrase by phrase, inviting comments from the three Fathers. Mentor: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…

20 Eph. 2:8.