The Gospel-Centered Life & Ministry

I've been working on some lectures for a pastor's conference we're doing in October. My topic in general is "Pastoral Theology" and I'm currently (today) working on a couple of workshops on gospel-centered ministry--that is, on the centrality of the gospel in pastoral ministry (and indeed, all of life). My thesis is that the cross of Christ and his work of redemption should lie at the heart of all pastoral work and should be the central focus (or perhaps "obsession" would be a better word) of every Christian. In fact, the last three or four years, this "obsession with the gospel" has become something of a personal life and ministry focus for me (e.g., see the verse at the top of this blog).

Today I ran across a good post by Rick Phillips on the Ref21 blog on this very subject (note especially the words I place in italics):

Here is something on my mind: If we are more fascinated or excited about anything more than the fact that the Son of God voluntarily suffered in our place, bearing the guilt our sins deserved, then we are in big trouble. I get the impression that many today . . . are rather bored with the cross of Christ and the justification of sinners through faith alone. But there is no greater mystery and no more glorious theme than this. Do we get bored hearing the "same old gospel?" If so, our ministries and our lives are heading for big trouble. In my opinion, if there is one there would be no more powerful influence in our lives and our churches than for us sincerely to exclaim with Paul: May I never boast except in the cross of Christ Jesus my Lord.

So what's your greatest fascination and source of excitement today?!!! What's at the center of your mental and emotional and spiritual universe?