Hi Vic,
You are right! When someone mentions the Word of God -- that has two meanings. The Bible is the "Written Word of God" and Jesus Christ is the "Living Word of God." As you pointed out, that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God is confirmed in John 1:1-5 and John 1:14-18.
This is why, when referring to the Bible I will typically write the "Written Word of God" if there is any possibility that the two could be confused.
And, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 confirms that the Bible is the Written Word of God, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [fn]training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
However, I do not equate the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Written Word of God. The Written Word of God is the entire Bible, all 66 books. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is delineated by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and basically is defined as: The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ according to Scripture.
In this sense, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a part of the full Written Word of God. We share the Written Word of God with the world -- and we specifically share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those seeking salvation -- for, as Paul tells us in Romans 1:16, ". . . for in it (the Gospel) is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. . ."
". . . for by grace you have been saved through faith. . ." (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Thank you, Vic. Good post.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill