Category: Gospel
Subject: Gospel
Sermon: Philip’s Preaching in Samaria
A sermon showing the power of the gospel in the conversion of men, illustrated by the preaching Philip did in the region of Samaria.
Sermon: The Preacher and the Penitent
Luke’s narrative of the conversion of Cornelius and his household is unique in its use of two viewpoints to relate the facts. Both the preacher and the penitent are followed, with the two meeting as the gospel is preached and souls are saved.
Entrusted with the Gospel
God gave the apostles the work of presenting the gospel to the world. Paul wrote, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
By extension, any time any Christian shares the gospel of the Lord, he is acting as a steward. As Paul wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
It is logical, and also scriptural to assert that our speech when proclaiming the gospel is to conform to God’s expectations rather than men. Paul warned Timothy of a time when men would not want to hear the truth, and would instead “heap up for themselves” teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Two questions we need to ask ourselves:
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Are we the type of stewards who feel compelled to speak God’s word, as God desires?
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Are we the type of listeners who are willing to listen to and heed truth, no matter how much it hurts?
Being entrusted with the gospel is special. It requires faithfulness and dedication on our part. May we all, like Paul, take this honor given us by God, and act in a worthy manner.
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Sermon: God’s Mirror
The text of James 1:22-25 teaches us that we must know how we look to God, that we should seek to improve our look, and that we must look to the reliable “mirror” to ensure that we please Him.
Sermon: True Value
We need to be careful, and recognize the true value of things in life. Whether it be of a child (including the unborn), our sacrificial gifts, or the preaching of the gospel. True value is not found in monetary cost.
Entrusted with the Gospel
“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
What a blessed privilege enjoyed by Paul and the rest of the apostles! These men were not famous or important people. They were tax collectors and fishermen. When the gospel was first sounded forth from Jerusalem, the Jews who heard the apostles speaking in tongues were shocked! “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?…. Whatever could this mean?” (Acts 2:7,12).
What it meant was that these men were chosen by God to bring the “power of God to salvation” – the gospel – to the world. Paul, as one born out of due time, joined that group of men with this important task. He took it seriously. He determined to please God, not men. He determined to rest in the power of the gospel, rather than seeking approval by flattering words (2:5). He determined to never seek glory, though it would have easy for him to abuse his position of authority (2:6). In short, he accepted the gravity and weight of his appointment, and acted in keeping with that responsibility. “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (2:8).
It is our work to continue that proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Are we exhibiting that same integrity, determination and zeal present among the apostles? If not, why not?
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Sermon: The Mystery of Christ
An exegesis of Ephesians 3.
Sermon: The Facts of Christ
The facts about Jesus, because they are facts, constitute the saving gospel! (Romans 1:15-16), “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Sermon: The Conversion of Lydia
A discussion of aspects of the conversion of Lydia and her household, as revealed in Acts 16:14-15.
Sermon: Sharing the Gospel
All disciples are expected to share the gospel of our Lord with others. When it is done, it stirs things up. But, that is exactly what the gospel is supposed to do!
Invitation: The Saving Gospel
Speaker: Stan Cox
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the apostle notes the fundamental truths which make up the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. He assures the Corinthians that salvation is theirs, “if you hold fast that word…”
Sermon: Drawn to Jesus
This sermon expresses why we should desire to be drawn to Jesus, as well as how it is done.
The Power of God to Salvation
Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
His words are an interesting contrast to those of Jesus in John 5:39-40, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
There is no contradiction here. The gospel is powerful in that it is the means by which a sinner comes to Christ. We are saved by grace through faith (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no magic in the incantation of words. The Bible is not to be confused with the magician’s abracadabra.
Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The purpose of messianic prophecy, and the four gospels of the New Testament is to bring us to a knowledge of, and acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We must be noble as the Bereans (cf. Acts 17:11), and accept the truths that are contained in scripture. As Jesus notes, the scripture testifies of Him, and we must be willing to come to Him that we “may have life.”
Belief in Jesus requires belief in his virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection from the dead, and His ascension to God’s right hand. Will you come to Him?
Sermon: The Gospels of Christ
This sermon is a discussion of the gospels of Christ, and their purpose.
