Category: Gospel
Subject: Gospel
Sermon: The Importance of Gospel Meetings
In preparation for an upcoming gospel meeting, the lesson is designed to emphasize the importance of every member doing their part in the collective work of evangelism and edification.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Meeting Attendance
Last week the Old Granbury Road congregation had a gospel meeting, with Harry Osborne doing the preaching. We announced it, and I am thankful that several of our number took advantage of the opportunities to hear the gospel preached by a capable servant.
In fact, we had 21 that attended on Monday, 6 on Tuesday (as reported to me), and 16 on Thursday. That is a pretty good representation, and the support was an encouragement to that fine congregation.
However, the greater benefit was to those of us who attended. The singing was encouraging, the messages edifying, and the association with other Christians a joy.
I know some may tire of my many appeals to attend such efforts, but I feel like the apostle Paul who wrote the Philippians, “I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (4:17). Paul was referring to their gift to him, but the principle applies here as well. By encouraging and supporting brethren elsewhere, you bear fruit for the Master. God is pleased with your selflessness, and you receive the added strength that worship and study brings. It is a win—win experience, and one I wish that more brethren would pursue regularly.
I know that it takes time, especially if the building is an hour or so away. It takes effort to get the kids ready, or to get those old bones moving. But I promise the effort is worth it. Many opportunities will present themselves in the next few months. So, how about it!
Invitation delivered by: Stan CoxThe Parable of the Sower
Jesus often taught by parable. A parable is a story told, using simple objects or situations, to illustrate a spiritual principle. Such illustrations can be extremely powerful, and this is certainly the case with his Parable of the Sower. The parable is included in all of the synoptic gospels, (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:2-9, 13-20; Luke 8:4-15).
The accounts reveal that the disciples were first confused about the meaning of this parable. Fortunately for us, Jesus gave to them and us a clear explanation of his words. Consider the following important points that can be derived from this parable. Citations will be from the account recorded by Luke:
Sermon: Spread the Gospel
Sermon by Josh Cox.
The text of Matthew 10, where Jesus commissioned his apostles to spread his gospel is used as a parallel to express our own responsibilities to preach the good news.
Sermon: This day is a day of good news
The narrative of 2 Kings 7, where the lepers’ felt need to share the good news of God’s victory over Syria is used to express our obligation to share the gospel with the world.
Sermon: The Mystery Revealed
An exegetical examination of Ephesians 3, emphasizing the power and worth of the gospel of Christ.
Sermon: The Importance of God’s Word
Sermon by Josh Cox.
God’s word is the most important possession we have on this earth. It is the means of gaining access to eternal rest and reward.
The Gospel of Mark (Witness of the Christ)
The first three gospels are known as synoptic. The term is defined: “of or forming a general outline or synopsis.” Each of these gospels contain a generally chronological snapshot of the life of our Lord. They are not exhaustive. Though similar, they are written from different perspectives. As would be expected, they emphasize different aspects of Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching.
It would be improper to refer to the gospels as either biographies or histories, though there are elements of each in all four of the books. Too often the works are criticized because they do not make a formal and verifiable effort to document the life of the Lord. Such attacks are unfair in imposing modern standards upon ancient writings, and in failing to recognize the theological motivations of the writers. As John wrote in John 20:30-31, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Continue reading “The Gospel of Mark (Witness of the Christ)”
The Patternists: A Different Gospel
In Galatians 1:6-7, the apostle Paul wrote, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
I often explain this text by noting what the word “gospel” means. The word literally means “good tidings” or good news. The message of the Christ is good news for mankind. Because of His perfect life, his sacrificial death, and his resurrection from the dead, men have the hope of heaven.
Keeping that in mind, consider this paraphrase of our text. Paul basically is saying, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon to a different good news, which is not good news, but a perversion of the good news.”
The lesson is simple, if someone changes the “good news” or gospel of our Lord, it is no longer good news at all! Why? Because it no longer has the power to save!
The “some” of which Paul speaks were teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised in order to be accepted of God. By binding circumcision they were changing the gospel message to one that no longer was “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (cf. Romans 1:16). They were people who believed in Jesus as the Son of God, and believed every aspect of His life, death and resurrection. And yet their change condemned them, and also condemned those who accepted their teaching (cf. Galatians 1:8-9).
This is an object lesson to all who claim that what we believe and teach does not impact our standing before God. How many times have we heard the sentiment, “It doesn’t matter what you teach, as long as you believe that Christ is your Savior”? Paul writes that such is not the case! As our Lord proclaimed, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
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Sermon: A Fool for Christ
In 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, the apostle Paul refers to himself as a fool. However, he was willing to be considered as such, that he might preach the gospel of Christ.
Sermon: Retaining God’s Standard of Salvation
Fall 2014 Meeting
Speaker: Bryan Gary of Dumas, TX
In 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul wrote Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (NASB).
This ninth in a series of 9 lessons emphasizes what the Bible teaches about Salvation, and examines some of the perversions of men on that aspect of God’s will.
Sermon: Psalm 119 (The Benefits of God’s Word)
The 119th Psalm describes some of the benefits that come from immersing oneself in the word of God. His law, precepts, statutes, commandments, are good for man, helping him in this world, and preparing him for the life to come.
Invitation: Perverting the Gospel
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Both in Galatians 1, and 2 Corinthians 11, Paul warns his readers about “putting up with” a perverted gospel. A perverted gospel can not save! We must contend for and accept the faith as it was once delivered to us!
Invitation: Preaching, the Gospel, Faith and Salvation
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Romans 1 and Romans 10 show the relationship between the preaching of the gospel, and the formation of the faith that saves men’s souls.
