Getting a Grip on the Gospel
“The Power of God for Salvation” Romans 1:14-17
“We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives…” 1 Thess. 2:8
I. Core Value #4 – Biblical Community
One of the primary characteristics of the End Times will be division & __________. cf. Matt. 24:9-12 Like the Early Church, we must “continually devote” ourselves to “_______________.” cf. Acts 2:42 Fellowship is the spiritual duty of believers to _____________ each other to love & good deeds. (Heb. 10) i.e. “the Day” is “drawing near!!” (Heb. 10:23-25) Authentic, biblical community is best expressed by the “______ __________” in the N.T.. cf. Rom. 12:10 Being created “in God’s image” means that our identity is found in ____________! cf. Jn. 17:21; Phil. 2:1-2 The Gospel Message invites a lost person into a _____, Christ-centered community! i.e. reconciliation; unity Our Greatest Apologetic to a lost world is our ______. cf. Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 4:7-8, 11-12
“See, how they love one another…” Tertullian, 197 A.D.
II. Core Value #5 – Biblical Mission
FYI – No passage of Scripture commands a ________ person to go to church!
The Church of Jesus Christ is called to ___________ the world & our communities with the Gospel.
cf. Matt. 5:13-16; 28:18-20; Lk. 24:45-48; Acts 1:8
The Gospel creates & nourishes the Community, while the Community __________ & embodies the Gospel. cf. Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Thess. 2:8 – The 5.3 Principle
KEY – It is vitally important for the spiritually lost World to _______ & ______ the Gospel. (Rom. 10:17)
“Ideally evangelism is not something to be undertaken in isolation… Christian community is a vital part of Christian mission.” Tim Chester & Steve Timmis
Our witness for Christ begins at _______ & extends to the Ends of the Earth. cf. Lk. 24:47; Acts 1:8
Practical Application:
- Get in the House! – Have you repented?
- Get in the Game! – Are you connected?
- Get on the Mission! – Are you too comfortable?
Appointments with God
“When God CALLS”
Monday, February 14th
Meditate upon the Sovereignty of God’s Call on your life:
- Romans 8:28-30
Note you were “called according to His purpose” and that your calling originated in predestination! Spend time praising God for His gracious choice!
Tuesday, February 15th
Meditate upon the Complexity of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Note the words “chosen you from the beginning.” He called us that we might “gain the glory…” Wow-Thank God for the “Gospel” that was shared with you! Pray for 1 Person to share it with today.
Wednesday, February 16th
Meditate upon the Uniqueness of God’s Call on your life:
- 1 Cor. 1:22-31
How is God’s choice of people He calls different than the world’s? Why does He do this? Why did He choose you? Confess your sin of pride to God!
Thursday, February 17th
Meditate upon the Certainty of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Peter 1:5-11
Note the long list of character qualities that are to be “yours and increasing” as a believer. What does it mean to “make certain His calling?” Ask God’s Spirit to search your heart & show you your sin!
Friday, February 18th
Meditate upon the Mercy of God in calling you:
- 1 Timothy 1:12-16
Note that God “put Paul into service.” Paul said “I found mercy.” Spend time praising God for all the ways He has had mercy on you in calling & giving you a specific gift and area of service!
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 19-20
Meditate upon the Adequacy of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Cor. 2:16; 3:4-6; 1 Thess. 5:24
Did Paul feel adequate to serve in ministry? Where did His adequacy come from? Recommit yourself & your gifts to God for Him to use you today!
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