Believe in the Gospel

This Jesus has changed the course of this world and even how we measure years, from the birth of Jesus, separating BC (before Christ) and AD (anno domini).

A RADICAL MESSAGE + COMING TO FAITH:

1. Defining the gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:16
   • Greek g2098 – euangélion; from the same as G2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:—gospel.
   • The OT anticipated the time God would intervene to save his people – Isaiah 40:9, 61:1-4
   • The NT declares that the time is fulfilled – Luke 4:16-21, Isaiah 61:1-2
   • The gospel writers focused on the words and works of Jesus; the gospel of Christ – Romans 15:19, 1 Corinthians 9:12, Galatians 1:7
2. The acrostic GOSPEL
   • The gospel is about GOD – Psalm 103, John 1:18
   • The gospel is about OURSELVES – Romans 3:10-11, 23, 6:23 (we are not decent people in need of improvement, we are rebels who need to lay down our arms – C.S. Lewis)
   • The gospel is about a SAVIOR – Isaiah 53:1-6, John 19:30, Matthew 27:51 (the cross is the bridge between sinful people and holy God)
   • The gospel is POWERFUL – Romans 1:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17
   • The gospel must be EMBRACED – John 1:12, James 2:19
   • The gospel is LIFE-ALTERING – 1 Peter 2:9-12, 3:15, Luke 17:5, Colossians 2:7, 2 Corinthians 10:15, Mark 1:15, 17

ALL THINGS NEW:

Not a One-off: Saved and baptize is only the beginning

1. Saved Past: from the penalty of sin – Justification
2. Saved Present: from the power of sin – Sanctification, Hebrews 2:3
   • New life – Ephesians 2:1-10
   • New standing with God – Romans 5:1-21
   • New identity – Romans 8:5-17
   • New nature (including desires and struggles) – 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Romans 7:21-23, Galatians 5:17, John 3:6, 6:63, Romans 7:18
   • New power – Ephesians 3:16, 2 Peter 1:3
3. Saved Future: from the presence of sin – Glorification, 1 John 3:2

Who I Am in Christ: Ephesians 1:3-8, Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 5:1, 8:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 1:12, 1 John 5:18, Romans 8:31-39, 1 Corinthians 6:17, John 15:15, Ephesians 2:6, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 2:9-10, 3:1-4, John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Hebrews 4:14-16, Ephesians 3:12, 2:10, 1 Peter 4:10, Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION:

Stats tell us that half of the people in churches are not sure they are saved. How can we know for certain? The Bible is clear.

1. Let’s start here:
   • 1 John 5:11-13
   • Romans 6:23
   • Ephesians 2:8-9
2. Let’s continue here:
   • John 14:6
   • John 17:3
   • Acts 4:12
   • 1 John 5:12
3. Finally:
   • 1 John 5:13
   • John 5:24

Truths About Eternal Life:

1. It is a Gift: 1 John 5:11, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
2. It is in Relationship with Christ: 1 John 1:12, John 14:6, 17:3, Acts 4:12
3. It is a Certainty: 1 John 5:13, John 5:24

Why Do We Doubt?

1. Feelings: (place our faith in the facts, not feeling) Facts-Faith-Feelings (facts are the engine, feelings are the caboose) – Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 2:20
2. Struggles: (struggles don’t disappear when we get saved) C.S. Lewis wrote that if you want a religion to make you feel comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.
3. Backsliding: (falling back into old patterns) 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 1:6, Galatians 5:16
4. Attacks: (the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, John 10:10) and will lie about what we have done with Christ – John 8:44, Ephesians 6:16
5. Losing Sight of Grace: (we are saved, we don’t have to work to keep it) Galatians 3:2-3, Ephesians 2:8-9, however, how do we know we are saved if we don’t embrace Ephesians 2:10?

This is an outline of the Rose Guide to Discipleship, c. 2016, Rose Publishing LLC, with some of my own additional notes. There is way more information, teaching, and clarification, so please purchase the book [on Amazon]