Grace For The Journey

  How would you answer that question if someone asked you?  Over the past three blogs we have been looking at what the Bible teaches about the Gospel.  I pray that as we have been presented with these truths that they have enlarged your heart in appreciation of the Gospel and for the Gospel.   In my blog today, I want to look again at the Word of God and not only see the truths about the Gospel but come to personally and practically understand more clearly what the Gospel is so that we can not only define it more clearly, but we will be able to declare it more boldly, and defend it more firmly so that we can help other understand this wonderful and much needed truth.

Today’s blog will be different that my normal writing.  I am going to let you do your own Bible Study.  I will guide your study through suggested steps under three areas.   My intention is to not only drive you to the Word of God but that from an in-depth study of the Word of God you can declare it more easily.

Defining the Gospel

• From each of the following verses write out a definition of the Gospel: Romans 3:10; Romans 3:18, Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 1:12; John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:13; Revelation 3:20. 2:8-9.
• Read Peter’s sermons: At Pentecost in Acts 2:14-36; at the temple in Acts 3:12-26; to the religious leaders in Acts 4:8-12. Give the main points, with verses, that are the same in each sermon. How do these main points define the Gospel?
• List the phrases from Luke 24:1-7 that contain these same points.
• Write in your own words a definition of the Gospel for someone who has never heard it.

Declaring the Gospel

• Why was Paul obligated to declare the Gospel? Compare Romans 1:14 to 12 1 Timothy 1:12-16. To whom did he declare it in Romans 1:16??  Is anyone excluded from it?  Support your answer with phrases from John 3:16 and Acts 4:12
• Read Romans 1:15-16 and 2 Timothy 1:8-12. From these passages, what was Paul’s  attitude about declaring the Gospel?
• What was Peter’s attitude about declaring the Gospel in Acts 4:20?
• Read Acts 4:18-31; 5:40-42. What was the attitude of the early Christians towards  declaring the Gospel?
• How does Paul describe you and me in 2 Corinthians 5:20?
• What is your attitude toward declaring the Gospel?
• Pinpoint the time, the place and the person with whom you last shared the Gospel.
• Pray now and ask God to give you the opportunity this week to define and to declare  the Gospel to someone who doesn’t know it.
• As you pray and then look for opportunities to share the Gospel, what encouragement do you receive from the promises in Luke 21:15 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17?

Defending the Gospel

• How does Jude 3 challenge us to defend the Gospel?
• Why is this defense necessary, according to Jude 4 and 18
• How does Paul challenge us in 2 timothy 1:13-14 to defend the Gospel?
• What warning do we need to heed in Galatians 1:3-9?
• What are some “other gospels” being preached today?
• How do we defend the Gospel according to Ephesians 6:10-18?
• Why is sharing the Gospel so difficult? See 1 Corinthians 1:23; Ephesians 6:12; 2  Timothy 4:3-5; and 1 Peter 5:8.
• What is our Lord’s command in Mark 16:15? Is obedience optional?
• Read 1 John 4:4-6 and 1 John 5;3-5. From these verses, what promises does God  give to those who are obedient?  What insights?  What encouragement?

In a politically correct, inclusive, and tolerant culture that says there are many gods and that all religions are equal, what will you do to define, to declare and to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

This is God’s Word For Today … This Is Grace For The Journey

Rest and Rejoice in this eternal truth!

Pastor Terry

Ephesians 4:7 – “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”