Message 7: A New Understanding of the Gospel
When you hear the word “Gospel” what images and words come to mind?
• The New Testament?
• Jesus hanging on the Cross?
• “Good News”?
• Billy Graham preaching?
Those are all a part of the Gospel. But the Gospel is far more than that. That’s what we are going to look at today – as we continue our series on the 21st Century Christian.
But, first let me review where we’ve been:
The 21st Century Christian…
• Has had a change of identity from sinner to saint of God!
• Has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to do even greater things that Jesus!
• Has authority over the devil, demons and illness to demonstrate the Kingdom of God!
• Has responsibility to speak faith – fighting against satan and fighting for people!
• Ha been given utter freedom to be exactly the person God created them to be!
Today I want to focus our thoughts on the true meaning of the Gospel. God is raising up a generation of Christians – world-wide – who understand the implications and meaning of the Gospel, and as a result, are becoming fully alive in Christ!
One Christian said: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” And I agree. Too many Christians are walking zombies, saying all the right things, but not experiencing the life Christ offers.
The Gospel is an offer to become fully alive.
Jesus said: “come to me to have life.” John 5:40
David wrote of his relationship with God: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalms 16:11
This life that I speak of is not a life that is based upon circumstances and ‘good times’ – it is a life of faith that cannot be shaken by the temporal earthquakes this world and Satan might roll your way. This life is not just for Heaven, it is also for today!
And this life comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I want to offer three categories of understanding that we must come to terms with.
The 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
1. The PERSON of Christ.
This seems obvious, of course the Gospel is all about Jesus. But, much of modern Christianity is truly more about the traditions of men, denominational systems and doctrinal truths. Churches have their creeds, their professional clergymen and their programs – very little of Jesus is really needed in many people’s lives.
But that isn’t Christianity. To be a Christian is to be a follower of Jesus. To be a follower of Jesus is to do what He would have you do. To do what He would have you do, you have to listen to His instructions. And to listen to His instructions requires a vital, living, personal relationship with Him.
Jesus said: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
Do you listen to Him?
Are you in tune with Him?
Is there a constancy about your walk with Christ that enables you to have regular intimate one-on-one conversations with Him?
I’m not asking these questions to make you feel guilty – I’m asking them to challenge you to move in close to Christ – to develop a genuine friendship with Him.
For many months, Jesus has been speaking a consistent word to me about my need for HIM. When I journal, He speaks and repeatedly He says: “abide in me…” Jesus wants me to stay close to Him. To devote time and effort to being with Him. Me and Jesus, hanging out. Getting tight. Staying close.
Do you want your life to matter for the Kingdom of God? Do you want to have Him use you for His purposes? Jesus tells us exactly how. He tells us what the process is.
In John 15 He says…
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4, 5
In John 15 – the word ‘remain’ or ‘remains’ is used 11 times in verses 4-10!
Christ is calling you to Himself. Not as a set of facts, not as a creed, not as a principle – no, He calls us to Himself as a PERSON.
How do you get close to this person?
The Greek word ‘remain’ – or ‘abide’ is the word literally means to ‘continue to be present’. In and throughout your day, be present unto the Lord. He is with you – everywhere you go – He is present. Cultivate His presence. Eliminate unnecessary distractions. Do you drive alone in your car? Do you listen to talk radio? Cut it back by 25% - and spend that same time with Christ. Invite Him to go with you on your commute.
The 21st Century Christian understands that the essence of their faith is not to a set of facts, to a doctrinal statement – even not to the Bible – no, The Gospel is all about the Person of Jesus Christ.
The 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
2. The RESURRECTION of Christ.
What is the most familiar symbol of Christianity? The Cross.
The resurrection is not a tack on to the ‘good news of the cross’ – it is the flip side of the same coin. The cross means that God isn’t mad at us anymore – but without the resurrection – we are all still dead! With the resurrection, we get to live forever!
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith… "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17
What is the basic problem of all human beings? They all die. And death being inescapable is also permanent. One of the stronger instincts of the human being is the ability to survive. We are survivers – but we still cannot beat back death forever.
Within thirty years of Christ’s resurrection, the Gospel message had been preached in every corner of the Roman Empire. What explains this rapid expansion? The Gospel message demonstrates that the death problem has been solved!
Paul’s quick summary of the Gospel message in Romans 10:9 says…
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Do you notice that the CROSS isn’t mentioned here? But the RESURRECTION is! The Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the single most important event in history!
Why? Because the resurrection is what proves Christ’s identity as the Son of God and it is what gives us the hope of eternal life! Because Christ arose – we will too!
The early church focused on the resurrection – read Acts, read the letters of Paul – you’ll see it – they vigorously preached the resurrection of Christ. I’m not saying they didn’t preach the cross – but their focus was on the victory of the resurrection. And they changed the world with this message!
Did you know that it wasn’t until 400 years after Christ that the church began to use the cross as a symbol? The cross to the early Christians was a sign of a horrific way of being executed by the state. If Christ were executed today, we’d probably wear little electric chairs on our necklaces.
Why focus on the resurrection? Because people everywhere need HOPE. Hope that there is more to life than this one. Hope that God can do for us what medicine, exercise and good genes cannot. Hope that our lives have more meaning than simply living for 60 – 70 or 80 years and then dying only to become nothing at that point. The resurrection is HOPE!
And 21st Century Christians understand the vital importance of emphasizing the hope of the resurrection to a dying world.
Thirdly, the 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
3. An ABUNDANT LIFE in Christ.
In John 10:10 we see two different strategies:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
• The strategy of Satan – death.
• The strategy of Jesus – life.
The King James Version says… “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The Greek word for ‘abundantly’ is ‘perissos’ which means… ‘to have more, beyond measure, exceedingly more, over and above, beyond what is necessary, superior, supreme, extraordinary, uncommon, etc.’
The 21st Century Christian live life at an uncommon level.
For the Gospel doesn’t just offer Heaven, but Christ offers a victorious life on earth. Christ offers you and I today a quality of life that exceeds expectations, that turns us from victims into victors, that enables us to ‘walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ with confidence and joy.
For too long, the church has not made this offer clear. We’ve substituted abundant life for rules and regulations. We’ve accepted crumbs of pleasure when God offers a feast of joy!
How do I get this abundant life? Look at John 10:10 again: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
It seems to me that anything that takes away from true life is not from God – so, firstly –
1. Stop blaming God for your problems. God is not the author of your problems.
2. Stay close to Jesus – daily. Intimacy creates opportunity for blessing.
3. Eliminate the things that get in the way of your relationship with Christ.
4. Simplify your life so that your relationship with Christ can be more fulfilling.
5. Acknowledge that your life is part of a spiritual war between God and Satan.
It is better to fight the good fight of faith and to suffer for the cause of Christ than it is if you win the whole world and lose your soul for eternity.
You see, abundant life is not measure by worldly standards. The world looks at numbers, at possessions, at status, and ultimately at what level of power you’ve achieved – but Christ looks at humility, service, sacrifice and faith. If you aren’t investing in service, sacrifice, humility and faith before God, you aren’t living an abundant life in Christ!
Bob Erickson was one of the pastors of Water of Life Church. Water of Life is one of the fastest growing churches in the Inland Empire. You’d think that Pastor Erickson had it made. But – God was calling him to a different kind of ministry and Bob sacrificed his position at Water of Life to establish a small network of House Churches in Rancho Cucamonga. He told me: “In 25 years of ministry, I’ve never been happier or more effective than I am right now!”
Bob Bradley planted a daughter church from the great Faith Community Church of West Covina in Ontario about 14 years ago. After going through the usual pattern of new churches, including leasing a commercial building for a number of years, two years ago, God lead Bob and his wife to begin a network of House Churches in Rancho, Fontana and Ontario. Bob has told me: “I’m finally free to be a pastor, not a CEO.”
Doug Lee was the Worship Pastor at Community Baptist Church of Alta Loma for a number of years. CBS is one of the most successful churches in the Inland Empire. About 10 years ago, God called Doug to leave CBC and plant a network of House Churches that stretch from San Bernardino to Claremont. Doug has told me: “This is the best time of ministry I’ve ever experience.”
SUMMIT Church has gone through a season of pruning and we are now in a season of preparation. God is calling you and I to level of living that is only possible through genuine intimacy and dependency upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit!
Let me say something straight and clear: I’d rather live the abundant life of Christ – ministering His power and presence to those around me, than to have the ‘American Dream” that can be taken away by thieves, rust and taxes!
Hear me beloved: Don’t settle for anything less than God’s absolute best for your life! He desires to pour into your life so much blessing that you cannot contain it.
CONCLUSION: The Gospel is an offer to become fully alive.
DO YOU WANT THIS ABUNDANCE?
Get close to Jesus and do what He says. That’s all there is. There isn’t any more. If you’ll abide – remain – in Christ – He will produce the harvest in your life that you desire!
Get close to Jesus.
Today – repent of your false understanding of the Gospel
Today – confess your sin to the Lord
Today – renew your commitment to Him
Today – be filled with His Holy Spirit
• The New Testament?
• Jesus hanging on the Cross?
• “Good News”?
• Billy Graham preaching?
Those are all a part of the Gospel. But the Gospel is far more than that. That’s what we are going to look at today – as we continue our series on the 21st Century Christian.
But, first let me review where we’ve been:
The 21st Century Christian…
• Has had a change of identity from sinner to saint of God!
• Has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to do even greater things that Jesus!
• Has authority over the devil, demons and illness to demonstrate the Kingdom of God!
• Has responsibility to speak faith – fighting against satan and fighting for people!
• Ha been given utter freedom to be exactly the person God created them to be!
Today I want to focus our thoughts on the true meaning of the Gospel. God is raising up a generation of Christians – world-wide – who understand the implications and meaning of the Gospel, and as a result, are becoming fully alive in Christ!
One Christian said: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” And I agree. Too many Christians are walking zombies, saying all the right things, but not experiencing the life Christ offers.
The Gospel is an offer to become fully alive.
Jesus said: “come to me to have life.” John 5:40
David wrote of his relationship with God: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalms 16:11
This life that I speak of is not a life that is based upon circumstances and ‘good times’ – it is a life of faith that cannot be shaken by the temporal earthquakes this world and Satan might roll your way. This life is not just for Heaven, it is also for today!
And this life comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I want to offer three categories of understanding that we must come to terms with.
The 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
1. The PERSON of Christ.
This seems obvious, of course the Gospel is all about Jesus. But, much of modern Christianity is truly more about the traditions of men, denominational systems and doctrinal truths. Churches have their creeds, their professional clergymen and their programs – very little of Jesus is really needed in many people’s lives.
But that isn’t Christianity. To be a Christian is to be a follower of Jesus. To be a follower of Jesus is to do what He would have you do. To do what He would have you do, you have to listen to His instructions. And to listen to His instructions requires a vital, living, personal relationship with Him.
Jesus said: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
Do you listen to Him?
Are you in tune with Him?
Is there a constancy about your walk with Christ that enables you to have regular intimate one-on-one conversations with Him?
I’m not asking these questions to make you feel guilty – I’m asking them to challenge you to move in close to Christ – to develop a genuine friendship with Him.
For many months, Jesus has been speaking a consistent word to me about my need for HIM. When I journal, He speaks and repeatedly He says: “abide in me…” Jesus wants me to stay close to Him. To devote time and effort to being with Him. Me and Jesus, hanging out. Getting tight. Staying close.
Do you want your life to matter for the Kingdom of God? Do you want to have Him use you for His purposes? Jesus tells us exactly how. He tells us what the process is.
In John 15 He says…
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4, 5
In John 15 – the word ‘remain’ or ‘remains’ is used 11 times in verses 4-10!
Christ is calling you to Himself. Not as a set of facts, not as a creed, not as a principle – no, He calls us to Himself as a PERSON.
How do you get close to this person?
The Greek word ‘remain’ – or ‘abide’ is the word literally means to ‘continue to be present’. In and throughout your day, be present unto the Lord. He is with you – everywhere you go – He is present. Cultivate His presence. Eliminate unnecessary distractions. Do you drive alone in your car? Do you listen to talk radio? Cut it back by 25% - and spend that same time with Christ. Invite Him to go with you on your commute.
The 21st Century Christian understands that the essence of their faith is not to a set of facts, to a doctrinal statement – even not to the Bible – no, The Gospel is all about the Person of Jesus Christ.
The 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
2. The RESURRECTION of Christ.
What is the most familiar symbol of Christianity? The Cross.
The resurrection is not a tack on to the ‘good news of the cross’ – it is the flip side of the same coin. The cross means that God isn’t mad at us anymore – but without the resurrection – we are all still dead! With the resurrection, we get to live forever!
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith… "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17
What is the basic problem of all human beings? They all die. And death being inescapable is also permanent. One of the stronger instincts of the human being is the ability to survive. We are survivers – but we still cannot beat back death forever.
Within thirty years of Christ’s resurrection, the Gospel message had been preached in every corner of the Roman Empire. What explains this rapid expansion? The Gospel message demonstrates that the death problem has been solved!
Paul’s quick summary of the Gospel message in Romans 10:9 says…
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Do you notice that the CROSS isn’t mentioned here? But the RESURRECTION is! The Resurrection of Christ from the dead is the single most important event in history!
Why? Because the resurrection is what proves Christ’s identity as the Son of God and it is what gives us the hope of eternal life! Because Christ arose – we will too!
The early church focused on the resurrection – read Acts, read the letters of Paul – you’ll see it – they vigorously preached the resurrection of Christ. I’m not saying they didn’t preach the cross – but their focus was on the victory of the resurrection. And they changed the world with this message!
Did you know that it wasn’t until 400 years after Christ that the church began to use the cross as a symbol? The cross to the early Christians was a sign of a horrific way of being executed by the state. If Christ were executed today, we’d probably wear little electric chairs on our necklaces.
Why focus on the resurrection? Because people everywhere need HOPE. Hope that there is more to life than this one. Hope that God can do for us what medicine, exercise and good genes cannot. Hope that our lives have more meaning than simply living for 60 – 70 or 80 years and then dying only to become nothing at that point. The resurrection is HOPE!
And 21st Century Christians understand the vital importance of emphasizing the hope of the resurrection to a dying world.
Thirdly, the 21st Century Christian UNDERSTANDS that the Gospel is about…
3. An ABUNDANT LIFE in Christ.
In John 10:10 we see two different strategies:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
• The strategy of Satan – death.
• The strategy of Jesus – life.
The King James Version says… “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The Greek word for ‘abundantly’ is ‘perissos’ which means… ‘to have more, beyond measure, exceedingly more, over and above, beyond what is necessary, superior, supreme, extraordinary, uncommon, etc.’
The 21st Century Christian live life at an uncommon level.
For the Gospel doesn’t just offer Heaven, but Christ offers a victorious life on earth. Christ offers you and I today a quality of life that exceeds expectations, that turns us from victims into victors, that enables us to ‘walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ with confidence and joy.
For too long, the church has not made this offer clear. We’ve substituted abundant life for rules and regulations. We’ve accepted crumbs of pleasure when God offers a feast of joy!
How do I get this abundant life? Look at John 10:10 again: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
It seems to me that anything that takes away from true life is not from God – so, firstly –
1. Stop blaming God for your problems. God is not the author of your problems.
2. Stay close to Jesus – daily. Intimacy creates opportunity for blessing.
3. Eliminate the things that get in the way of your relationship with Christ.
4. Simplify your life so that your relationship with Christ can be more fulfilling.
5. Acknowledge that your life is part of a spiritual war between God and Satan.
It is better to fight the good fight of faith and to suffer for the cause of Christ than it is if you win the whole world and lose your soul for eternity.
You see, abundant life is not measure by worldly standards. The world looks at numbers, at possessions, at status, and ultimately at what level of power you’ve achieved – but Christ looks at humility, service, sacrifice and faith. If you aren’t investing in service, sacrifice, humility and faith before God, you aren’t living an abundant life in Christ!
Bob Erickson was one of the pastors of Water of Life Church. Water of Life is one of the fastest growing churches in the Inland Empire. You’d think that Pastor Erickson had it made. But – God was calling him to a different kind of ministry and Bob sacrificed his position at Water of Life to establish a small network of House Churches in Rancho Cucamonga. He told me: “In 25 years of ministry, I’ve never been happier or more effective than I am right now!”
Bob Bradley planted a daughter church from the great Faith Community Church of West Covina in Ontario about 14 years ago. After going through the usual pattern of new churches, including leasing a commercial building for a number of years, two years ago, God lead Bob and his wife to begin a network of House Churches in Rancho, Fontana and Ontario. Bob has told me: “I’m finally free to be a pastor, not a CEO.”
Doug Lee was the Worship Pastor at Community Baptist Church of Alta Loma for a number of years. CBS is one of the most successful churches in the Inland Empire. About 10 years ago, God called Doug to leave CBC and plant a network of House Churches that stretch from San Bernardino to Claremont. Doug has told me: “This is the best time of ministry I’ve ever experience.”
SUMMIT Church has gone through a season of pruning and we are now in a season of preparation. God is calling you and I to level of living that is only possible through genuine intimacy and dependency upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit!
Let me say something straight and clear: I’d rather live the abundant life of Christ – ministering His power and presence to those around me, than to have the ‘American Dream” that can be taken away by thieves, rust and taxes!
Hear me beloved: Don’t settle for anything less than God’s absolute best for your life! He desires to pour into your life so much blessing that you cannot contain it.
CONCLUSION: The Gospel is an offer to become fully alive.
DO YOU WANT THIS ABUNDANCE?
Get close to Jesus and do what He says. That’s all there is. There isn’t any more. If you’ll abide – remain – in Christ – He will produce the harvest in your life that you desire!
Get close to Jesus.
Today – repent of your false understanding of the Gospel
Today – confess your sin to the Lord
Today – renew your commitment to Him
Today – be filled with His Holy Spirit
posted by Doug Love at 8:52 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home