Come And See

 The Gospel Description.

I Corinthians 15:1-4

INTRODUCTION

 1.When we think about the importance of the gospel message, and all that we learn from it, we can indeed appreciate what Paul said in (I Corinthians 15:1-4).

 2. Paul, in four verses of scripture reveals to us the power in the message of the gospel and tells his audience the importance of remembering these things.

3. Do you know what the word “gospel” means? euaggelelion = “glad tidings” or “good news”

4. We must make sure that we treat the gospel like good news, and open our Bibles today to see how this gospel message is described.

5. Although it teaches the same truth, the gospel is called by several names, and we must appreciate the importance of each one, and understand the meanings behind each of them.

I. DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE GOSPEL IN THE BIBLE.

A. The gospel of God - I Thessalonians 2:2, 9; I Timothy 1:11

-We see that the gospel is said to be the gospel of God, which signifies His ownership in the Bible.

1.God is the ultimate source and author of the Bible.-  II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21.

-The Bible is “inspired” theopneustos = God-breathed signifying that God is the eternal author of the Bible.

 -Although God chose to reveal His word through men, they were guided by His Spirit to deliver the gospel message.

---Indeed we understand why the Bible would address the message as the gospel of God, and we must understand the importance of heeding these teachings that come from God.                                      

---We have to realize if we haven’t already that when we read the Bible, it is synonymous to talking to our heavenly Father, and learning of His will for us. 

B. The gospel of Christ- Romans 15:19; I Corinthians 9:12; Galatians 1:7

  -Paul made mention of this message as the gospel of Christ and there is a very good reason why he would address it this way.

-This is not a contradiction in the Bible, but is only shedding more light on the importance of the gospel message

1. Christ is the subject, object, and the very life of the gospel message.

-Paul (Ephesians 2:12,13), Peter (I Peter 3:18), John (I John 4:9-10).

 -The gospel’s speak of the Lord’s birth, life, teachings, miracles, death, burial and resurrection all for our sake.

-  It is the good news that Paul, Peter, John, and the rest of the apostles, preached about our Lord paying the price for our sins, giving us a way to be right with God.

 ---What we must realize, is that it is through this gospel message that we view God’s love for us, in the giving of His only begotten Son that we might be justified by His perfect sacrifice.

C. The gospel of the grace of God -Acts 20:24; Acts 14:3; Acts 20:32

-When Paul departed from the Ephesian elders, he had a desire to finish the course, and to continue in the work of preaching the gospel of grace.

 1. The grace of God is found in this good news.

-What does the grace of God do for us? Ephesians 2:4-9

-How did God show His grace to man? Romans 1:5; Romans 3:23-26

-Who do we obtain this grace from? Romans 5:1-2; John 1:14-17

- Where do we find this grace? Hebrews 4:16

-What does this grace teach us? Titus 2:11-14; 3:7

---Although we have examined many passages about the grace of God in the gospel, there are 167 passages talking about that grace, indeed we could see why this would be called “the gospel of the grace of God”, or the “word of His grace”.

D. The gospel of peace -Ephesians 6:15

-When man sinned against God, the peace they once had with one another was disturbed in that now man had separated himself from God and His will

-But again, good news has come to man so that He might make things right with God.

1.The peace between God and man comes by the gospel-Ephesians 2:11-18

-Notice that man was not at complete peace with God, the Jews would not follow God, the Greeks were not yet called to do so, but now since Christ has died we are all called to make peace with God through the death that He died for the sins of the world.

-Also, notice that the word peace is used three times in this text

-Christ is our peace through His death.  (vs. 14)

-abolishment of the old law making peace. (vs. 15)

-peace was preached that those who were at enmity with God could once again be at peace with Him. (vs. 17)

 ---Many prayers and exhortations are made throughout the gospel that the peace of God be with the brethren, and that they might continue in peace with God.

---When this good message came from God indeed it was for the purpose of making peace with mankind, that we would all follow His will for us.

E. The gospel of your salvation. -Ephesians 1:13

 -Salvation means “preservation from destruction or danger, saving, A means or cause for such deliverance”

-This is exactly what the Bible offers to man so that he might receive the grace of God and be at peace with Him once again.

1. Instruction for salvation is found within the gospel message.

HEAR       - Romans 10:17

BELIEVE   - John 8:24

REPENT     - Luke 13;3, 5; Acts 17:30.

CONFESS -Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37

BAPTIZED - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21.

--- The gospel indeed reveals to us the plan that God has made for saving man.

---The Bible also encourages us to work out our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12)

---We cannot neglect this great salvation (Hebrews 2:3).

---There can be no misunderstanding as to why this good news would be called the gospel of our salvation, seeing the incredible plan that God has revealed to us for salvation in His written word.

CONCLUSION

1. There are many wonderful descriptions of the good news that has been delivered unto us, and it’s message is so powerful.

2. What do all of these names mean?

3. God has spoke to us in His Son, Jesus Christ in whom the grace of God was bestowed upon us through His death, bringing peace between God and all men who would be obedient to His plan of salvation.

 ---So many names but one powerful message!

 ---What will you do with the good news you have heard today?

---Whether you are a Christian or not, realize that your soul is at stake this day if you have sin in your life, and that through your obedience to the word of God you can be forgiven.

---We are ready to assist you if you are subject to this good news to which you have heard today.

---Won’t you come while together we stand and sing...

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Last modified: 05/02/08

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