Gospel Responses

Topics: Gospel, responses, Easter

The Gospel:

1. Good News - God loves you and wants a relationship with you!
2. Bad News - We are all sinners and have separated from God!
3. Great News - Christ died for our sins and rose again to give us life!
4. You Choose - Your response determines your eternity!

I. Some laugh it off

* Humor is often used to deflect truths from being examined!

1. Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer (Acts 17:32a).

2. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One" (Luke 23:35).

II. Some put it off

* Procrastination is one of the deception tactics of the devil!

1. Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, "We shall hear you again concerning this" (Acts 17:32).
2. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you" (Acts 24:25).

III. Some take it in

* Salvation is a gracious gift of forgiveness from our loving God!

1. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:30, 31).
2. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them (Acts 17:34).

Easter sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 31^st, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Gospel Responses"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Knowing how to present a clear and concise message of the gospel is essential; therefore, take some time in your Life Group to share various ways of sharing the gospel. Also, include times when each person can briefly share their personal testimony (the most effective witnessing tool).

Getting Started:

1. What kind of responses have you encountered when sharing the gospel with people?
2. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ such a critical truth for the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:12 - 20)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Find Scripture to support each of the four key points of the gospel:

• The Good News: God loves you and wants a relationship with you!
• The Bad News: We are all sinners, separated from God & the penalty is death!
• The Great News: Christ died for our sins and rose again to give us life!
• You Choose: Your response determines your eternal destiny!

2. Have you known someone, like Ricky Gervais, who laughs off the idea of death and the afterlife? Pray for their eyes to be opened!
3. Do you know of people who are 'putting off' the decision to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord (John 1:12, 13)? Why do you think people procrastinate on such an important decision?
4. How does Romans 10:9, 10 and Ephesians 2:4-10 build on Jesus' resurrection?

Now What? Application:

1. Write out a clear and concise personal testimony that can be shared in 3 minutes.
2. Will you share Jesus Christ with someone in your OIKOS this week? Share your personal testimony with them.