The Gospel transforms lives

I. Jesus is the source of the Gospel

* The true gospel is not invented by man, but is of divine origin!

  1. For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11, 12).
  2. Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time (1 Corinthians 15:1-6a).

II. Jesus is the subject of the Gospel

* The true gospel transforms lives by receiving Jesus Christ by faith!

  1. For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother?s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me (Galatians 1:13-16a).
  2. See 1 Timothy 1:12-16.

III. Jesus is the sender of the Gospel

* The true gospel inspires believers to share the truth with others!

  1. But when God . . . was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus (Galatians 1:15?17).
  2. "Come near to Me, listen to this: from the first I have not spoken in secret, from the time it took place, I was there. And now the Lord God has sent Me, and His Spirit" (Isa. 48:16).
  3. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, September 15th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"The Gospel transforms lives"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Being aware of many deceivers and false teachers is crucial as we study God's Word carefully (2 Timothy 2:15). Encourage one another to be like the "Bereans" of Acts 17:11 and examine Scripture daily to see what is truly of God!

Getting Started:

  1. Why is it vital to understand that the gospel has a divine origin and is not a man-made religious concept?
  2. What kind of distorted views of God and salvation does your personal story include, before that "But when God" moment transformed you?

Discussing Truths:

  1. Can you articulate the gospel message simply and clearly?
  2. Do you know Christians who have been deceived by false teachers like the Galatians believers had become?
  3. Why is it important to focus our lives, our faith, our thoughts, our eyes and our words on Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:3)?
  4. How was Paul's radical transformation from terrorist to an apostle a confirmation of the divine power of the gospel (Romans 1:16, 17)?
  5. Why do you think a personal testimony is one of the best ways to share the gospel with others?
  6. Jesus was sent into this world by God the Father to proclaim liberty to captives; now He is sending us into this world to carry the gracious message of God's love and forgiveness to all who will listen. Who in your OIKOS is Jesus sending you to share the gospel?

Now What? Application:

  1. Prayerfully seek out to share your testimony with someone this week!
  2. You have a PAST! Do you feel the freedom of forgiveness in your walk with Jesus? If not, will you seek out godly biblical counsel, so you can be "WALKING IN FREEDOM"?