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The emphasis of this Bible Conference is CELEBRATING THE BIBLICAL GOSPEL – the good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!

REVIEW

In our last study, we affirmed what the pure gospel requires something of us, we denied the claims of a perverted gospel, and explained some reasons for the affirmations and denials.

 

THE MESSAGE – Compelling Reasons for Preaching the Gospel.

In this session, we will explore the descriptions of the gospel, the definitions of the gospel, and the decrees of the gospel.

Keep this in mind. When you hear the words “The Gospel,” It means God’s good news!  Let’s continue by looking at:

A.   The Descriptions of the Gospel.  The New Testament describes the gospel as follows:

1.   The gospel of God (Rom.1:1)

2.   The gospel of Christ (2 Cor.2:12)

3.   The gospel of the kingdom (Matt.24:14)

4.   The gospel of peace (Eph.6L15)

5.   The gospel of salvation (Eph.1:13)

6.   The gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor.4:4)

What descriptions!  But there is more:

B.   The Definitions of the Gospel. This gospel is defined by the apostle Paul to be:

1.   Supernatural in its origin (Gal.1:10-12)

2.   The power of God (Rom.1:16)

3.   The gospel as revelation (Eph.3:1-6)

4.   The deposit of truth (1 Cor.15:1-4)

These definitions led Paul to make two astounding statements:

a)    In 1 Cor.9:16, he said, “”woe is me if I do not preach…”

b)   In Rom.1:16, he said, “…I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

Don’t miss those remarkable words: “The just shall live by faith.” Just as there are affirmations and denials, there must also be some alones. Paul said, “I am not ashamed…” In the 16th century the reformers reestablished the standard for faith and practice. They relied on – Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone, and lived for God’s Glory alone!

             So much for the descriptions and definitions …consider also:

C.   The Decrees of the Gospel

1.   Humanity’s radical corruption (Gen.6:5; Jer.17:9-10; Rom.3:9-20).

2.   God’s sovereign choice (John 15:16; Acts 13:48; Eph.1:4)

3.   Christ’s purposeful atonement (John 10:14-18; Acts 2:22-36; Rom.5:6-10; 2 Cor.5:21; Heb.2:9-18; Rev.5:9-10).

4.   The Spirit’s effectual call (John 3:5,6; Eph.1:12-14; 2 Thess.2:13,14;Titus 3:5).

5.   God’s preservation of the saints (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom.8:26-39; 1 Pet.1:1-5).

6.   God’s absolute freedom (John 6:37,40; Rom.8:29-30; 9:14-24)

7.   God’s pleasure in His own (Eph.1:5; Phil.2:12-13; 2 Thess.1:11-12).

8.   God’s supreme love for His Son (John 15:9; 17:20-26).

And so we have seen the descriptions, definitions, and decrees of the gospel. Now as we come to the close of this session, let’s revisit the text of Scripture that will claim our attention for the rest of this Bible Conference. Titus 1:1-4. This paragraph defines what the Christian ministry is: evangelism, edification, and encouragement. We will begin to un-pack these concepts in the next message.

Recapitulation

Application

Appeal

Conclusion

 

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