Tuesday, January 20, 2009

God's Grace is our Gospel Text

Scripture text: Acts 5:17-42 (esp. v. 42) "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

Dictionary.com defines gospel as the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation; the story of Christ's life and teachings, esp. as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Pastor Dan gave the challenge that all of us have the ability and the means to share the gospel, we need just to find what expression best fits us.

1.) You can share the Gospel with you LIFE! (non-verbal)
*People are constantly watching us and looking for proof of Christ in our lives. Continually we are the light of the world for the kingdom. (Matt. 5:14) We see in scripture, many examples of people living life according to God's will, and making a huge impact on history. Look first at Abraham and Isaac. Abraham had every intention to go to the top of the mountain and sacrifice his son on the Lords behalf. Isaac following his fathers instruction and was prepared to lay down his life in obedience. Abraham's obedience to his Father made him favorable in God's eyes and he was made the father of an innumerable nation. (Gen. 23) Next we see Daniel, who King Darius threw into a lions den, had faith that God would save him, praised God in his time of danger and the lions mouths were made shut.(Dan. 6)
Gods hands are working in lives. What story is God telling in your life to the world? What story does your life tell?

2.) You can share the Gospel with your LIPS! (verbally)
*Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...". Your spoken testimony will change lives, the righteousness from God will be revealed. No one has lived an entirely honorable life, Romans 3:23 tells us that we have all fallen short of the glory of God. But directly after this verse, we find redemption through grace. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." People want to know they can be made right.

3.) You can share the Gospel with LEAD! (if necessary, write it down)
*Draw it out, practice it, put scripture in it if possible, and then execute.

http://www.solidrockbbc.com/img/Salvation-3.gif http://www.shalomindia.com/images/Salvation-5.gif

People are visually attracted. Build a bridge to do whatever it takes to reach them.

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