Tag Archives: Gospel

1 Corinthians 15- The Gospel

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Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

1 Corinthians Chapter 15 is most known as the “Resurrection Chapter” , this is a long and wonderful Chapter where Paul goes into depth , not only about the Resurrection of Christ, but also the Resurrection of us because of Christ. The Apostle Paul begins this Chapter with the gospel message. 

Jesus commanded us to share the gospel with everyone (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15) But what is the gospel? Sounds like a simple question, but if someone asked you to share the gospel with them in under a few minutes, what would you say? The first thing we need to remember is that the gospel is Good News! That’s exactly what the word gospel means. Many Christians seem to share the gospel as if it was a death sentence, no its actually the opposite. We are already under a death sentence because of sin, whether people realize that or not. The gospel is a message of life and hope, a living hope because Christ is Risen!

So when we understand this, we can hit the streets with enthusiasm! Many Christians fear or dread sharing the gospel with people, why? Because they think we are condemning people to Hell? But your not, people are already heading to Hell , you are sharing the only chance someone has for salvation, Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)

Paul gives a simple and clear explanation of the gospel, Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (v3) Most people you talk to on the streets know Jesus died on the cross, but most don’t know it was because of our sins! This is the starting point of the gospel, ask do you know why Jesus died on the cross?

Next Christ was buried and rose again on the 3rd day, according to the scriptures (v4) It’s important people understand Jesus defeated sin and death, because of Christ we can inherit eternal life. Notice the Apostle Paul continually says “according to the scriptures” The death and resurrection of Christ was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. We know that Jesus is God in the flesh, because of what Christ has accomplished according to the scriptures

Then Jesus appeared to many people after His resurrection including the woman, the Apostles, the Romans ,ect. This is historically significant, as everyone can’t be making this up!

So what is an easy way to share and explain the gospel with someone.Understand while it’s our job to share the gospel, it’s the Holy Spirit who convicts and regenerates people, we can’t save anyone. 

  1. Are You A Good Person?– Help them to understand,  we are all sinners and in need of a Savior. Check out Ray Comforts “Good Person Test” on YouTube, walk someone through the Ten Commandments

So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18

  1. Jesus Christ is Lord Help them to understand Jesus Christ died for our sins, and Rose on the third day defeating sin and death to give us eternal life.  The Holy Spirit will reveal to them that Jesus Christ is Lord and the Son of God

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

  1. Born Again- By this time the Holy Spirit is doing his work and their heart has either received or rejected Christ. Now some seeds may take longer than others, again we are not the Holy Spirit, we plant the seeds and let God do the rest

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Matthew 20- The Gospel

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And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. Matthew 20:17-19

Here we see for the third time, Jesus prophesied about his death and resurrection to his disciples. Even after he told them this, time and time again, they still didn’t get it. When Jesus finally went to the cross, as Christ predicted, they were shocked and felt defeated. The disciples felt defeated, even though this is exactly what God told them he was going to do! They just didn’t understand God’s plan, just as we still don’t understand God’s plan for our lives, however we need to keep the faith in Christ, because God knows what he is doing!

Today’s reading is only 3 scriptures, and we could have easily skipped over it, but these 3 scriptures are the entire gospel, it’s the foundation of the entire BIble. Without the gospel message there is no hope or salvation for humanity. Why is the gospel message so difficult to grasp? No matter how many times we heard the gospel, why does it seem almost impossible? 

Here’s the reason why the gospel is so radical, because first we need to acknowledge our sinful state. Most people believe they are “good” people and there sin is not that bad, but they are wrong. All wages of sin lead to death, there is a price to pay for our sinfulness, someone has to pay the penalty! But first we need to acknowledge our sins against God and repent (turn away from our sins). Many people can’t get past this first step, they love their sin more than they love God or eternal life

Next we need to understand that God became a man to pay for the penalty of our sins (John 1:14, Isaiah 53) This is almost impossible for our minds to grasp, that God can become human, fully God and fully man (Philippians 2) and die on the cross for our sins. But this is exactly what Jesus did for us!  The fact that Christ knew you before the foundations of the world, choose you, and died for you to redeem you (Ephesians 1:4) 

And then we have the Resurrection of Christ, that Jesus not only paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, but Christ also defeated sin and death by rising from the dead  to live forever! (Luke 24, Matthew 28) Because Christ is Risen , we can also be risen forevermore at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) We can be redeemed and restored because of Jesus Christ

This is the gospel message , the only message that can bring hope to the entire world, a message that Satan doesn’t want to be heard or preached, so the world will continually have a strong resistance to the gospel message, but the gospel must be preached because it’s the living hope for our faith in Jesus Christ, Amen!

Acts 22- Paul’s Testimony

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I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. Acts  22:2-6

One of the strongest pieces of evidence for God is our personal testimony. Most of us have a testimony how they came to Christ and he changed their life. Well here in Chapter 22 , Paul is sharing his testimony, how he literally saw the light, had a “come to Jesus” moment, and his life was transformed forever.

One reason Paul was so successful in his evangelism , is his educational background. As Paul shares, he was trained in the Torah by a Rabbi named Gamaliel. Now according  to Jewish historian Josephus, also the Talmud, and the New Testament, Rabbi Gamaliel was well respected among the Jewish community, and he  was the grandson of other famous Jewish Rabbis. Point is Paul was training to be a Pharisee, and was trained by some of the best Rabbis of the time. Because of Pauls extensive knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, he was able to effectively display how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. Acts 22:7-10

When we have a “Come to Jesus” moment, our lives are never the same. We can’t encounter Christ and not be changed, our soul has longed for reconciliation with God, and only Jesus can provide this. Notice Pauls response “Lord what shall I do”? Are we asking Jesus, how can I serve you? What can I do for your Kingdom? 

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Acts 22:11-14

Before Paul could be restored , he first needed to be broken! Many of us also need to be broken before we can be fixed by Jesus. Paul was blinded by The Light, and then the scales fell off his eyes and now he can see through the eyes of God. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul had the head knowledge about God, but he didn’t have the Holy Spirit. Now he’s become Born Again and become a new creation for Christ!

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:15-16

One of the great evidences of Christ’s resurrection is the testimony of Paul’s life. A devout Pharisee , saw the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and was transformed forever, taking the gospel to the unclean Gentiles. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can transform a life like this!

As Jesus said to Paul “Arise , be baptized and wash away your sins in the name of The Father, Son , and Holy Spirit” Amen!

Acts 21- The Gospel Rejected

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And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. Acts 21:27-30

As was prophesied earlier in the book of Acts by the Holy Spirit, Paul was going to be persecuted when he came to Jerusalem. Now as we see , over and over again, the Jews are persecuting Paul and rejecting Christ, because they don’t understand the gospel. They keep accusing Paul of blaspheming The Torah, but they don’t understand it was Moses himself who prophesied about Jesus coming

The orthodox Jews clearly didn’t understand the prophecies of the New Covenant foretold by Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. So because of their lack of understanding , they rejected Christ and tried to kill off the Christians including Paul. If only they allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus truly is, but they hardened their hearts!

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. Acts 21:31-33

Jerusalem was in total chaos because of the gospel of Christ, this is the reaction you will get when the light is shed into the darkness. The Jews were about to kill Paul, but once Rome heard of the chaos, they came to restore order. Paul was now bound in chains, just as prophesied by the Holy Spirit in the earlier chapter

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. Acts 21:34-36

This scene reminds you of when Jesus was on trial, the Jews were crying out to have Paul killed off, because they rejected the gospel. But Paul knew this going to Jerusalem , he was prepared to lay down his life for Christ, in fact he considered a great honor to die for The Lord

It’s interesting to think about , the Orthodox Jews were zealous for God, yet their actions were in opposition to God. Are you like Paul, ready to be in Chains for The Lord? Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ, if its your time? Press on to our higher calling Amen!

Acts 13- The Gospel of Christ

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Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. Acts 13:26-28

While Paul and some other Christians were visiting a synagogue on a Sabbath, they asked Paul to speak, here Paul lays out how the entire Old Testament lines up with Jesus. He talks about how God choose Israel to be his people, and he talked about how Israel demanded a King be put over them, so God choose David and how Christ is from the line of David

Paul then says this Jesus, who you read about every Sabbath in your Torah, is the one you had crucified! Now imagine the response Paul is going to get from this crowd, he accused of Israel of killing their own Messiah

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Acts 13:29-31

Paul then preaches the gospel message, Christ died for our sins, then Christ has risen from the dead. Notice Paul said there were many eye witnesses to the risen Lord. Its important to understand that, the Apostles who made the New Testament , were eyewitnesses to the Risen Jesus

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Acts 13:32-34

“And we declare unto you good news (the gospel” ) Paul was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ , and then it was backing it up with reference to prophecies in the Old Testament (Psalm 2:7)  God the Father declared he has a Son Jesus Christ and prophesied about the resurrection. The Holy One will never see decay, meaning the Christ will not remain dead but be Risen

Paul is tying together the Old and New Testaments. Paul is demonstrating Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) that has been prophesied about throughout the Old Testament and Jesus Is Risen Amen!

Mark 10- Are You A Good Person?

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And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Mark 10:17-20

Are you a good person? The majority of people would say “Yes” and believe they will enter Heaven because they are a “good person” However Jesus states “Nobody is good but God” , so do you think you’re still a good person? The Bible tells us “We have all have sinned and fallen short of the glory and God” (Romans 3:) We are all sinners, this is why we all need a Savior , Jesus Christ

Notice also Jesus is declaring He is God, nobody is good but God, Jesus is the sinless Lamb of God. If Jesus isn’t God then he can’t be the atonement for your sins, think about that! How does Jesus respond to the man, he lists the Ten Commandments, why? Because the Law of God is a mirror to show how sinful we are!

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. Mark 10: 21-22

Jesus said “Ok you want to be my disciple, sell all your stuff, give it to the poor, and follow Me” Notice the response from the rich young ruler, he was sad and walked away, why? Because he loved his life, he loved his money more than he loved Christ

Jesus said “Deny yourself, carry your cross, and follow him” Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to pay the price of being a Christian? Secondly , nobody is a good person, we are all sinners and have transgressed a Holy God, we can only be justified and forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. Nobody goes to Heaven except through Christ! Amen!

Man of Sorrows

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For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him Isaiah 53:2

Jesus, the Son of God, sent to Earth born of a virgin, born to be the Son of Man just like us. A carpenter’s son that nobody ever looked at twice, a faithful servant for all mankind.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3

Even though he was the Messiah everyone had waited for, they rejected him because they didn’t want to repent from their sins. Man loved their religion more than they loved God, therefor they decided to murder his only begotten Son who was sent to be there Savior.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

Even though Jesus was sinless and holy, he took the suffering for our sins. He took the punishment for our transgressions, and everyone blamed his suffering on himself, but he is The Lamb of God, worthy to be praised.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Every mark, every drop of blood was for you, because of his ultimate sacrifice by His stripes we are healed, we are redeemed, all our chains are broken in Jesus Name Amen

What Is The Gospel?

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THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” Luke 4:18-19

What is the Gospel? As Christians we are told to preach the gospel, but do you know or can you explain what the “gospel” even is? Jesus explains the gospel clearly right here, he is actually quoting the Prophet Isaiah. The word “gospel” in the Bible simply means “Good News”

The original Greek word for gospel is “Euaggelion” which means “good tidings” “proclamation of grace of God”  “reward for good tidings”

Notice the gospel message Jesus is proclaiming is that he is setting the captives Free!  Who is he setting Free and what is he setting them Free from?

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Romans 6:20

The Bible tells us we are all slaves to sin. That’s right unless Jesus has set you free, you are currently a slave to your sin. The Bible also tells us that we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) This is why we need a Savior, this is the heart of the gospel message. Without Christ there is no hope for your life

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Jesus Christ has set us free from Sin and Death. Jesus went to the cross to die for your sins, but you must repent of your sin, and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This is the gospel message, Jesus came to set the captives Free, we are the captives without Christ. But with Jesus there is freedom and eternal life! Amen!

True Gospel

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I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7

There is only one true gospel of Jesus and that’s the gospel he delivered to us during his time here on Earth. There are believed to be about 40,000 different Christian denominations in the world today, how can this be when we all follow the same Christ?

This is why studying the Word of God is so important, not just because it gives us wisdom and strength, but it also lets us decipher the false religions from the True Gospel

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

Obviously since there are so many different Christian denominations then there must be many false religions. Many claiming to preach in Jesus name but are actually false prophets.

As God said let them be accursed, which means cursed. Theres a price to pay for preaching false religion and doctrine, as Jesus said what would it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Doesn’t this sum up Christianity today? The “Prosperity Gospel” being preached by millionaire pastors at there mega churches. They preach only what will please the masses but don’t preach the True Gospel. Hell, Sin, Demons, Rapture, and Tribulation. Topics even though there in the Bible you’ll never heard preach at today’s church.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23
Just because someone preaches in Jesus name doesn’t mean there preaching True Gospel, Jesus knows the truth because Jesus is the truth. Anyone who thinks that can deceive him with your works on Earth will be sadly mistaken.

Learn your Bible, Pray without ceasing, welcome the Holy Spirit then you will know True Gospel in Jesus Name Amen

New Creatures

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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you’re not just a Christian but you are a “New Creature” You have been born again, your old self has passed away and you are reborn.  Make no mistake this process doesn’t happen overnight, it begins a lifelong journey to follow Christ.

(Ephesians 4:24) “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

The transformation of being a “New Creature” is the renewing of your mind. When you live for the world you think worldly things. But when you live for Christ, you think heavenly things.

Your former self has passed away, your are a new person with the Holy Spirit living in you. Evil should now be repulsive and unacceptable to you. For everything we do should be for the Glory of God.

(Colossians 3:10) “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

When you accept Christ in your heart, you are filled with a new spirit. And with that spirit comes great wisdom and knowledge that can only be obtained by Jesus. Lean not on your own understand and trust in the ways of The Lord.

(Romans 12:2) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Don’t follow the ways of the world, remember the world is under the influence of Satan. He has deceived everyone. The worlds ways only lead to destruction and death. Renew your mind thru Jesus Christ, carry your cross and follow him.

( John 3:3) ” Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus said we will  not see the Kingdom of God until we a born again, until we become a “New Creature” until we transform our minds and stop conforming to the ways of the world.  I pray we believe this and receive this in Jesus name Amen