Tag Archives: Faith

The Essentials of the Gospel

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What are the essential components of the gospel? – Karl Graustein

  1. The character of God.
    The Bible describes God as holy (Ps. 99:3, 5, 9; Rev. 4:8), righteous (Ps. 11:7), just (2 Thess. 1:6), and perfect (Matt. 5:48). He hates sin and has nothing to do with it. In fact, He pours out His justified wrath on sin (Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6).
  2. The character and nature of man.
    At the same time, the Bible describes man as having a sinful nature (Ps. 51:5), hopelessly separated from God. We are unable to please God in and of ourselves (Rom. 8:8). We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We cannot save ourselves, and we deserve the wrath of God (Rom. 2:5).
  3. God’s love for man.
    Yet despite our sinful ways, God has shown His great love for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). In His mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us. On the cross Christ paid the full penalty for our sins and became the object of God’s wrath (2 Cor. 5:21).
  4. Man’s response to God.
    If we confess and turn away from our sins and believe in Jesus Christ and the work He did for us on the cross, we can be saved (Mark 1:15; Rom. 10:9). If we possess faith to trust in God and the love He showed us through Jesus Christ, we are genuine Christians. We are justified – we receive forgiveness of our sins and are credited with Christ’s righteousness, Jesus’ life of perfect obedience (Rom. 3:24-27). In short, God restores our relationship with Him and adopts us into His family because of His grace and not because of anything we do (Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:5).

Luke 7:18-35 – “From Doubt to Faith”

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My sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 25th.  Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. The church provides a live stream of the service each Sunday at 10:30 on Facebook. We also provide the services through YouTube by Sunday afternoon.  You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Luke 7:18-35

INTRO

  • John is in prison and sends messengers to Jesus
  • Are you the one?
  • Doubt and true faith
  • When we have doubts.
  • Keep believing and trusting the Gospel

John’s Apprehension – vv. 18-23

Are you the one – v. 20

  • The forerunner of Christ
  • Preaching repentance.
  • Currently imprisoned. Matthew
  • Doubt and discouragement

Doubt is not unbelief

  • Moses – Numbers 11:10-15
  • Elijah – 1 Kings 19:1-12
  • Jeremiah – Jeremiah 20:7-9; 14-18
  • Paul – 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Tell Him what you have seen and heard – v. 22

  • He did not REBUKE him but REMINDED him what he already knew
  • The words and deeds of Christ
  • The working and miracles of Jesus

Blessed is the one who is not offended – v. 23

  • Not “scandalized”
  • Do not fall for it
  • Keep trusting.
  • Remember who you are
  • Remember who Christ is

Jesus’ Affirmation – vv. 24-30

John was:

  • Not wavering in the wind – reed in the wind
  • Not living in luxury – soft clothing
  • A prophet – seeing the Messiah in person
    • Not from a distance (OT prophets)

It was not John the person, but rather JOHN’S FAITH that made him the person he was.

Yet, today (NEW COVENANT) BELIEVERS ARE GREATER! Our faith in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. – v. 28

  • John was greater as prophet because he got to see Jesus.
  • We are great today because we get to experience the redemptive work of Jesus!

Jesus’s Accusation – vv. 31-35

Children playing a game – v. 32

  • Not happy when you should be
  • Not sad when you need to be.
  • Fickle. Never satisfied.

Lack of faith was the problem – vv. 33-34

  • The did not believe John
    • Believe and be baptized
  • The did not believe Jesus
    • Believe and follow

Wisdom is justified by all her children – v.35

  • Wise unto salvation – 2 Timothy 3:15
  • Justified-Right
  • Children. Follower of John and Jesus

BY FAITH THEY TRUSTED IN THE MESSAGE AND RESPONDED.

HEARING – BELIEVING – TRUSTING – LIVING

FAITH OVERCOMES DOUBT