Gospel--The Good News

Introduction

It is ironic that of all the topics preachers and pastors choose to speak about, the gospel seems to be the least often chosen. While this is understandable—most often we assume that those going to church services believe the same way that we do—it is necessary to revisit this important topic occasionally. It is truly incredible that oftentimes we miss our greatest mission opportunity—right under our noses, at church!

I. Going to church doesn’t mean you’re going to heaven.

A. Belief that God exists is not enough.

1. Matt. 7:21-23

2. James 2:14-19

3. Many lost people “believe” in God!

B. There may be someone here today that is lost

1. Might be a first time visitor…

2. Might be a deacon, SS teacher, grandma, father, etc.

3. It’s not about who you are, but who you know!

4. Just because you’ve got everyone else fooled, doesn’t mean you’ve fooled God!

II. The Message of the Gospel

A. The Bad News: We are guilty until proven innocent.

1. In court, the judge must assume you are innocent, since he doesn’t know otherwise.

2. God knows. There is no crime he doesn’t see, no sin he doesn’t know about.

a. Psalm 139:3-12

b. Romans 5:12

i. Sin is any action or thought that violates God’s laws.

ii. Adam passed down the sin-curse

iii. “But I’m mostly good…” Your normal “good” driving habits will not excuse your lapse of judgment while you’re speeding down the interstate. You still get a ticket & pay the consequence.

B. The unfortunate consequence of our sin is death.

1. Romans 6:23a

2. Not just mortal death, but eternal death—separation from God.

3. This sentence is carried out in Hell—a place void of everything “good”.

a. “That’s a pretty harsh sentence. I just can’t believe in a God who’d condemn everyone who ever slips up once in their life to Hell.”

b. It wasn’t meant for you—it was designed for Lucifer’s angels.

c. But, God is perfect and cannot be in the presence of sin…so we must be separated from him.

C. The Good News: God loves you, and He made a way out!!!

1. Romans 6:23b: “…BUT, the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

a. Instead of eternal death, God offers you eternal life!

b. It’s a gift, through Jesus (and only Jesus)

c. Acts 4:12, John 14:6

2. John 3:17, II Peter 3:9

3. God offers salvation from Hell, and eternal life in Heaven, through his Son, Jesus Christ.

III. The Message to God’s People:

A. WAKE UP!!!

1. You might be sitting next to a lost person right now.

2. You go to school with them…work with them…

3. They need to know that there’s an answer for their pain, and there’s a way to heaven! Some statistics from Rescued by the Cross, by Ken Freeman:

a. In the last 24 hours—2,700 girls got pregnant

b. 1,100 girls had an abortion

c. 4,200 teens contracted a STD

d. 135,000 teens brought a weapon to school

e. 3,600 students were victims of beatings

f. 2,200 dropped out of school

g. 500 began using drugs; 1,000 started drinking

h. 80 were raped

i. 6 committed suicide

4. We’ve “gotten over” our salvation!

B. They’ll never know unless you tell them.

1. Romans 10:1-3, 14

2. The only thing you’ll take with you into heaven is other people.

IV. So, how do I get saved then? It’s as easy as A-B-C…

A. Admit that you’re a sinner, incapable of earning heaven. Romans 3:23

B. Believe that Jesus died for you. John 3:16

C. Confess Jesus as Lord of your life.

1. Romans 10:9-10, 13

2. II Corinthians 5:15

Conclusion

Salvation is not a choice to be taken lightly. It’s not a choice you make to satisfy your parents or anyone else. Salvation is an eternal commitment to place your trust in God, and give the rest of your life in service to Him. It is not always an easy life, and will require sacrifice daily. However, the blessings and peace that Christ gives are worth whatever petty price we might pay.