Explore the gospel of salvation, the power of communion, and the necessity of faith, emphasizing that it's not the strength of our faith, but the object of our faith - Jesus Christ - that saves us.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to delve deep into the heart of our faith. We're going to talk about the gospel of salvation, the power of communion, and the necessity of faith.
Let's start with a quote from Timothy Keller. He once said, "It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you." That's something we'll keep in mind as we explore our Scripture today.
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Let's take a moment to pray before we dive in.
Dear Lord, we come before you today, grateful for your word and your love. We ask that you open our hearts and minds as we explore your teachings. Help us understand the power of your salvation, the importance of communion, and the necessity of faith. We trust in the strength of your word and the power of your Spirit to guide us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Alright, let's get started, shall we?
The gospel of salvation is the good news that God, in His infinite love and mercy, has provided a way for us to be saved from our sins and to have eternal life. This salvation is not something we can earn or achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, given freely to all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." It is the power of God, not our own power or efforts, that brings about salvation. It is available to everyone, regardless of their background or status. The only requirement is belief in Jesus Christ.
Belief definition: Belief, in this context, is not merely intellectual assent to a set of doctrines. It involves a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, a surrender of one's life to His lordship, and a trust in His death and resurrection as the only means of salvation. This belief transforms us from the inside out, changing our hearts, our minds, and our actions. It brings us into a new relationship with God, where we are no longer His enemies but His beloved children.
A sense of urgency: As Jesus said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The stakes could not be higher. Without faith in Jesus, we face eternal separation from God. But with faith, we have the promise of eternal life.
Life here and now: The gospel of salvation brings hope, peace, and joy in the midst of our struggles and trials. It gives us a new perspective on our lives, helping us to see our circumstances through the lens of God's love and purpose. It empowers us to live for God, to love others, and to make a difference in the world.
A reality to be lived: It shapes our identity, our values, our relationships, and our actions. It is the foundation of our faith, the source of our hope, and the motivation for our love.
A message to be shared: As followers of Jesus, we are called to spread this good news to others. We are to be witnesses of God's love and grace, inviting others to experience the salvation that we have found in Christ. This is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. It is an opportunity to participate in God's work of bringing people from darkness into light, from death into life.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about when you were saved. How did it happen and who else was involved?
The power of communion is a sacrament that Jesus himself instituted on the eve of his crucifixion, as we read in Matthew 26:26-28 ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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