Text: Ephesians 4:1 A call is an invitation to something — some are optional, some are not. The NT describes at least four of these calls — the first is optional, the other three are not. The Gospel Call The call from condemnation to salvation We are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) It [...]

Text: Romans 16:25-27 God is able to establish us through His word. Here, Paul describes the word of God in several different ways, showing how it is able to establish us The Gospel “Good news” — the message is beneficial to us Man is enslaved to sin (John 8:24; Hebrews 2:15) — the gospel announces [...]

Text: Matthew 4:23 The Announcement Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) This had been planned for a long time (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-4) The Kingdom at Hand The establishment of the kingdom was close (Matthew 3:2; 4:17) If we are still waiting for the kingdom, as some claim, then was Jesus [...]

Text: Romans 1:1-6 The Source of the Message (v. 1) Fulfillment of Prophecy (v. 2) The Deity & Humanity of Christ (v. 3-4) Christ was Raised from the Dead (v. 4) We Have Received Grace (v. 5) We Must Faithfully Obey (v. 5) We Are the Called of Christ (v. 6)

Text: Philippians 1:21-24 To Live is Christ Similar point in Galatians 2:20 We must be crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3-6) Fruitful labor (Philippians 1:22) Help others (Philippians 1:24) Live worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27) To Die is Gain Nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of this life (Ecclesiastes 11:8) — but keep things in [...]

Text: 2 Timothy 4:2-4 What is Sound Doctrine? The word we are to preach, the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4) The gospel (1 Timothy 1:10-11) The words of Christ (1 Timothy 6:3) and the apostles (2 Timothy 1:13) All of God’s word (Acts 20:26-27), only God’s word (1 Peter 4:11), without changes (Galatians 1:6-7) What is [...]

Text: Galatians 1:6-10 Jeopardizes Our Salvation (v. 6; Romans 1:16) Regardless of Preacher (v. 8; Matthew 7:15) Condemnation for Preaching a Different Gospel (v. 8-9; 1 Peter 4:11) What Other Gospels? Judaizers – failed to distinguish between the covenants (Colossians 2:14) Gnostics – taught a different Jesus (Colossians 2:9) and that sin was not a [...]

Text: John 18:37-38 What is truth? It depends on our perspective. Truth can be… Comforting or Uncomfortable The word of God is intended to comfort us (1 Thessalonians 4:18) The truth is uncomfortable for some — convicts us of sin (John 16:8), exposes all of our flaws (Hebrews 4:12-13), calls us to sacrifice (Luke 9:23) [...]

Text: John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 Who is the Holy Spirit? Not some mystical force or influence He is a person – Jesus used He, not it to refer to the Spirit (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,8,13,14,15) Who is Jesus Talking To? – The Apostles What Would the Holy Spirit Do? Provide help/comfort (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7) — How? [...]

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Four Facts of First Importance Christ died – laid down His life for our sins (John 10:18; Colossians 1:22) He was buried – shows that His death was not a hoax (Matthew 27:57-60) He was raised – first fruits of those who are asleep, gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 [...]