The Gospel is the Power to Save

Introduction

I.	The apostle Paul’s statement in Rom. 1:16 is still true today.
II.	Appeals that are made on the basis of material comfort and social relationship are not in harmony with God’s teaching.
A. 	A local church claiming to be a church of Christ had the following announcement in the local paper on Aug. 9:  “Attention, Walking Horse Fans!  Our padded pews would feel pretty good about now! Step on over this Sunday at 10AM.”
B. 	On Aug. 16, the announcement was:  “Only 23 Days ‘Til Our Bell-Ringin’ Hum-Dingin’ Family Day and Dedication!”
III. 	When these statements are made publicly, they remind me of the need of teaching on our appeal to the lost which should be on the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Body

I. 	The gospel is God’s power to save.  Rom. 1:16-17.
A. 	Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.  Luke 19:10.
1. 	Sin separates man from God.  Isa. 59:1-2.
2. 	Sin is common to all mankind, and, if unforgiven, brings eternal death.  Rom. 3:23; 6:23.
3. 	Jesus suffered death for our sins.  Heb. 2:9-10; 5:7-9.
4. 	He shared in flesh and blood so as to provide us with a means of freedom from sin.  Heb. 2:14-18.
B. 	Gospel preaching centers upon the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  I Cor. 15:1-8.
C. 	Paul called the lost through the gospel.  II Thess. 2:13-15.
1. 	His preaching did not appeal to the elite and socially prominent.  I Cor. 1:18-31.
2. 	Paul preached the crucified Christ.  I Cor. 2:1-5.
3. 	His preaching produced fruit.  Acts 18:8.
D. 	Peter preached the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Acts 2:14-36.
1. 	He taught believers to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins.  Acts 2:37-40.
2. 	The devout Jews who received his word were baptized.  Acts 2:41.
	E.	We must not change the gospel.  Gal. 1:6-8; II John 9.

II. 	Chidren of God are to walk in harmony with God’s calling.  
A. 	We are to walk humbly and keep the unity of the Spirit.  Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 2:1-11.
B. 	We are to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh.  Gal. 5:16-24.  
C. 	We must not give support to those who leave the teaching of Christ.  II Jn. 9-11.

Conclusion
I. 	Seek to lead others to Christ, not by appeals to the flesh, but to the gospel.
II. 	If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, please be reminded that Jesus died for your sins.
III. 	He provided for your escape from spiritual death so that you could have life.
IV. 	Obey Him today.

Prepared by:
	David Arnold
	August 18, 1996