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The Gospel
I think that one of the things I hear the least of is the GOSPEL. I know it seems hard to believe with Jesus dying on the cross and all, but it’s true. If I were to ask you to define the gospel without using your Bible, could you do it? Did you know the answer is in this paragraph?
The gospel comes from a Greek word which means good news or glad tidings. May I say that we have good news in Christ? Why is Jesus good news? Well for one it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that God keeps his promises. If he were a man this might not be true. But, God is God and his word is true.
In our society today we have given way from the absolute definition of the Gospel to believe whatever you want. The question is: is this what God says is okay? (Galatians 1:1-24) 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace { be} to you and peace from God the Father, and { from} our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom { be} glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any { man} preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught { it}, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In this text Paul establishes his authority as being an apostle by Jesus and God. After he identifies who he is writing to, he identifies the message of the Gospel, it is found in verse 4. If there is any question about how God feels about the absoluteness of this Gospel read verses 8 and 9. In verse 10 Paul lays to rest the idea that we can say whatever we want to please men. In verses 11 and 12 he makes the fact the he received this message from Christ himself. The fact of the matter is that Jesus died upon the cross for all mankind. Only those who believe that will benefit from it.
I find it sad that many preachers that get asked if Jesus is the only way hem and haw around the answer as if they would cruel to tell the truth. Folks listen; it is great news that Jesus is the only way. In all the other religions I have studied, somehow the believer has to work to get into heaven or receive the final reward. According to the Bible, no matter how good you are or how hard you work or how bad you are and how little work you do not get into heaven because of it.
Jesus paid it all. The ticket is bought. The train is waiting at the station. All you have to do is get on board. What could be better than that???? Walking around a mound memorizing symbols to get a look at a statue? Killing people so you can get into heaven? You’re darn rights Jesus is the only way. You ought to thank God Almighty he is.
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