Proclaiming the Gospel: Our Call to Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we reflected on the importance of sharing the gospel and the dual aspects of salvation—God's sovereignty and human responsibility. We began by acknowledging the recent storm and the incredible volunteer efforts that followed, as well as praying for Phyllis and our mission team in Mexico. We then delved into Romans 10:14-17, emphasizing that the gospel is the power of God for salvation and that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
We discussed the concept of general revelation, which makes everyone aware of God's existence through creation, and special revelation, which is the specific knowledge of the gospel necessary for salvation. The message is clear: people cannot be saved by merely observing creation; they need to hear the gospel. This brings us to the necessity of preaching and sharing the good news.
We explored the six verbs of salvation, as outlined by John Stott: God sends heralds, heralds preach, people hear, hearers believe, believers call, and those who call are saved. This process underscores that while God is sovereign in salvation, humans have a responsibility to respond. We also addressed the excuses of Israel's rejection of God, affirming that they had heard and understood the gospel but chose to reject it.
Finally, we were challenged to stop making excuses for not sharing the gospel. Living a good life is not enough; we must actively proclaim the message of Jesus. We were encouraged to repent if we have been disobedient in this area and to seek God's help in being bold witnesses for Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Necessity of the Gospel: General revelation through creation makes everyone aware of God's existence, but it is the special revelation of the gospel that has the power to save. Observing the stars or living a good life is not enough; people need to hear the specific message of Jesus Christ to be saved. [32:20]
2. Dual Aspects of Salvation: Salvation involves both God's sovereignty and human responsibility. God initiates salvation and gives us the faith to believe, but we must respond by calling upon Him. This balance is crucial for understanding the full scope of salvation. [27:31]
3. The Role of Preaching: Preaching the gospel is not just the responsibility of pastors but of every believer. We are all called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This is a blessed and noble activity that brings life-changing potential to those who hear it. [33:38]
4. Rejecting Excuses: Many people, including Christians, make excuses for not sharing the gospel, often believing that living a good life is sufficient. This is a lie that needs to be rejected. We must actively proclaim the gospel, as it is the power of God for salvation. [39:02]
5. God's Persistent Call: Despite Israel's rejection, God continues to hold out His hands to a disobedient and defiant people. This demonstrates God's persistent love and desire for all to be saved. We must respond to His call and not harden our hearts. [56:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:33] - Prayer and Announcements
[25:37] - The Value of Coins and Salvation
[27:31] - Two Sides of the Coin: Sovereignty and Responsibility
[29:35] - The Necessity of the Gospel
[32:20] - General vs. Special Revelation
[33:38] - The Role of Preaching
[39:02] - Rejecting Excuses
[44:11] - Six Verbs of Salvation
[47:39] - Believers Must Call
[52:38] - Israel's Rejection and Understanding
[56:13] - God's Persistent Call
[58:11] - The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
[01:00:14] - Call to Repentance and Evangelism
[01:03:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 10:14-17
2. Romans 1:16
3. Matthew 28:19-20
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 10:14-17, what is the sequence of actions that lead to salvation? How does each step depend on the previous one?
2. What does Romans 1:16 say about the power of the gospel? How does this verse emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel?
3. In Matthew 28:19-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the role of preaching and sharing the gospel?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of general revelation differ from special revelation, as discussed in the sermon? Why is special revelation necessary for salvation? [30:27]
2. The sermon mentioned the dual aspects of salvation: God's sovereignty and human responsibility. How do these two aspects work together in the process of salvation? [27:31]
3. Why is it important for believers to actively share the gospel rather than just living a good life? What are the potential consequences of neglecting to share the gospel? [39:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Have you been more focused on living a good life rather than actively sharing the gospel? What steps can you take to be more proactive in sharing the message of Jesus? [39:02]
2. Think about a time when you felt hesitant to share the gospel. What were the reasons for your hesitation? How can you overcome these barriers in the future? [41:36]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of rejecting excuses for not sharing the gospel. Identify one common excuse you have used and discuss how you can address it and move forward in obedience. [42:18]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of praying for opportunities to share the gospel into your daily routine? What specific prayer can you start with tomorrow morning? [01:01:36]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of being equipped to share the gospel. Are there any resources or classes available in your church that you can join to better prepare yourself? How can you commit to participating in one of these opportunities? [42:18]
6. Reflect on the six verbs of salvation mentioned in the sermon: God sends heralds, heralds preach, people hear, hearers believe, believers call, and those who call are saved. Which part of this process do you feel most confident in, and which part do you need to work on? [44:11]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to be bold witnesses for Christ? What practical steps can you take together to share the gospel in your community? [01:02:13]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Necessity of the Gospel
The gospel is essential for salvation, beyond general revelation.
General revelation through creation makes everyone aware of God's existence, but it is the special revelation of the gospel that has the power to save. Observing the stars or living a good life is not enough; people need to hear the specific message of Jesus Christ to be saved. This is a crucial distinction because while nature can point to a Creator, it does not provide the specific knowledge of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross.
The necessity of the gospel underscores the importance of evangelism. Without hearing the gospel, people cannot come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is why it is imperative for believers to share the good news actively and intentionally. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and it is through hearing this message that faith is born. [32:20]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has not heard the gospel. How can you share the specific message of Jesus Christ with them this week?
### Day 2: Dual Aspects of Salvation
Salvation involves both God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
Salvation is a divine mystery that involves both God's sovereignty and human responsibility. God initiates salvation and gives us the faith to believe, but we must respond by calling upon Him. This balance is crucial for understanding the full scope of salvation. On one hand, God is the author and finisher of our faith, orchestrating the events and circumstances that lead us to Him. On the other hand, we are called to respond to His grace by believing and calling upon His name.
This dual aspect of salvation helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the seriousness of our response. It is not enough to acknowledge God's sovereignty; we must also take personal responsibility for our faith journey. This understanding should motivate us to share the gospel, knowing that while God is in control, He uses our obedience to bring others to faith. [27:31]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. How have you seen both God's sovereignty and your responsibility play out in your life? How can this understanding encourage you to share your faith with others?
### Day 3: The Role of Preaching
Preaching the gospel is a responsibility for every believer.
Preaching the gospel is not just the responsibility of pastors but of every believer. We are all called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This is a blessed and noble activity that brings life-changing potential to those who hear it. The act of preaching is not confined to a pulpit; it can happen in everyday conversations, through acts of kindness, and by living a life that reflects the love of Christ.
The role of preaching is vital because it is through hearing the gospel that people come to faith. This means that every believer has a part to play in God's redemptive plan. By sharing the gospel, we become instruments of God's grace, helping others to hear and respond to the message of salvation. This should inspire us to be bold and intentional in our witness, knowing that God can use our efforts to bring others to Himself. [33:38]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the act of preaching into your daily life? Think of one practical way you can share the gospel with someone this week.
### Day 4: Rejecting Excuses
Living a good life is not enough; we must actively proclaim the gospel.
Many people, including Christians, make excuses for not sharing the gospel, often believing that living a good life is sufficient. This is a lie that needs to be rejected. We must actively proclaim the gospel, as it is the power of God for salvation. While living a good life can be a testimony to the transformative power of Christ, it is not a substitute for verbally sharing the message of Jesus.
Rejecting excuses means taking seriously the command to go and make disciples of all nations. It means recognizing that our good deeds, while important, are not enough to lead someone to salvation. People need to hear the specific message of Jesus Christ, and it is our responsibility to share it. This requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. [39:02]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: What excuses have you made for not sharing the gospel? How can you overcome these excuses and be more intentional in proclaiming the message of Jesus?
### Day 5: God's Persistent Call
God's love and desire for all to be saved persist despite rejection.
Despite Israel's rejection, God continues to hold out His hands to a disobedient and defiant people. This demonstrates God's persistent love and desire for all to be saved. We must respond to His call and not harden our hearts. God's persistence shows His incredible patience and mercy, giving people multiple opportunities to turn to Him.
This persistent call is a reminder of God's unwavering love and commitment to humanity. It encourages us to keep sharing the gospel, even when we face rejection or indifference. God's love is relentless, and He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. As His followers, we are called to mirror this persistence in our evangelistic efforts, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see immediate results. [56:13]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's persistent love in your life? How can you reflect this persistence in your efforts to share the gospel with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel is the good news of Jesus. He is the promise. He is the mystery. He is the fulfilling hope of the Old Testament prophecies and promises. Simply put, we can call upon him. That's what it says there. This goes back to verse 13... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Amen." [29:35] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We serve a living Savior. We serve one that has overcome the grave. We serve one that is alive. It is not just about how we feel. It is the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God to save. First to the Jew and then to the Gentile. It is God's message that he has conveyed to us to give to the world." [41:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our world needs hope. Our world needs peace. Our world needs direction. They need purpose. Truthfully, if we just put it into a single word, they need salvation. We have the answer. His name is Jesus. He is the resurrected Lord. He is where our peace, our hope, our unity will come from." [58:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to say, you know what? Maybe I can't do it on my own. Maybe I do need a savior. Maybe I need to go ahead and recognize that there is, a better plan, a perfect plan in the sufficiency of Jesus. And by his sovereignty and grace, you may be saved today because he loves you. He gave his son for you." [01:00:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God sends heralds. And if you notice, we're going backwards. Starting in verse 15, we have discussed this. God is sending us. God has sent us. God is still using us and God wants to continue to use us. Okay. God is sending us as believers first to Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth." [44:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to stop lying to ourselves and we need to take ownership of our actions. If people around us are not hearing the gospel of Jesus in our circles, it is because we are likely suppressing the work of the Holy Spirit within us and being just flat disobedient to God's commands." [39:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God still works in us and through us. And God's desire is to work in us and through us. And let me tell you, in the last few weeks, we have seen God do that. God is saving people all around us. If we will just be faithful to share the hope that is found within us. And that hope is more than a testimony. That hope is more than what is personal to you. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ." [40:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our salvation and the initiative to be saved comes from God and God alone. God. God reveals himself. God gives us faith. God saves. That's the first side of the coin. Verse 21 brings us the balance. But to Israel, God says, all day long I've held out my hands to a disobedient and defiant people. The second side of the coin. We must call upon Jesus and confess him as our Savior and Lord." [56:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God is going to bring it, don't we want to be on board? Let's not miss what God has in store for us. And so maybe evangelism is something you don't think about a whole lot. Well, that's okay. Ask God to put it on your heart. And I'm going to tell you the best way to do that is to just pray, to get up in the morning and part of your morning prayers to just say, God, would you give me an opportunity to see, those you're working in and the boldness to speak to those you're working in so that you can do the work of saving people in my life today, in this community." [01:02:13] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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