Afternoon session
What is the gospel?
session Two - Christina Labbe
Growing in Grace
John 1:1
John 1:14
2 Tim 3:16-17
Christianity is a word based faith. Jesus is "the word". It is who he is.
It is one of the main descriptor of who he is.
The bible doesn't always speak directly about life circumstances but the gospel can and does speak to every situation that is presented. We need to consider the fullness of the gospel in each situation.
We need to see how the word transforms us all. We all stand convicted by the word of God.
If I want to be changed by God I need to spend more time with him. This is just factual awareness.
Read more of the bible, stop starving yourself as a believer.
The gospel fills every page of scripture.
Luke 10:25-37
Is this story only about loving your neighbour?
Luke 10:
A lawyer tested him. Remember to read in context. The lawyer wanted to justify himself.
Luke 24:27. Jesus interpreted the scriptures all about himself.
The bible is not about us....it is God's story. It is the unfolding of the gospel. Heidel cate 19
So we always need to teach in the light of the gospel. To see the whole context.
We need to go and do likewise....
Hmm...Jesus is the good Samaritan...."I" am the broken bloody guy on the side of the road.
Religion can't help me. The law can't help me. Only Jesus is the only one who can help me.
So what to do with the context?
The lawyer wants to know what good work he needs to do.
And Jesus is telling him....let me save you. Jesus is willing to leave him trying to be the good Samaritan but we really need to be the hurting guy. And let Jesus rescue us.
What did God do for me, in us? This is what we need to consider as we read the bible.
Every text in Scripture
1. Predicts the work of Christ
2. Is preparation for the work of Christ
3. Reflects the work of Christ
4. Is the result of the work of Christ
Luke 6. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks
Eph 2:19-21.
What stands in the way of your participation in this type of community?
We can't be sanctified as lone-ranger Christians. Sanctification needs to be worked out within a group of believers.
Being in community stretches us.
It shows us what we truly value.
So it is important to consider what stands in my way of participating in community?
John 13:5
1 peter 2:9
ROM 1:16
We need to be alert that our community is not closed. It is continually changing and expanding.
We can and should declare the gospel. We need to share WHY we love each other. Otherwise how do they know?
The church exists for the benefit of those who are not part of it.
Remember that God chose me to speak out for him.
Being reluctant to speak of God often means we crave the approval of man more than the approval of a God. Think on this. God already approves of me, nothing else matters. My words matter not, God at work does.
Small group
1. When have you shared the Gospel with another person
2.
1. Transformed by his word
2. Into a community
3. For mission