Dr. Mark Creech 10/15/17AM
“Called to Proclaim the Gospel”
(1 Corinthians 1:18-31)
Central Truth:
In order for the Church to carry out the mission given to it by God; the members need to know the truth of the gospel and be surrendered to following Jesus wholeheartedly.
Truth No. 1 (1 Cor. 1:18-25)
THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL POLARIZES PEOPLE.
- The gospel is the message of the Cross upon which Jesus died as the sacrifice for our sins and then arose three days later.
- For those who have chosen a life guided by worldly principles, the good news (gospel) of Jesus is foolishness.
- For the Church, having chosen the life of obedient service, the message of the Cross is powerful and freeing.
- The simplicity of the good news of Jesus creates barriers to faith for those who want something more than Jesus.
Truth No. 2 (1 Cor. 1:26-29)
GOD CALLS HIS CHURCH TO JOIN HIM IN HIS MISSION PURPOSE.
- God’s calling of the church does not come because the members are the best and brightest rather because His purpose is to disqualify worldly avenues to salvation.
- God eliminates any path of access to God that can be completed by human capabilities or resources.
- God’s purpose of redemption does not allow anyone to depend upon themselves because only God is worthy of glory.
Truth No. 3 (1 Cor. 1:30-31)
THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL IS JESUS CHRIST.
- Jesus Christ provides all that we need to fulfill our calling because He is all we need for salvation.
- The wise plan of God for the eternal salvation of humanity is not a philosophy but a person - Jesus.
- The gospel is sufficient for the salvation of humanity (Romans 1:16) and those who entrust their lives to Christ bring glory to God.