How the Spirit help me find the gospel Paul preached?! (3)
A. I have to find the gospel Paul preached!
1. Because Paul said in Gal.1:8
Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the
one we preached to you, let him be condemned!
2. Because Paul said in 1 Tim.4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do,
you will save both yourself and your hearers.
B. Many are preaching a gospel base on John 1:12
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave
the right to become children of God—“
1. They simplified the message as--> Believe in Jesus’ name and receive him
into your heart as your Lord and Savior. The moment you do, you are saved!
2. They use the saved thief on the cross as example for illustration!
“But the other thief rebuked him… Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when
you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth,
today you will be with me in paradise."
Then they say, even if you are sinful as this thief, if you believe Jesus’
name and receive him into your heart as your personal Savior you are saved!
C. Let us read John 1:12 with 1:13 together and see for ourselves!
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave
the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The message in 1:12 should be: 1. To all who receive Jesus.
2. To those who believed in Jesus’ name. 3. He gave the right.
4. To become children of God.
By the grace of God, I thought of a perfect example to illustrate this!
There are 4 criteria for an alien to become a citizen of America!
1. He has an alien card. 2. He has lived in America for 5 years.
3. He is given the right to apply for citizenship.
4. The application process is successful, the court declare him a citizen!
D. I remember Jn.3:3-5 Jesus taught about how children of God are being born!
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom
of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?"
Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's
womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter
the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”
E. I remember Peter explain this in Acts 2:36-38!
"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom
you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were
cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what
shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in
the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The process, children of God are being born is as the following:
1. Hear preaching that Jesus is Lord and Christ. 2. Believe this message.
2. Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
F. I remember Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.”
It is the Spirit that we receive at time of baptism that testifies with our
own spirit that we are children of God!
G. This is how the Spirit help me find the gospel Paul preached!
Hear God’s word, believe Jesus is Lord, repent and be baptized, saved!