THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-16

Text: Romans 1:16

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Introduction: One of the main themes, if not THE main theme, of the Bible is THE GOSPEL. In the Old Testament, the gospel was prophesied and typified. In the New Testament, we find the gospel identified, personified, clarified, and magnified!

The gospel was the main message of the apostle Paul. It is OUR main message to a lost and dying world! As a church we have one message, composed of three parts, found in 1 Cor. 15:1-4, that we preach to unsaved people:

1. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
2. He was buried;
3. He rose again the third day according to the scriptures

Members of GOSPEL Light Baptist Church, today I charge you to:

1. BELIEVE the gospel
2. BEAR the gospel to others
3. BEHAVE as those should who have been saved by the gospel

I trust in the power of the gospel to save sinners. The gospel is one of the most powerful messages of all time. It is more powerful than an executive order from the President. It is more powerful than a decision issued by the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Let me remind us of the power of the gospel in different areas.

I. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN SALVATION

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

A. It declares the sinfulness of man

• Christ died for our SINS!

B. It describes the substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus Christ

C. It delivers the soul from hell

II. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN STABILIZING THE BELIEVER

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

A. It gives the believer peace

B. It gives the believer purpose

C. It gives the believer permanence

III. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN SEPARATION

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Separation is not all negative, being separated FROM things. It is also positive!

As to the power of the gospel in separation, let me say that:

A. It separates us to the work of God

B. It separates us to the witness of God

C. It separates us to the word of God

IV. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN SERVICE TO GOD

Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Service to God is simply

A. Helping sinners to learn and trust in the gospel

B. Helping saints to live holy and tell the gospel to others

V. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN SANCTIFICATION OF THE BELIEVER

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

A. Our dress should match the gospel

B. Our doctrine should match the gospel

C. Our deeds should match the gospel

D. Our discourse, or talk, should match the gospel

VI. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL IN SUPPLY

1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Churches don't need car washes, bake sales, and raffles to finance the work of God. All they need to do is to go out into the world and preach the gospel!

A. The gospel will bring members

B. The gospel will bring motivation

C. The gospel will bring money

VII. THERE IS POWER IN THE GOSPEL AT THE SECOND COMING

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

This passage is not about the Rapture; it is about the Revelation, which takes place seven years afterward. Here we will see the NEGATIVE power of the gospel.

A. Those who reject the gospel will be deserted

B. Those who reject the gospel will be deceived

C. Those who reject the gospel will be damned

Return to "The Bible Believing Fundamentalist" |  Return to the "Sermon Notes Page"