The Gospel of God

I.  Introduction

 

We begin our journey into the heart of God in the book of Romans, chapter 15, verses 15-16.  We will be discussing the details of God's wonderful message of faith, hope and love by taking off from Paul's phrase, "The Gospel of God."

 

Romans 15:15-16 (ESV)  15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

 

Much of this material is taken from a series I am preaching in our little fellowship, "Good Shepherd Community Chapel."  We are in our third year now on this topic and the outline is quite long.  As the Lord gives me the unction, the clarity and the time I will be adding to this section of our website, hopefully on a regular basis. 

   

What exactly did the New Testament writers mean when they spoke of "the Gospel"?  Needless to say, there have been mountains of books written on this subject.  We would be delighted if mountains more were written to God's glory.  Personally, this is my attempt to discharge the burden I feel to encourage and exhort and inform others regarding the greatest news ever told.

  

In the book of Titus (the last of the books that start with "T" in the New Testament - they are all together) there are two marvelous companion passages:

  

Titus 2:11-15 (ESV)  11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Titus 3:3-7 (ESV)  3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

Chapter 2:11-15 is purported by scholars to be the best Biblical balance between doctrine and good works.  Chapter 3:3-7 is held out as an excellent Biblical summary of the Gospel of God.

 

We will deal with these two passages in the order given by the Author.  It is from here we will be launching out into the Great Expanse of God's Glorious Good News!

       

II.  The Grace of God Has Appeared!

 

III.  Bringing Salvation to All People

 

 

The Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.