New Life Christian Church
In this series part 5 we will look at who do people say that Jesus is? Who do you say that He is?
Key Scripture – Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Why Americans Turn Their Backs On Religion
Niall McCarthy - Forbes Aug 26th, 2016
In recent years, the share of religiously unaffiliated Americans has risen steadily. People identifying as atheists or agnostics and others who say their religion is “nothing in particular” now make up 23 percent of the U.S. population, a noticeable increase on 16 percent in 2007. According to Pew Research, the vast majority of U.S. adults who do not identify with a religious group say they were raised as a member of a particular religion before turning away from it in later life.
Pew asked people to explain the reasons why they turned their backs on religion, finding that just under half or 49% did so due to a lack of belief.
49% - Don’t Believe
20% - Dislike organized religion
18% - Religiously unsure/undecided
10% - Inactive believer
03% - Other
Q: How Important Is The Gospel of Jesus Christ In My Life?
Mark 8:27-30 – Who Do People Say That I Am?
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.’” 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Article USA Today Aug 2016
American Sam Kendricks was one of 558 athletes representing the United States in Rio. He was also one of 18 members of the U.S military. Both of those designations were on his mind as he sought to become the first American man to medal in pole vaulting since 2004. “I am certainly looking to represent the Americans on two fronts," he told USA Today.
He did just that during pole vaulting's qualifying rounds, when he stopped short during a jump as the “Star Spangled Banner” began playing over stadium speakers. Kendricks immediately snapped to attention, creating an Olympic moment that showed his immense pride in his country.
“I’m just trying to put my best foot forward for all those soldiers who are watching,” he told USA Today.
A second lieutenant in the 655th Transportation Company of the Army Reserves, Kendricks is a two-time NCAA pole vaulting champion. And despite letting his respect for the national anthem get in the way of his qualifying jump, he’s now also an Olympic bronze medalist. Not bad for a 23-year-old.
Why Did He Stop?
What made this lieutenant stop in the middle of his most important moment of Olympic tryouts to stand at attention? Why would someone stop in the middle of their qualifying run to honor their countries national anthem?
It was because of the priority of his commitment to his team and his country and the importance of it.
What is the priority of our commitment to The Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life today?
1. The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Determines Your Daily Life Decisions
a. Matthew 11:28-30 – Learn From Me
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
b. II Peter 1:3-11 – His Divine Power
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
c. Areas Of Our Lives The Gospel Influences
1. How you take care of your health, body,
2. How you raise your family treat your spouse
3. How you approach work, school
4. How you deal with your finances
5. How to overcome challenges and problems in life
6. What to do when you don’t know what to do
2. The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Determines How You Will Respect Others
a. Romans 12:17-18 – Live At Peace With Everyone
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
b. Mark 12:28-31 – The Most Important Commandments
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
c. Who Is My Neighbor? – Story of The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25
3. The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Determines Your Eternal Life Decision
a. John 17:3-5 – Jesus Christ Is Eternal Life
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
b. Psalm 90:10-12 – Teach Me To Number My Days
10 The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.