III. The Gospel
A. Simple Summary
The Gospel (Good News of God’s Plan to Save Us from Sin)
The gospels (Matthew Mark, Luke, and John) record the historical events about Jesus.
Jesus’ Birth (Matthew 1:21-23)
21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Jesus’ Death (Luke 23:33)
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
Jesus’ Resurrection (Mark 16:5,6)
5 Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.
The epistles explain the spiritual significance of what Jesus did.
Everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23)
23…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus…
God loves sinners (Romans 5:8)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Salvation is not by our works (Titus 3:5)
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…
Salvation is by grace through faith which produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
B. Further Details for those interested
If you desire to pursue a fuller understanding of what it means to be a Christian, we have a few suggestions.
1. Request a pamphlet: “How to Know God”
2. Request to join a small group Bible discussion series in an area home. Feel free to invite a few friends and/or family members to join you. We have three studies that range from 6 to 9 sessions from which you can choose:
Christianity Explained
Christianity Explored
The World We All Want
3. Request the answer to a specific question
Contact us at:
Email – bklett@iowatelecom.net
Phone – (563)933-2043
Address – Community Bible Church
P.O. Box 367
307 Lincoln Street
Strawberry Point, IA 52076
