What Does the Gospel Mean Right Now?

Many recall the change of heart they experienced when they trusted in Christ for salvation, and they believe in the eternal life God has promised; but they stumble in their present life unsure of how the gospel relates to the here and now.

What does grace tell us about our natural self, and our new identity?

(Earned or given)

Romans 3:10 As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

What does grace tell us about our deepest sins, and what it takes to correct them?

(Fig leaf or forgiveness)

1 John 1

5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

What does grace identify as our greatest strength and weakness?

(My way or the vines way)

John 15

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

If we are confident in our conversion and clear on our destination, how do we fill the hole in our gospel that leaves many Christians struggling in the present?

(The Battle of the Mind)

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 15:6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.