Text: Colossians 2:6; 1 Peter 2:9-12
Why would the church of Jesus not have a gospel culture?
Could the Dallas Cowboys lack a football culture? Wouldn't it be crazy if Citi Bank lacked a financial culture? What would you think if Harvard decided that higher education wasn't a priority?
But so many churches in our nation that claim to follow Jesus believe and operate in a way that is anti-gospel.
Why would the church of Jesus not have a gospel culture?
Could the Dallas Cowboys lack a football culture? Wouldn't it be crazy if Citi Bank lacked a financial culture? What would you think if Harvard decided that higher education wasn't a priority?
But so many churches in our nation that claim to follow Jesus believe and operate in a way that is anti-gospel.
- When asked if one could qualify for heaven by being good or doing good, compared to the belief that salvation comes ONLY from embracing Jesus as Savior, 41% of professing evangelicals said that if a person is generally good, or does enough good things in their life, they will earn a place in heaven. 1
- Most of us have experienced major fights, schisms, and conflicts in a church we've attended. About 40% of church members who leave their churches do so because of conflict.
- 98% of church conflict involves interpersonal issues.
The Apostle Paul writes 2 Corinthians 4:4, "... the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
If Grace Church is to shine the light of the gospel in our community, we must have unshakable confidence in the amazing breadth and depth of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. Writing on gospel culture, Ray Orlund states it this way:
- Gospel doctrine – gospel culture = hypocrisy
- Gospel culture – gospel doctrine = fragility
- Gospel doctrine + gospel culture = power
Colossians 2:6 informs us that we are sanctified (grow in Christlikeness) in the same way we are justified (saved)--by grace through faith.
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (which is specifically the person and work of Christ or the gospel).
We are creatures of habit. And our habits reflect our true selves—we all build our daily lives around our priorities and passions. What are some gospel habits you can begin to put into place?
Examples:
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (which is specifically the person and work of Christ or the gospel).
We are creatures of habit. And our habits reflect our true selves—we all build our daily lives around our priorities and passions. What are some gospel habits you can begin to put into place?
Examples:
- Pray the gospel to yourself every morning.
- Preach the gospel to yourself throughout the day.
- Incorporate the gospel into your discipline practices with your children.
- Practice the gospel of grace when interacting with your spouse.
- Ask God to give you a gospel-centered vantage point in your job and career.
For help understanding what it means to rehearse and preach the gospel to yourself, click HERE.
It's all about Jesus!
John
John
