VHG DISCUSSION: BACK TO BASICS – PART 1
THE GOSPEL
Summary:
The greatest message that could ever be shared with the world is that of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His glorious kingdom. It was this life-changing message that motivated the Apostle Paul to endure countless hardships to share it with the world of his day. In his letter to those in Rome, a great city comparable to our modern-day New York City, he writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth,” [Romans 1:16]. Through the gospel, we discover humanity’s original malady: the generational transfer of sin, triggered by Adam and passed down through his bloodline. We will also discover God’s amazing plan to redeem His creation. An awe-inspiring plan to join himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ, and ultimately through his life of humility and sacrificial death, the creation of a new race of blood-washed, Spirit-filled believers; citizens of his kingdom, freed from sin and death, justified by faith, preparing for His glorious return. What our world needs to hear, more than anything else, is the gospel; not the opinions of men, not religious jargon, just the gospel — Jesus and Him crucified!
Discussion Questions:
- According to the Scriptures, starting with the first man, Adam and continuing generationally, humanity has a sin problem, [Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22]. The gospel reveals this problem as the source of all our issues and one that must be remedied. Discuss wise ways in which we can share this truth in a world where people are not keen to hear about nor very receptive to the idea of sin.
- Through the gospel, we learn that the church was birthed out of the side of Jesus Christ, [John 19:32-34], and when we accept him by faith as Lord of our lives, we become part of his new creation, [2 Cor. 5:17], and members of his body, [Eph. 5:30-32]. Discuss what it means to be a new creation and how this expresses itself in our daily life choices. Finally, list and discuss some tangible evidence that a believer is a member of the Lord’s body.
Prayer: Father, We Repent Of Our Sins, We Confess Jesus Christ As Lord Of Our Lives, And We Receive His Finished Work, In Jesus Name.