310 – The Message of the Church (Its Results)

SEMESTER 1

310 – The Message of the Church (Its Results)

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  ECCLESIOLOGY I LESSON # 10
THE MESSAGE OF THE CHURCH (ITS RESULTS)

INTRODUCTION:

1. In the previous lesson, I dealt basically with the definition and analysis of the gospel.
2. In this lesson, I want to extend that theme to its pre-eminence, result and demand.
3. By this, we shall learn why it is so important that Christ’s churches are totally dedicated to preaching His gospel.

I. THE PRE-EMINENCE OF THE GOSPEL (I COR. 9:12,18)

1. In these verses Paul shows the pre-eminence of the gospel.
2. All men who are called to preach are called to preach the gospel.
3. The implications of changing it are horrible. (Gal. 1:6-9)
4. It is the sin of sins to depart into other “ministries” at the expense of the gospel.

i. Consider the futility if all were taught, weaned from alcohol and tobacco, healed and reformed socially and politically, but they are not saved.

III: “What shall it profit a man” (Mk. 8:36).

5. The preacher who cannot give a clear gospel message (simple as it may be) is a false prophet.
6. I am not speaking of a person simply presenting the “Romans’; Road.”

Note: In connection with this lesson and with reference to this point, I want you to read the tract, “Romans’; Road Evangelism.”

II. THE DEMAND OF GOSPEL PREACHING

A mark of a “successful preacher” of today is often his ability to promise everything and demand nothing.

1. Even though no man is saved by obedience, the gospel of grace is a demand­ing message.
2. Paul said his ministry was one that called for repentance and faith. (Acts 20:21)
3. Paul indicated that this demand was in keeping with God’s com­mand. (Acts 17:31)
4. Was it not so with the Baptist called John and indeed with Christ Himself?
5. The gospel of grace calls men unto good work. (Eph. 2:8-10)
6. Any message that does not call men away from their sin and to Christ, is not the gospel.

III. THE RESULT OF THE GOSPEL (ROM. 1:16)

1. The gospel of Christ carries a result that no other labor can have. (Mk. 16:15-16)
2. Humanly speaking, by the gospel we change the destiny of souls, from hell to heaven.
3. Consider if you were the most successful reformer – ecologist – sociologist – doctor or teacher.
4. If you educated all the ignorant, healed all the sick, cured every disease, stopped every bad habit and caused all men to love one another, “what shall it profit a man?”
5. It is the human instrument of fulfilling God’s plan for His Son. (Rom. 8:29)
6. Is it any wonder Paul said, “I suffer all things for the gospel’s sake.” (I Cor. 9:23)
7. Is it any wonder Christ asked His followers to give up all, for the gospel’s sake? (Mk. 8:35, Mk. 10:29)
8. Is it any wonder Paul exhorted young Timothy, “Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel.” (II Tim. 1:8-9)