An Unchanging Gospel for a Changing World

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002054

Subject:  the gospel; the church; doctrine

Preached Originally: 11/3/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Think of how much world has changed since 1900.  1950.

1.    Transportation.

2.    Communication.

B.    Think of how society has changed since 1900.  1950.  Many practices that are now acceptable – weren’t just a few years ago.

C.   Think now of how common it is to hear:  “religion must change with the times.”

1.    Often the cry is for relevancy in today’s world.

2.    Preach on great social issues.

3.    Bible written for people thousands of years in the past.  It cannot possibly relate to our society today.

D.   Gospel cannot change – Bible says so.

1.    Those who change it or pervert it are accursed of God. (Gal. 1:8)

2.    Not even apostles or angels can change it.

3.    See also Js. 1:25; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Jude 3

4.    Yes…this is strict; but God has always been strict.  He expects His law to be obeyed.

5.    Humble submission; a contrite spirit; and love for God have always been necessities in pleasing Him.

 

I.  Js. 1:25 – the law of Christ is perfect & is not in need of change.

A.  But…hasn’t God’s law changed before?  Yes!

1.    Once, there was patriarchal law.  God spoke directly with men – who then led/directed their families toward righteousness.

B.    After this, the Law of Moses came to be the standard – delivered to the Israelites on Mt. Sinai. 

1.    It too would change.

2.    Mt. 5:17 – Jesus came not to destroy – but to fulfill.

3.    Eph. 2:15 – abolished…reconciled through the cross.

4.    Rom. 7:1-4; esp 7:4 –dead to the law through Christ.

5.    Col. 2:12-14 – taken the old covenant away.

C.   Gal. 3:19-24 – Law of Moses was given in view of being changed.  It was temporary in nature, because through Christ something better would come upon the scene.

D.   See also Heb. 8:7-13.

E.    Notwithstanding, the law of Christ is not to change.  There is no reason to change it – because it is perfect!  Js. 1:25.

 

II.  A Perfect Law needs no change.

A.    NT was given to save man from sin.

1.    Jhn. 8:32; Rom. 1:16; Js. 1:21

2.    2 Peter 1:3 – God’s word will guide us into all truth.

B.    Law of Christ was adequate for the Jews – Acts 2:38.

C.   Law of Christ was adequate for Gentiles – Acts 11:14.

1.    “words” here = the law of Christ.  Preaching Jesus.

 

III.  If the gospel needs to be changed; what exactly needs changing?

A.    Yes…it’s 2002.  Yes….times are different as far as society concerned.

1.    But if we’re going to alter the pattern, God’s law, what exactly needs changing?

2.    Does God need to change?

a)    Acts 10:34 – no respecter of persons.

b)    Rom. 3:26 – He is just.

c)    Js. 1:17; John 3:16 – He provides for us.

d)    What exactly would need to be changed?  God hasn’t changed.  He won’t change.

B.    Man hasn’t changed either.

1.    Sin still around.  We still sin.  The root problem is still here!

2.    Men still do as they please – w/total disregard for God’s law.  See Pro. 21:2.  Also Rom. 7:19

3.    NOTHING has changed! We still sin & are in need of a savior!

C.   Men today need what has always been needed!  SALVATION from sin!  See Jer. 10:23; Rom. 3:23; 6:23.

 

IV.  The gospel will help us become disciples of Jesus.

A.    God’s word in God’s way will make us God’s people & lead us to heaven.

1.    His word is adequate for that. 

2.    Other things may need changing – but not his word.  We need to be content with God’s way of doing things and leave His law alone!

B.    Col. 1:9-14 – applying knowledge gained from it will help us become more like Jesus!

1.    Spiritual wisdom/understanding

2.    Becoming fruitful in every good work.

3.    Strengthened.

C.   Why change it?  What here needs to be done away with?

 

V.  If all of this is true, why change worship/work of the church?

A.    Gal. 1:6-9 – gospel does not change.

B.    1 Cor. 4:6 – do not go beyond what is written.

2.    Col. 3:17 – do all in the name of the Lord.

C.   If pattern shows 1st century church:

3.    Singing instead of playing musical instrument – why shouldn’t we do that?

4.    Partaking of the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis – they why shouldn’t we do that?

5.    Upholding every facet of the doctrine of Christ – why shouldn’t we?

D.   Phil. 3:17; Heb. 8:5 – must follow the pattern in all things.

1.  Why change ANYTHING when we can KNOW how to please God?

 

Conclusion:

A.  There will never be another gospel.

1.  Perverted ones will come & go – but THE gospel; THE law of Christ will be there to judge us in the end!

3.    Jhn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16

B.    Won’t you obey the unchangeable gospel and be made free from your sins?

C.   I N V I T A T I O N