The Gospel Truth

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“See that no one misleads you.

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray

The Gospel Truth

But, which one is it?

Did you know that there are over 200 different known denominations in America. There are over 33,000 denominations world-wide (http://www.philvaz.com/apologetics/a106.htm).

And there a almost as many ‘theologies’? Here are a few of the major and better known Theologies in America:

Reformed Theology

Pentecostal Theology (Pentecostalism)

Methodist Theology (Methodism)

Wesleyan–Arminian theology (Weslyanism)

Charismatic Theology

Catholicism

Lutheran Theology

Presbyterian Theology (Reformed)

Episcopalian Theology

Anglican Theology

The differences between some denominational beliefs and theologies are minor. But, many more have major differences.

Some are even considered as Sects of Christianity, or worse yet, as Cults. Some of these fringe groups are the

  • Jehovah’s Witnesses,

  • Mormons,

  • the Emergent church,

  • the Unitarian Universalist and

  • Liberation theology.

Within these types of Christianity, there are also thousands of sub-groups, and sub-types of theologies, types of doctrines and belief systems.

But, there is only ONE Bible and ONE Jesus.

Since there are so many, how do you decide which one(s) will lead us to Jesus Christ as savior and lead us to heaven?

Here’s the Gospel Truth

  1. The word gospel means “good news,” so the gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of His (Jesus’) coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe (Colossians 1:14; Romans 10:9).

  2. Since the first man’s sin, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12). Because everyone breaks God’s perfect law by committing sin, everyone is guilty (Romans 3:23).

  3. The punishment for the crime of sin is physical death (Romans 6:23)

  4. Then an eternity spent in a place of punishment (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:46). This eternal separation from God is also called the “second death” (Revelation 20:14–15).

  5. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ pardons the guilty sentence of sin and condemnation by God. Because of His love for the world, God has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16).

  6. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of mankind on Himself through death on a cross (1 Peter 2:24).

  7. God ensured that all who will believe in the name of Jesus will be forgiven (Acts 10:43).

  8. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of all who believe (Romans 4:25).

Here’s the Gospel Truth

1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

  • 4 In order for us to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, and is reserved in heaven for you,

  • 5 We are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • 6 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

  • 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

  • 9 “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

The Gospel of Jesus, Christianity, is ALL ABOUT JESUS ALONE, and what JESUS HAS DONE for us.

  • It’s not about Spiritual Gifts.

  • It’s not about miracles.

  • It’s not about what you can become.

  • It’s not about your church or denomination.

  • It’s not about the rapture.

  • It’s not about going to heaven.

THE GOSPEL IS ALL ABOUT JESUS

JESUS, WHO DIED FOR OUR SINS, WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD AND REIGNS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER.

Everything else, The

  • Prophecies

  • Words of wisdom

  • Gifts of Serving

  • Words of knowledge

  • Teaching

  • Faith

  • Exhortation

  • Gifts of healings

  • Miracles

  • Gifts of Giving

  • Gifts of Mercy

  • Gifts of Distinguishing between spirits

  • Gift of Administration

  • Gift of Tongues & The Interpretation of tongues,

All of these come from What JESUS has done. It’s all about Who JESUS is, What JESUS continues to do and Where JESUS is seated – in Heaven at the Right Hand of the Father.

And, all of this is only part of what is to come. All the gifts and offices are just a part of the Glory this is to come.

And when the Perfect comes, when Jesus comes, the gifts of will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. (see 1 Corinthians 13:8-9)

Desire the benefits of your salvation now, and desire Gifts of God now and use them for the building up of His Body.

But seek first the Kingdom, first, and set you eyes on Him, alone.

And, in case you were wondering,

That’s the GOSPEL TRUTH

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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