Simply Gospel

Through many of Paul’s writings, he encourages us to be filled with the Spirit and grace. In Titus 3:3-8 speaks to the state we were once in before God interceded for us in kindness. He calls us to good deeds that reflect the qualities of our Savior after being washed in the renewal of the Spirit. This mercy is not extended to us based on our good works. Rather, we engage in good works because of the mercy extended to us. Baptism plays a key role in these elements of washing, of grace, and of the Spirit. Our spiritual renewal… Continue reading

In John 3, Nicodemus seeks out Jesus in the evening and begins speaking with Him about the teachings of God. The discussion turns toward the idea of being born again, a process Jesus says people must go through to be part of God’s kingdom – a process Jesus describes as involving water and the spirit. This concept of being born again is prevalent in Christianity, and, in this same chapter, we find John baptizing in Selim where there is much water. Our Spiritual Rebirth Being born again necessitates action on our parts. Jesus says it must happen to see God’s… Continue reading

In I Corinthians 15, Paul covers the concept of the resurrection in detail. While the Corinthian Christians seem to have faith in Christ’s bodily resurrection, they have problems with the concept of our own physical resurrection. Paul discusses the hope and power of the resurrection as well as the implications involved in denying the resurrection. He sets the stage in verse 20, referring to Jesus as the first-fruits of those raised from the dead. Continuing into the subsequent verses, Paul states that those who belong to Christ will also be raised. Principals of the Resurrection From here, Paul begins to… Continue reading

I Corinthians 15 centers around the idea of resurrection – not only of Christ but of ourselves as well. The saints at Corinth do not deny that Jesus is bodily raised from the dead. What they have a problem with is our own bodily resurrection. In the first few verses, Paul establishes three facts about the resurrection: the resurrection as the source, the course, and the force of the Bible. The Resurrection Driving the Gospel Verses 1-4 record Paul stating that their faith is based on the doctrine of Christ’s death and resurrection. That Christ died and was raised is… Continue reading

Verses 3-12 of I Peter 1 consist of four large sentences that build up to his thoughts that will continue through the rest of the chapter and into the next. He begins by blessing God for the hope of the resurrection and the gift of salvation. He claims this hope is a motivation for rejoicing even when times are tough, and he continues to focus on salvation as we enter verse 10, recalling the prophets who foretold of this hope – claiming they did so by the spirit of Christ. He concludes this introduction, reminding his audience that this hope… Continue reading

Say you received an invitation to a State of the Union address. Would you be excited? Would you tell your friends? Would you be curious as to why you were chosen? How would you prepare to go? Would you accept the invitation? This lesson is actually about our worship together, our act of giving reverence and honor to God, but as we progress through the lesson, think about how you answered these questions and how they apply to your approach to worship. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses calls upon the people to walk in the ways of God, calling it a… Continue reading