Last Sunday ( Easter Sunday )at the church i go to ,Austin Stone, our pastor Matt Carter gave an amazing sermon about how in the last 50 years or so, the church has gotten away from what the gospel really means. The church has been teaching more on a works based faith instead of what the gospel really says. What made me want to blog about what was shared was because wearing Tri4Him across my chest at triathlons has always opened doors for those "religious" discussions to take place. I always try to share as best i can as to why i am a follower of Christ and how He has really changed my life, but alot of the time i wish i was more prepared and could articulate the truth of the Gospel better.
One of the biggest talking points i come across is that many people dont want to discount other religions, so here are a some things Matt showed us about the differences between all other religions and The Gospel!!
All other religions say: If you’re bad…and you don’t follow the rules…God will punish you.
The Gospel says: You were bad…you didn’t follow the rules…and Jesus took the punishment for you.
All other religions say: If you want to have relationship with God…You have to fulfill all the qualifications necessary for that to happen.
The Gospel says: you CAN have relationship with God…Because Jesus fulfilled the qualifications for you!
Religion says: “You want to please God? This is what YOU have to do…..”
The Gospel says: God IS PLEASED with you…because of what Jesus has already done!
Religion says: Follow all the rules…and maybe you can earn your way back to God.
The Gospel says: The way back to God has already been earned for you by Jesus.
Religion says: I’ve been good…So I’m entitled to your blessing…
The Gospel says: God…if you never give me anything but the cross…I’m thankful…b/c you’ve still given me more than I deserve.
Religion says: I obey so that I may be accepted…
The Gospel says: I’m accepted….therefore I obey.
If you want to hear the whole sermon - here is the link - http://austinstone.org/sermons/item/religion-vs-the-gospel-2
I usually download them onto my Ipod and then when i am out for 4 hours on my bike i listen to them. Not only do i come back fitter but more enlightened and hopefully a better person that can articulate their reason for faith a bit better if the opportunity presented itself.
Life Lesson Learnt :
Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on God’s promises. They never change.
You can only know that you are saved
if your life has been supernaturally changed by GOD
You will have a New Nature to follow Jesus.
It will be a LIFE CHANGING EVENT. It was for me.
Is God Working in your Life? Has He put people in your life to draw you closer to Him and bring you HOME ? is He Changing You?
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