The Gospel Demands a Response

“Easter is not just a story to celebrate, it’s a reality to respond to.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

The Gospel, which means the good news, it not just something we hear, but it is something to respond to. Have you responded?

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RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM: Sin is Serious (vv. 3-4)

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (NKJV)

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What is Sin?

Sin is going contrary to the will of God.

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Where Did Sin Come From?

Romans 5:12 (NKJV)

Sin entered the world through Adam.

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Who Committed Sin?

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

When sin entered through Adam, it spread throughout the world.  All have sinned, and all fall short of the Glory of God.

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What Are The Consequences Of Sin?

Romans 6:23 (NKJV); Romans 1:18 (NKJV)

The payment or wages of sin is death. Sin separates and condemns us, making one a target for God’s wrath.

 

“Have you underestimated the seriousness of sin?” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

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REALIZE THE SOLUTION: (vv. 3-5)

1 Corinthians 15:3–8 (NKJV)

The solution is Christ dying for our sins. Christ was sinless but took upon the sins of all and procured payment as planned by God. God knew, and His solution was to send His son to redeem the people and bring them back. Christ took the punishment due to all.

 

“Jesus is the solution.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

 

 

RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL v.1-2

 

Receive It – v.1

1 Corinthians 15:1 (NKJV)

The Gospel is declared and proclaimed.  It is preached and must be welcomed and received.  “It is taking hold of what God has spoken and welcoming that in your heart.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

Receiving it is not the same as hearing it. Receiving it is the doorway. Have you received it?

 

Stand In It – v.1

1 Corinthians 15:1 (NKJV)

Stand not on your own merit, but on the Gospel received. Jesus in not an option, or one of the many ways.  Jesus is the way.

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Be Saved By It – v.2

1 Corinthians 15:2 (NKJV)

 “Saved not only means you are forgiven, but it means you are delivered, protected, healed and preserved.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

What areas in your life need saving?

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Hold Firmly To It – v.2

1 Corinthians 15:2 (NKJV)

You are saved if you hold fast to the word. Hold onto the good news that Jesus dies for our sins.  Hold it in your memory; keep it in your mind.

“In a world of shifting truth…I need to hold tightly to the anchor of the Gospel.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

Imagine being in the ocean.  Without doing anything, you will simply drift. If we are not anchored, we may find our souls without footing to stand.

 

“If not careful, we can find ourselves drifting way beyond the core beliefs of what the Bible has taught you…” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

 

CONCLUSION: THE RESURRECTION DEMANDS A RESPONSE

 

There is a painting of Jesus knocking at the door.  The painting shows no handle on the door, but the handle is on the inside. Jesus knocks, but only you can let Him in.