The Christ of the Gospel

by R.J. Stevens

Introduction:

1. Christ is exalted in every gospel sermon in the first century.
2. Consider Acts 2:22; 8:5
3. The true God sent His Son into the world to save.  John 3:16, 17; 17:3
4. He is the true Messiah - Matthew 24:24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:5

1. The Word, God, Creator, Became Flesh, Jesus
   1. John 1:1-4, 14, 17
   2. 1 John 4:2-3
   3. Hebrews 1:1-2
   4. Colossians 1:15-17
2. Jesus, The Christ, Fulfilled The Scriptures of the Prophets
   1. Jesus spoke to His disciples.  Luke 24:44-48
   2. Jesus fulfilled prophecies of the law.  Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22-23
   3. Fulfilled prophecies of the prophets.
      1. Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18-23
      2. Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:10-11
      3. Isaiah 53:7-8 and Acts 8:32-35
   4. Fulfilled the Psalms.  Psalm 16:8-11 and Acts 2:25-28
   5. Consider the emphasis upon the scriptures in Paul's preaching.  Acts 28:23
   6. The greatest proof that Jesus is the Messiah is His fulfillment of Old Testament scriptures.
   7. The greatest proof that the Bible is the inspired word of God is Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus Did the Works of His Father
   1. John 10:36-38; 20:30-31
      1. Ruler's daughter - Matthew 9:24-25
      2. Lazarus - John 11:43-44
      3. The widow's son - Luke 7:14-15
      4. Jesus had power over disease, over demons, over nature, over death.
   2. Sermons about His miracles.  Acts 2:22; 10:38
4. Jesus Died For Our Sins
   1. Jesus foretold His death - John 10:11, 17-18; 12:32-33; 15:13
   2. Paul's preaching - Romans 5:6, 8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews 2:9-10
   3. Peter's preaching - 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:24; 3:18
   4. John's preaching - 1 John 1:7; 3:16
5. Jesus Arose From the Dead to be Lord and Christ
   1. Acts 2:32-36
   2. Luke 24:46-47; Matthew 28:18
   3. Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; Ephesians 1:20-23
   4. Romans 10:9-10 - Faith in His resurrection is essential to salvation.
6. Jesus is the Author of Eternal Salvation to Those Who Obey Him.  Hebrews 5:8-9
   1. Christ came to save the lost.  John 3:17; Luke 17:10; Acts 4:12
   2. Obedience to Jesus is required.  Matthew 7:21-23; John 14:21, 23; 1 John 2:3-5
   3. Jesus is the author of grace.  John 1:17
   4. Here are some of His commands.
      1. Believe - John 6:29
      2. Repentance - Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30
      3. Confession - Matthew 10:32
      4. Baptism - Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48
      5. Enduring and Faithfulness - Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10
7. Jesus is the Judge of All Men
   1. John 5:22-23; 12:48
   2. Acts 10:42; 17:31; Hebrews 9:27
   3. The judgment day will not be a day to be tried, but it will be a day when the Lord will sentence or reward everyone according to their works.  Matthew 16:27
   4. Are you ready for that day?

Conclusion:

1. Christ was God in the beginning
2. Christ fulfilled the scriptures of the Old Testament prophets.
3. Christ did the works of His Father.
4. Christ died for our sins.
5. Christ arose from the dead.
6. Christ is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him.
7. Christ is the judge of all men.

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