In our second week of the Doctrinal Distinctives series, Pastor Matthias works through our first distinctive, Gospel Centrality.

CG Questions: 5 Distinctive's
Week 2: Gospel Centrality

Questions:

-Read through Acts 2:42-47 or Romans 12:9-21 as a group and discuss the implications of Gospel living in community.

-How do we (increasingly, joyfully, and fruitfully) live as a Gospel-Centered community for Jesus?

-Read through the questions from Tim Keller. Which ones is God calling you to work on in your life? Which one of these is an area where the Gospel has given you victory in your life?

Acts 2:42–47
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Andawe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Romans 12:9-21
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The Gospel has implications for everything! (From Dr. Timothy Keller)

• Is the way you do your work and conduct your career in line with the Gospel?

• Is your sexuality in line with the Gospel?

• Is the way you spend your money in line with the Gospel?

• Is the way you conduct your relationships in line with the Gospel?

• Is your attitude toward the poor and needy in line with the Gospel?

•Is your view of your past and your future in line with the Gospel?

Scripture:
Acts 2:22-24 & 36-41, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians. 5:14-15

Notes from the Sermon:
The Good News about Jesus

"Jesus’ sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection won the victory over Satan, sin, and death and purchased our forgiveness from sin and justification before God. Because of Christ’s death, we can have life, and because of his resurrection we have hope for eternal life."

God Saves Sinners

“The Gospel is the good news that God saves sinners, not based on anything they have done or could ever do, but solely based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, where he suffered and died in our place for our sins."

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

A New Heart, a New Allegiance and a New Identity

“At Cross & Crown we believe that the scripture teaches that we have been saved (Justification); we are being saved ( Sanctification), and we will be saved (Glorification).

Therefore, the Gospel is not only the means by which people are saved but also the truth and power by which people are sanctified; it is the truth of the Gospel that enables us to genuinely and joyfully do what is pleasing to God and to grow in progressive conformity to the image of Christ, and the hope for eternal life.”