REVERT, PERVERT, OR CONVERT
Gal. 1:3-9
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 ΒΆ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
An Unchanging message for an ever-changing world.
2 Co. 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Gospel = good news
It is not always something that makes you feel good, but it is always good for you.
Justice is to receive what one deserves.
Grace is to receive something good that you do not deserve.
Mercy is not receiving (discipline, punishment) that one deserves.
The church of Galacia is in a predicament. Maybe due to the pressures of other churches or from those playing politics, or maybe just plain ignorance. Even though the message of grace and faith had been preached, some were wanting this church to REVERT to judaism. They felt that the gentiles just couldn't really be saved if they did not follow the rite of circumcision. It was becoming a big problem.
Gal. 4:9
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
I. The Gospel Does NOT Need Another Component
--another gospel means a distorted gospel
It is not Christ plus Works
It is not Christ plus Mary
It is not Christ plus Education
It is not Christ plus Psychology
It is not Christ plus a prophet
II. The Distortion of the Gospel is Bad Business (vs.8,9)
God extends much grace towards us, but when it comes to His Word (the gospel), He is very jealous and intolerant.
Warning!!!!!-Anyone that preaches another gospel shall be cursed.
Accursed means punished and separated from God for all eternity.
If God has brought you into holiness and sanctification, don't let anyone deceive you to believe that it is bondage.
Don't buy the lie that you need to work on fulfilling the ceremonial laws to be saved. Christ fulfilled all of those on the cross. It is the moral laws that we must obey.
Beware of traditions of men also. Many of them may have been good in their time, but they are not the gospel.
IL. A young married lady brought home a ham to cook for a special meal. When it was time to prepare it, she cut off a large portion and threw it out to the dogs, and cooked the rest of it in the oven. Her husband asked her why she threw that large portion to the dogs. Her reply was that her mother always done it that way. The asked mom why and she said that grandma always done it that way. They aske granny and she said, I did it because my oven was so small and I had no fridge to keep the rest of the meat from spoiling.
Gal. 2:18
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Go forward in Christ, not backward.
While some are REVERTING, others are PERVERTING
III. The Gospel Provides the Only means of True Salvation
Jn. 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
-Prosperity Doctrine
treasures on earth vs. riches in heaven
-Little gods Doctrine
We do not believe in spiritual evolution
-Heaven on Earth?
There is a reason for the rapture; to take us out of here.
-All roads lead to Heaven?
There is only one way.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, we must be saved.
IV. Only the Gospel can Produce Real Change
An athiest invited a preacher to a public debate. The preacher said that he would accept on one term. Each of them would bring 100 people who would testify of how much better their life had become for accepting Christ or for accepting atheism. On the day of the debate, the preacher and 100 converts united at the location. None of the athiests, neither their leader showed up to the event. The program went on and many souls accepted Jesus upon hearing the testimonies.
1 Ts. 5:21,22
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
To revert or to pervert does not bring a person to salvation. It takes CONVERSION.
Leave the old way and take the way of the cross.
It is a 180 degree turn. Don't make it complicated.
