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Sugar Coated Gospel
Contributed by Mark Sparks on Dec 13, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Today, we start on a journey together -- one that looks into the very heart of our faith I stand before you not as a speaker seeking the praise of humanity but as a humble servant of Ghrist, sharing a message that might challenge our comfortable spaces.
I. Opening Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
The Dangers of Sugar-Coating
- Discussing the tendency to water down the Gospel for popularity
- Emphasizing the importance of presenting the unaltered truth
II. Scripture: Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Pleasing God Over People
- Highlighting the distinction between seeking approval from humans versus God
- Encouraging a shift in focus toward obedience to God's Word
III. Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Genuine Faith Requires Action
- Exploring the concept that mere words are insufficient without corresponding actions
- Encouraging a transformative relationship with Christ
IV. Scripture: Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Balancing Truth and Love
- Discussing the importance of delivering the truth in a spirit of love
- Encouraging a Christ-like approach to sharing the Gospel
Conclusion:
- Summarizing key points
- Calling for a commitment to presenting the pure true Gospel
- Ending with prayer for guidance and empowerment to boldly share the truth
Closing Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."