The Kaleidoscope Of The Gospel

Kaleidoscope

- It was invented 1817 by Sir David Brewster.

- Named from two Gk words meaning 'beautiful' and 'form', and added the word scope to show that it was something that you look through.

- A tube lined with mirrors set at angles to each other

- A continually changing pattern of shapes and colors

- Ro. 1:16-17 is a Kaleidoscope giving beauty in its conciseness of the gospel

- Formulating the theme of Romans into two verses

- It summarize the gospel that he explains in the rest of the book.

Paul was “…not ashamed?”

- It’s not the feeling of shame

- Disgrace

- The shame brought by judgment of authority

Luke 16:3 (AV)

3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. (I would be disgraced)

Hebrews 12:2 (AV)

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

THE MESSAGE | ‎Ro 1:16

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!

GNB | ‎Ro 1:16

I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles.

Three I Am’s

v. 14, “I am debtor v. 15, “. . . I am ready . . .”v.16, “. . . I am not ashamed . . .” s

The gospel: — What grand truths lie concealed in this Scripture, as in a kaleidoscope! The gospel being its focal point, several easy turns bring into clearest view some of the most precious things of our Christian faith.

Turn the Kaleidoscope to see its:

I. EFFECTIVENESS:

- “It is…power.”

- δύναμις [dunamis /doo•nam•is

- Dynamite - from Gk. dynamis "power"

- Hebrew [koach] Strength

Genesis 4:12 (AV)

12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; ….

- You see it at work in the reproductive forces of nature

II. DIVINITY

“It is the power of God.”

- TO CREATE

Jeremiah 10:12 (AV)

12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion (understanding, [intelligence TLB} ).

- HIS POWER IS INFINITE

- HIS POWER HAS NO BOUNDARY

Genesis 18:14 (AV)

14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? …….

Luke 1:37 (AV)

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27 (AV)

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Jeremiah 32:17 (AV)

17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

- HIS POWER IS EVERLASTING

- Isaiah 26:4 (AV)

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

III. OBJECT:

“It is the power of God unto salvation.”

- How we need salvation

- Scalpers are selling tickets to “The Dark Knight Rises” for $300

- Crites are receiving death threats if they give a poor review

- Denver – gunman kills 12 people at the 12:00 showing – injuring at least 58 others

Hebrews 2:3 (AV)

3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

- Forgiveness is not an end, but a means to an end.

- Believers have been forgiven so that they will worship God.

-This will not happen until they understand that the greatest reward of forgiveness is being brought back into a right relationship with God.

- Purpose of salvation is to bring glory to God

IV. IMPARTIALITY:

“It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone.”

- A judge might show undue favor because of private friendship, bribery, rank, power, or political affiliation

Romans 3:23 (AV)

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 2:11 (AV)

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

- No one is left out

- No matter what external circumstances

V. CONDITION:

“It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”

- Num. 21:5-6

- Without active faith there is no salvation

- Believe what?

- A boat anchor will not rescue us from drowning

- The object of what is given will really save

Acts 4:12 (AV)