Audio Sermons

Building Up the Church of Christ:

The Threat of the Gospel

Life B-P Church Worship Service I & II

29^th October 2023

Text: Acts 19:21-41

Introduction

Today marks the 506^th Year of the Reformation. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenburg and it became the defining moment in Christian history. He formally challenged the Roman Catholic church leaders of his time, on the practice of selling indulgences and outlining the biblical doctrine of justification by grace alone. 

The key tenets of the Reformation are the Bible is the sole authority for our faith and practice, and salvation is by God’s grace and through faith in Christ alone. The 5 Solas of Reformation summarize the Reformers’ theological convictions of the essentials of the Christian faith. They are Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and Glory of God Alone! Any thing more or anything less than what Scripture has already revealed, dishonors God and is not of God!

Why is the Gospel a Threat?

Jesus saith, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law” (Matthew 10:34-35). This is the threat that severs ties, separates the broad and narrow way, truth and falsehood, carnal and spiritual gains, God and idols, sheep and goats.

1. No other way- why is it a threat?

• It offers no other choice - The natural man cannot accept no other way or no choice as the option. Throughout history, man rejects the Way and devise his own way to satisfy his own selfish desires.
• It is the Truth - All roads may lead to Rome, but only Christ is the Way to the Father.
• It hurts - Truth is the enemy of falsehood, and it hurts! It is real and offensive - men reject it because they love darkness, and their deeds are evil (John 3:19).

2. No other gain- why is it a threat?

• It intrudes into individual spaces - The Gospel intrudes into their personal spaces and comfort zone of these idol makers. It was a threat to their livelihood and wealth.
• It reveals their sinful desires and opposes their selfish ambitions - Demetrius and the silver craftsmen were selfish and cared only for their own gains and wealth. Carnal gains were more important to them than spiritual gains.

3. No other gods- why is it a threat?

• It challenges the majority - The Bible plainly and clearly declares, “There is no other god besides Me!” This was an insult and threat to the people of Ephesus who worshipped the goddess, Diana.
• It attacks their idols - Idols are no gods but vain objects made with hands, and they can be anything other than God that dominate and control us.
• It hurts their pride - God forbids idol worship. When the people turned to worship the true and living God, they accused Paul of causing the division.

Conclusion

Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He died that we may live. While the Lord tarries, let us be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jews first, and also to the Greek. When the church is revived and on fire for God, the Holy Spirit will convict men of sins and lead them to repentance and salvation. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you understand of the significance of Reformation, and how does it impact your faith?
2. What are your pursuits in life? Is your obedience to the Gospel a threat to these pursuits?
3. What are idols? How do ensure you do not fall into the sin of idol worship?
4. Christ is the only Way to heaven. Share what must you do to stay in this Way till the end?