The Disruptive Nature of the Gospel

Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Aug 11, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
The Disruptive Nature of the Gospel
Acts 19:21-40
1. Jesus Christ is the only way, v. 23
2. The Gospel threatens the status quo, v. 24-26
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
-Psalm 115:1-8
3. The Gospel changes what you worship, v. 26-27
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
-Romans 12:1
4. The Gospel gives me courage, v. 29-30
“Courage is acting on the premise that there is something more important than fear, it is not the absence of fear.”
-David Prince
5. The Gospel is about God, v. 37
“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there? ”
- John Piper, God Is the Gospel
Mental worship…
1. Do you currently have any “idols” that get too much attention and affection in your life?
2. What are some things you used to love but no longer love because of the Gospel?
3. Do you enjoy forgiveness or sanctification (making progress) more?
4. Are you “about God” in how you live or something else?
5. Is God necessary, central and essential to your view of heaven?