Gospeler: What's Next?

Introduction

Welcome to Hope Summit! Today, we delve into the final sermon of our series, "The Gospeler." This series has explored the essence of the Gospel and its transformative power. As we wrap up, we focus on the responses to the Gospel, the importance of community, and the continuous journey of renewing our minds. Let's dive in and explore these themes in detail.

What Does It Mean to Say Yes to Jesus?

The Call to Repentance and Baptism

In Acts 2:36-38, Peter addresses the crowd, convicting them of their role in Jesus' crucifixion. The people, cut to the heart, ask, "What shall we do?" Peter's response is clear: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

This passage highlights the initial steps of becoming a Christian: repentance and baptism. It's a humbling experience, allowing us to participate in God's kingdom despite our imperfections.

The Privilege of Baptism

Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. It's a privilege to baptize others, participating in their spiritual journey. If you ever get the chance, seek guidance from someone experienced to ensure the process is meaningful and respectful.

The Role of Community in a Christian's Life

The Early Church Model

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early church, a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They shared everything, supported each other, and grew in numbers daily. This model emphasizes the importance of being part of a church community, where we can grow, support one another, and experience God's love collectively.

The Importance of Small Groups

Small groups play a crucial role in personal spiritual growth. They provide a space for deeper conversations, accountability, and support. Many life-changing moments happen in these intimate settings, where we can learn from each other and grow together in faith.

Renewing Our Minds: A Continuous Journey

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-2 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Practical Steps for Renewal

1. **Reading the Word**: Engaging with the Bible regularly helps us understand God's will and challenges us to grow.

2. **Being with Others**: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers provides support, accountability, and practical examples of living out our faith.

Overcoming Sin and Living a New Life

The Danger of Habitual Sin

Romans 6:1-4 reminds us that we are called to live a new life, free from the bondage of sin. Habitual sin, or a lifestyle of sin, is dangerous and provides a foothold for Satan. It's crucial to seek help and accountability to overcome these struggles.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

1 John 2:1-2 assures us that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and empowers us to live righteously. Even when we fail, God's grace is sufficient, and the Holy Spirit continues to work in us.

Life Application

Embrace Community

This week, make an effort to engage more deeply with your church community. Join a small group, attend a fellowship event, or simply spend more time with fellow believers. These relationships are vital for your spiritual growth and support.

Renew Your Mind

Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer. Reflect on areas where you need transformation and ask God to renew your mind. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers to track your progress and stay accountable.

Overcome Sin

Identify any habitual sins in your life and seek help. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor. Remember, you are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help. God's grace is available, and the Holy Spirit is your advocate.

Questions for Reflection

1. **Community**: How can I engage more deeply with my church community this week?

2. **Renewal**: What areas of my life need transformation? How can I commit to renewing my mind daily?

3. **Overcoming Sin**: Are there habitual sins I need to address? Who can I reach out to for support and accountability?

Conclusion

As we conclude this series on the Gospel, remember that saying "yes" to Jesus is just the beginning. Embrace the journey of faith, engage with your community, continuously renew your mind, and seek to overcome sin. God's grace is abundant, and the Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way. Let's live out our faith boldly and support one another in this incredible journey.

Gospeler: First Importance

Understanding the Resurrection: A Path to Faith

Introduction

Welcome to our weekly sermon summary! This week, Pastor Jeff delved into the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it serves as the cornerstone of our faith. Whether you missed the sermon or want a quick refresher, this summary will help you grasp the key points and apply them to your life.

How Do You Know When You're Winning?

**Questioning Success in Life and Faith**

Pastor Jeff began with a thought-provoking question: "How do you know when you're winning?" This question applies to various aspects of life, from sports to relationships, and even to our spiritual journey. In the context of our faith, winning is not about personal achievements but about spreading the gospel and helping others consider the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Scoreboard of the Church

**Measuring Success in Faith**

At Hope Summit, we measure our success through our five next steps: attending church regularly, serving, studying and praying, joining groups, and sharing Jesus. These steps are our scorecard, helping us track our spiritual growth and commitment to spreading the gospel.

The State of the American Church

**Facing the Reality**

Pastor Jeff shared some sobering statistics about the decline of Christianity in America. While these numbers can be discouraging, they serve as a wake-up call for us to be more proactive in sharing our faith. The American church may be struggling, but the global church is thriving, especially in regions like Africa and Latin America.

The Resurrection: The Cornerstone of Our Faith

**Why the Resurrection Matters**

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the most important aspect of our faith. Without the resurrection, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. The resurrection validates everything Jesus said and did, offering us the promise of eternal life.

Planting the Seed: The Role of a Gospeler

**Spreading the Gospel**

Being a gospeler means planting the seed of the gospel in people's hearts. The power to grow that seed lies with God, not us. Our role is to create opportunities for others to consider the resurrection and its impact on their lives.

Life Application

**Living Out the Sermon**

This week, challenge yourself to be a gospeler. Here are some questions to ponder:

1. **Who in your life needs to hear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ?**

2. **How can you create opportunities to share your faith with them?**

3. **Are you taking the five next steps at Hope Summit to grow in your faith and help others do the same?**

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate proof of God's promises. As gospelers, our mission is to spread this good news and help others consider its life-changing impact. Let's commit to planting the seed of the gospel and trust God to make it grow.

Thank you for joining us this week. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday for our special Missions Fest!

Gospeler: Gospel Genealogy

Welcome to our new series "Gospeler" where we explore what it means to be someone who shares the gospel (which means good news) to others. This can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, as we delve into this topic, remember that our strength and courage come from God. Let's embark on this journey together, learning how to become gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reflect on the people who have been part of your gospel genealogy. These are the individuals who shared the love of Jesus with you and helped you grow in your faith. Just as they played a role in your spiritual journey, you are called to be part of someone else's gospel genealogy.

A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher and then passes on that knowledge. Jesus' disciples were expected to carry on His teachings, and this call has echoed through generations. Our task is to continue this legacy by sharing the gospel and making disciples.

Why is Sharing the Gospel Intimidating?

Many Christians, even seasoned ones, find the idea of sharing their faith intimidating. The fear of rejection, the feeling of inadequacy, and the concern of not being knowledgeable enough can all contribute to these fears. However, it's essential to remember that our role is not to save people but to plant the seeds of the gospel.

Dependence on God and the Power of the Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, Paul explains that he planted the seed of God’s Word, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. A seed is hardwired for the harvest. In the same way, the gospel is hardwired for salvation. Our role is to share the good news and encourage others in their faith, but it is God who brings spiritual growth. Just as we depend on God for the sun to rise and our hearts to beat, we must rely on Him when sharing the gospel. This dependence on God should bring us joy and peace, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

The Gospel's Power to Save

Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." The power to save lies in the gospel itself, not in our abilities or eloquence. Our job is to share the message and trust God to do the rest. Many Christians feel the responsibility to be the super hero who swoops in to save non-believers from going to Hell. We need to remember that Jesus, the true hero, has already come and will come back again. Our role is to be unashamed that we know the way to be saved.

How Can You Be a Gospeler?

1. **Grow in Your Faith and Love**: As you deepen your relationship with God, you will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Fruit have seeds and one of the purposes of the fruit is so that the seeds might be dispersed. The fruit that results from growing in faith and love will naturally attract others to how great it is to follow God and give us a chance to share the gospel.

2. **Look for Opportunities**: Be attentive to moments when you can share the gospel. It could be a simple invitation to church, a conversation about faith, or an act of kindness that opens the door to sharing about Jesus.

3. **Trust in God's Power**: Remember that it is not your job to save people. Your role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will make them grow.

Questions to Reflect On

1. Who are the people in your gospel genealogy, and how did they impact your faith journey?

2. What fears or anxieties do you have about sharing the gospel, and how can you rely on God to overcome them?

3. How can you grow in your faith and love this week to become a more effective gospeler?

Conclusion

As we embark on this six-week series, let's commit to becoming gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world. Remember, our role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth. Let's embrace this call with joy and courage, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

Join us next week as we continue to explore what it means to be a gospeler. And don't forget to get involved in a small group for a more interactive learning experience. Together, we can make a difference in the world by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.