An Unchanging Gospel for a Changing World

Introduction:
    When looking at transportation and communication it is easy to see how much the world has changed in the last 100 years—even 50 years! We have also seen continual changes in society over the last 100 years. Many believe the problems we face today are new and have never been faced before. This is why it is common to hear some say “religion must change with the times.” The gospel cannot change! The Bible says so. See Js. 1:25; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; and Jude 3. Those who attempt to change it are accursed of God. (Gal. 1:8) Humble submission, a contrite spirit; and love for God have always been necessities in pleasing Him.

I. Js. 1:25—the law of Christ is __________________ and is not in need of change.
    A. Yes...God’s law has changed before. Once there was __________ law. God spoke directly to men.
    B. After this, the ____ of ________ became the standard—delivered to the Hebrews on Mt. Sinai.   
        1. It too would change. See Mt. 5:17; Eph. 2:15; Rom. 7:4; Col. 2:12-14.
        2. Gal. 3:19-24—law of Moses was given in view of being _______________!
        3 Through Christ—something better would come upon the scene. Heb. 8:7-13.

II. A perfect law needs no _______________.
    A. The NT was given to save man from ________. Jhn. 8:32; Rom. 1:16; Js. 1:21
    B. The law of Christ was adequate for Jews & Gentiles. See Acts 2:38; Acts 11:14

III. If the gospel must be changed, what exactly needs to be changed?
    A. Does God need to change?
        1. Acts 10:34—He is no ___________ of persons.
        2. Rom. 3:26—He is ________.
        3. Js. 1:17; John 3:16—He _____________ for us.
        4. God hasn’t changed! He is always the same!
    B. _________ has not changed, either!
        1. _________ is still around. We still sin.
        2. Men act w/total disregard for God’s law. See Pro. 21:2
        3. NOTHING has changed—we are still in sin
    C. See also Jer. 10:23; Rom. 3:23; 6:23—we still need salvation!

IV. The gospel helps us become _______________ of Jesus.
    A. God’s word is adequate. We must be ________ with God’s way.
    B. Col. 1:19-24—applying _________ will help us become more like ___________.
        1. Spiritual wisdom/understanding; fruitfulness.…
    C. Why change it? What here needs to be done away with?

V. If all of this is true, why change the ___________/_____ of the church?
    A. Remember, Gal. 1:6-9 says the gospel does not change.
        1. 1 Cor. 4:6—do not go _________ what is written.
        2. Col. 3:17—do all in the ________ of the Lord.
    B. If the pattern shows the 1st century church….
        1. __________ instead of playing instruments in worship, why shouldn’t we do that?
        2. Partaking of the LS on a ____________ basis—then why shouldn’t we do that?
        3. Upholding every facet of the ___________ of Christ—why shouldn’t we?
    C. Phil. 3:17; Heb. 8:5—we must follow the pattern in all things.

Conclusion:
    A. There will never be another gospel. Perverted ones will come & go, but THE gospel; THE law of
         Christ will be there to judge us in the end! Jhn 12:48; Rom. 2:16.
    B. Won’t you obey the unchangeable gospel & be made free from your sins?