The Cross Is Not Sugarcoated

In one paragraph

Gary Geek brought the message on November 5, 2017, with Pastor Ray and Pastor Carl both away in Florida. He focused on the gospel, the cross of Christ, and why every believer is called to share that message without fear. The sermon pressed on what the gospel actually costs, both for Christ and for those who receive it. Gary opened by noting that sharing the gospel makes many Christians...

Read together

1. Philippians 1:14 Paul in prison encouraging believers who became confident to proclaim the gospel without fear
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things pass away, everything becomes new
3. Matthew 7:13-14 enter through the narrow gate, wide road leads to destruction, narrow road leads to life
4. John 14:6 Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the father but by him
5. John 6:44 no one comes to Christ unless the father draws them
6. John 3 the Holy Spirit described as the wind that blows

Talk about it

1. Gary shared a survey finding that only one in four Christians felt they had a responsibility to share their faith with people who believe differently. What do you think is behind that number, and where do you see yourself in it?
2. Gary described our culture's tolerance movement as pushing the church away from truth and toward grace, and said the truth side of the gospel is the hard side. How do you navigate that tension in your own conversations with people who don't share your faith?
3. Gary said we sometimes water down the gospel by emphasizing the benefits of Christianity without the cost, and that the true gospel emphasizes repentance and making Christ Lord. How have you seen that play out, either in your own life or in how the gospel gets presented?
4. Gary used the image of the Chinese farmer who had his cataracts removed, then led 24 blind neighbors back to the doctor who helped him. What would it look like practically for you to lead someone else toward what God has done for you?
5. Gary said that at the intersection of the broad and narrow road, only the Father can draw a person through the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit is like the wind in John 3. How does that shape the way you think about your own role when you share your faith with someone?