Core: Setting the Foundation for the Future
“Intentional Witness”
1 Peter 3:13-18 (CSB)
- Key Truth: “Our values will determine how we think, what we believe, and how we live."
NSBC Vision- “Leading every generation toward a fully-formed life with Jesus.”
Our Fourth Core Value is… Intentional Witness- We value the call to actively bear witness in word and deed to the gospel of Jesus Christ for all who will hear. (Matt. 5:14-16; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:8; 1 Pt. 3:15; Rev. 12:11)
Main Question: How can we become more effective in fulfilling Jesus’ call to be intentional witnesses?
1. The gospel is confrontational. (1 Peter 3:13-14)
a. The gospel is contrary to the world.
b. The gospel confronts sin.
c. The gospel calls for change.
d. The gospel has consequences.
2. The gospel is life. (1 Peter 3:15-17)
3. The gospel is a person. (1 Peter 3:18)
- Gospel Definition: The Gospel, or the Good News, is this: that the Kingdom of God has come through Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Christ, the King, God’s one and only Son. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, was resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures, and ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven. In His great love and by His amazing grace, God our Father saves everyone who repents of their sin, believes the gospel, and follows Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. When King Jesus returns on the last day, everyone who has followed Him will enter the eternal Kingdom of God. (Mk. 1:15-17; 1 Cor. 15:3-7; Eph. 2:1-10).
The Gospel Proper (1 Corinthians 15:-8)
The Kingdom of God has come
Jesus is the King
Jesus died for our sins
Jesus rose again to give us new life
The Gospel Response: (Matthew 3:2, 4:19; Mark 1:15, 17)
Repent
Believe
Follow
After the Message: Read Matthew 24:14. When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone far from God? Will you ask God to place someone on your heart this week with whom you can share a witness for the Kingdom of God?
