The Changing Power of the Gospel of Christ
1 Cor. 1:18-24

Introduction:
    A. A church that just offers the gospel seems strange to many people.
       1. Not everyone appreciates its value and power (1 Cor. 1:18, 23).
       2. Christians appreciate its value and power (1 Cor. 1:18, 24).
    B. Value and power of Gospel seen by the fundamental changes it makes in men and women.

Discussion:

I. It Changes the Spiritual Condition of Men and Women.

    A. From lost sinners into saved saints. (1 Cor.6:9-11).
       1. Saved by the gospel (1 Cor. 15:2).
       2. Cleansed in baptism (Acts 18:8; cf. Acts 22:16)
    B. From children of devil into children of God. (Gal. 3:26, 27).

II. It Changes the Outlook of Men and Women.

    A. From hopelessness into hopefulness (Eph. 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:3)
       1. Pessimism to optimism.
       2. The Jailer (Acts 16:27, 34).
       3. Paul (Rom. 7:24, 25).
    B. From worldly outlook to spiritual outlook (Phil. 3:4-11)
    C. From self-pity to gracious suffering (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17)

III. It Changes the Life-styles of Men and Women (1 Cor. 6.11).

    A. Religious life-style.
       1. From Idols to Living God. (1 Thess. 1:9).
       2. From fanatical persecutor into preacher. (1 Cor. 15:9, 10).
       3. From vain-worshiper into true worshiper. (John 4:23, 24; Matt. 15:9).
    B. General life-style.
       1. From self-seeking to self-denial (Matt. 6:24)
       2. From lusts of men to the will of God (1 Pet. 4:1-4).
       3. From laziness to productive work (2 Thess. 3:10)

IV. It Changes the Destinies of Men and Women.

    A. Eternally doomed into eternally saved. (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
    B. Hell-bound into Heaven-bound.

Conclusion:

    A. If you value the gospel - obey it.
    B. If you value the gospel - spread it.
    C. If you value the gospel - defend it (cf. Phil. 1:17).