The gospel of Jesus Christ stands at the very center of Christianity. However, there are many different things that come to people’s minds when they are asked, "What is the gospel?" This is because many Christians make assumptions about what the gospel is without hearing the Bible’s clear and definitive voice. Even though the gospel can be explained in a variety of ways, there are several core truths of the gospel that every believer should know and understand.

The third part of the sermon series, Forgive and Move On.

Here are two reasons why many people don't turn to God when they are offended.

Everyone has opportunities to get offended or upset. We all have to deal with the issues of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness at one time or another. However, we should not accept unforgiveness as an inevitable part of our lives. Through the strength of God’s Word we can live our lives free from unforgiveness.

God desires for us to be holy. In order for us to be holy, we can't try to hide from God when we sin like Adam and Eve did in the garden. Instead, we must be open before God and not allow our guilt to turn into shame. Shame seeks to paralyze us and knock us off track in our pursuit of holiness. Only the love of God can break down the walls of shame and put us back on the track to being holy.

Part three of the series, The Forgotten Pursuit, a rediscovery of real holiness.

Why does God want us to be a royal priest for Him, as it says in 1 Peter 2:9? Why does He expect us to obey Him? Why does He command holiness? It's not because He is some control freak who just wants to keep us in line. God is not up in heaven with a finger ready to zap us when we mess up. He wants us to be obedient and be holy because He loves us! He wants what is best for us. He doesn't want us to suffer. He doesn't want us to be hurt. He wants us to thrive! God knows that the only way for us to thrive is to be holy!

When you say the word "holiness" you might as well spray a can of conversation repellant on everyone around you. This tells us that the church desperately needs to pursue being holy. Holiness is not just some archaic idea from past generations. It's the unyielding pursuit that defines every Christian life. We need holiness whether we realize it or not!

What significance is the Old Testament tabernacle to a New Testament believer?

Learn how to use the spiritual tool that God has given to release spiritual power into your personal life. Getting into God's presence while fasting has helped many to gain greater insight and understanding. Long time barriers are broken and joyous abundance is released when we seek the Lord.

This sermon is being shared in preparation for our churchwide 21-day fast, January 6-26. We want to begin 2014 with humility and soberness to see all that God has planned for our church body come to pass both individually and corperately.