The Gospel Changes Everything: The good news that Jesus died for sin and rose again gives us eternal life, changes our relationships, fuels our obedience, empowers our service, increases our generosity, and challenges us to see all people through the lens of grace. The Big Idea: The Gospel transforms our lives through the truth of God’s Word. Transformed by Truth – Because of the gospel, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and freed from both self-righteousness and self-condemnation. Through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures are used by God to transform our lives. John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. God’s Word is Powerful, Transformative Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God’s Word. Psalm 33:9“For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” God's Word the Difference Between Life and Death Genesis 2:16–17 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Deuteronomy 30:15–18 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Humanity Has Failed to and Obey God's Word Ezekiel 37:3–6 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” Ezekiel 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’ ” God Sent His , the Living Word John 1:1–4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Colossians 1:15–17 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Matthew 7:24–27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” God Entrusts the with The Word That Saves Matthew 28:19–20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Application: God's Word Practical Suggestions: • Set a consistent time to read or listen to Scripture daily—even if it's 5–10 minutes. The goal is consistency, not volume. • Attend church regularly, ready to listen and respond to the preached Word. • Cut out what distracts you from Scripture. Are your mornings too noisy? Are your evenings dominated by entertainment? What does your schedule say about what you believe will transform your life? Are you letting other voices shape you more than God’s voice? Get to God Through His Word Practical Suggestions: • When reading the Bible, ask: “What does this tell me about who God is?” And ask: “What does it tell me about humanity (me)?” • Keep a journal or prayer log to reflect on how God is revealing Himself in the passages you’re reading. • Join a life group with others so you can grow in your understanding of who God is together. • If you would like personal help, reach out to Pastor Rob • If you struggle to understand the Bible, check out https://soniclight.com . This website offers a free commentary on the whole Bible. Talk About God’s Word with Practical Suggestions: • Bring Scripture into daily conversations. Ask your kids or friends: “What stood out to you in God’s Word this week?” • When friends or coworkers talk about their struggles or ask you for advice, ask them, “Do you mind if I tell you what the Bible says about that?” • Look for open doors to share the good news of Jesus with others. • Pray that God opens the door for you to dis