Distinguishing the Gospel: Counterfeit Gospels

Some headlines are clearly counterfeit. Your "gospel" is the headline that defines your life. We can probably name some really bad, truly wrong headlines that seem to define life for many people. “Might makes right,” or “All that matters is who wins.” These are counterfeit gospels. But then there are good things. Maybe great things. Even essential things. But if they take top billing in what defines our identity and purpose in life, they are counterfeit gospels as well.

Three counterfeit gospels are (1) a gospel without Jesus, (2) a gospel of Jesus without the cross, and (3) a gospel that adds to the cross of Jesus.

The sermon today is titled "Distinguishing the Gospel: Counterfeit Gospels." It is the third installment in our "What Is The Gospel" Series. The Scripture reading is from Galatians 1:6-9. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 15, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under Begin: A Gracious Gospel.

Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.

Footnotes (Sources and References Used In Today's Podcast):

• I am greatly indebted to Dr. Timothy Keller for the personal dimension of the gospel in this sermon series. See especially the following four Keller sources:
  • Sermon: "What Is The Gospel?" (Sep 12, 2003).
  • Sermon: "How The Gospel Changes Us" (Sep 13, 2003).
  • Sermon: "The Gospel" (Sep 25, 2005)
  • Book: Center Church (Chapters 1-3 & 5).
• I also benefitted from Scot McKnight's commentary on Galatians.
• You can find information about counterfeit money here and here.
• For examples of knock-off stores and items, click here.

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