Introduction

  • Acts 17:1-9
  • Matthew 10:34-38
  • Luke 12:51-52
  • I Corinthians 1:22-24 – We preach Christ crucified.

Christ and His teaching was controversial to:

  • The Jewish rulers (John 9:16)
  • The Jewish people (John 7:40-40; 10:19-21, 30-33)
  • His family (John 7:2-5)
  • His disciples (John 6:59-67)

The controversial gospel of Christ

  • God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
  • God made two genders: male and female (Genesis 1:27)
  • Marriage is between man and woman (Matthew 19:4)
  • Homosexuality is perverse and sinful (Romans 1:26-27)
  • Your body belongs to God (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
  • Baptism is essential to salvation (Acts 22:16)
  • Repentance precedes baptism (Acts 2:38; 17:30)
  • One, true church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23)
  • No authority for instruments in worship (Ephesians 5:19)
  • One scriptural cause for divorce (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)
  • II Corinthians 10:4-5
  • Jesus and His teachings have always been controversial.
  • Jude 1:3
  • II Timothy 2:24-26

Turning the world upside down preaching …

  • The truth that sets men free from sin was taught. (John 8:32)
  • The message was preached with humility, love, plainness, and boldness.
  • Many rejected the gospel; some souls were saved.
  • Will continue to be controversial and divisive.