Is the gospel getting lost in our concern for social issues?

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Overview

John the Baptist stood out from other prophets because of his concentration on Christ. Unlike the Old Testament prophets, and other prophets of Jesus’ time, he focused on the truth of the gospel. Is this message being lost among the desires to affect immoral social issues and behaviors in our society? What should we focus on as individuals and the church while trying to make a difference in the world? Is there a place for Old Testament justice in today’s world?

Table of Contents

SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 11:18–21; Psalm 119:1–8; Matthew 5:17–22; 15:1–9; 23:2–4, 13–15; Luke 16:14–17; Acts 13:38–39; Romans 7:4–6; 13:1–5; 1 Peter 2:13–15; 1 John 2:1–2, 12

LEADER'S GUIDE

    • The Issue

Sample questions:

In what ways was John the Baptist a turning point between the time of the prophets and the gospel?

In what practical ways are the law and the prophets in effect today?

Sample Scriptures:

Read Deuteronomy 11:18–21 and Psalm 119:1–8. What characterized the time of the Law and the Prophets?

Read Matthew 15:1–9 and 23:2–4, 13–15. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for condemning others because of their sins. What effect did their behavior have on others?

Sample application questions:

In the issues discussed above, might the church have hindered the gospel by pointing fingers, as the Pharisees did? Can we expect people to be saved as a result of crusades against abortion clinics, pornography, and homosexuality?

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