Sunday Morning Service - Denis Kozlov - Benefits of the Gospel

Introduction and Background

Denis Kozlov, originally from Russia and now an American citizen, shared his testimony of God’s calling to plant a church in Florida. He reflected on his friendship with Pastor Matthew and how their connection was rooted in spiritual discernment rather than analysis—trusting the flow of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged believers to live where the Spirit of the Lord flows, not just where logic leads.

Main Theme: The Benefits of the Gospel (from Galatians)

Kozlov’s sermon was based on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He emphasized that the gospel of grace and law-based religion are mutually exclusive—they cannot coexist. The Galatians had begun their faith in the freedom of grace but drifted back into legalism. Kozlov highlighted that Christians must resist the temptation to “bargain” or earn favor from God; grace is a pure gift that cannot be mixed with self-righteousness.

Four Benefits of the Gospel

Kozlov identified four key benefits believers receive through the gospel:

1. Justified

• We are forgiven and declared righteous before God as though we have never sinned.
• Justification is not based on works or law-keeping, but solely on faith in Jesus Christ.
• Christ became a curse for us, taking on our sin so we could live in the freedom of His righteousness.
• Kozlov used the illustration of his U.S. citizenship—his new passport changed his status permanently; likewise, believers now approach heaven with full acceptance.

1. Adopted

• We are legally adopted as children of God, no longer slaves or outsiders.
• God has made us heirs with Christ—fully legitimate and loved.
• Kozlov reminded the congregation that even when we feel distant, adoption is not based on emotion but on divine truth.
• He quoted Galatians 4:4–7 to show that God sent His Son to redeem us and make us part of His family.

1. Indwelled

• The Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Sonship—lives within every believer.
• This Spirit enables us to cry “Abba, Father,” expressing a deep, trusting intimacy with God.
• Kozlov shared moving personal stories illustrating how God became a true Father to him after growing up without one.
  • As a child, he was lifted onto a man’s lap to “drive” a car—God later used that memory to show how He gives us dignity and guidance.
  • As a young man, when praying about marriage, God taught him responsibility by asking, “You tell me,” shaping him into a mature believer.

1. Empowered

• The gospel empowers us to walk by the Spirit, not just experience emotional highs in worship.
• Kozlov compared the Christian walk to an inchworm—we move forward when our head (faith) and our feet (action) stay connected.
• Many believers receive inspiration but never act on it; faith must lead to daily obedience and small steps of faith.
• The true fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—comes only through the Spirit’s life within us, not through human effort.

Closing Message

Kozlov concluded with Galatians 2:20:

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

He encouraged believers to:

• Live rooted in Christ’s love and grace.
• Stop trying to earn God’s favor.
• Recognize that the Christian life is not self-effort but Christ in us, the hope of glory.

He summarized the benefits once more:

• Justified – Heaven is open to you.
• Adopted – You are a legitimate child of God.
• Indwelled – You carry the Spirit of God within you.
• Empowered – You can live and act by the Spirit every day.

Pastor Matthew’s Closing Exhortation

Pastor Matthew concluded by emphasizing the power of overcoming:

• Denis’ life testified that anyone can rise above hardship—fatherlessness, poverty, or pain.
• Many believers live burdened by past wounds, but Christ calls us to overcome.
• “Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” he urged. “You can be an overcomer through the Word of God.”
• The altar was opened for prayer, inviting those ready to leave behind defeat and step into new life through Christ.

Core Message

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about striving—it’s about receiving. You are justified, adopted, indwelled, and empowered. Live as a child of grace, not a slave of the law. And let your life become a testimony that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.