Proclaiming The Gospel - Are We Preaching The Gospel?

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                        "PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL"

                      Are We Preaching The Gospel?

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we have examined whether...
   a. We are ashamed of the gospel
   b. We are preparing for the gospel

2. Many Christians do reach out to the lost; yet I often wonder...
   a. Are we actually preaching the gospel as commissioned by Jesus?
      - Mk 16:15
   b. Might our efforts, though well-intentioned, actually be
      misdirected?

[Despite our zeal to fulfill the Great Commission, might we not actually
present the gospel as the Lord intended?  To explain what I mean, let’s
first review some common...]

I. EVANGELISTIC METHODS

   A. SURVEY OF THE BIBLE...
      1. Presents an overall survey of the Bible story
      2. Revealing how the gospel fulfills God’s plan of redemption
      3. Generally a multi-lesson approach, though sometimes presented
         in one lesson

   B. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH...
      1. Focuses on identifying the true church today, or
         non-denominational Christianity
      2. Reviews the establishment, organization, work and worship of
         the church in the Bible
      3. Contrasts the New Testament church with denominations today

   C. WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED...
      1. Describes the proper response to the gospel of Christ
      2. Presumes understanding the need for the gospel and other
         related facts
      3. Usually with an emphasis on the role of baptism in the plan of
         salvation

[Such methods have been used with varying degrees of success.  Yet I
often wonder whether we’ve made evangelism more complicated than it need
be.  Allow me to raise a few...]

II. EVANGELISTIC QUERIES

   A. FIRST OR SECOND PRINCIPLES...?
      1. There are first or elementary principles of the gospel - cf. He
         5:12; 6:1-2
      2. Much of what we often share may belong to the category of
         second principles
      3. E.g., the identity of the church, its work, worship, etc.
      4. Such is important, but shouldn't we stress the first principles
         first?
      5. Most of what we learn about the church was written to
         Christians, not preached to alien sinners (cf. the sermons in
         Acts with the epistles)
      6. If one is unwilling to obey the Lord regarding first principles
         (e.g., baptism), are we not wasting our time trying to get them
         to accept the secondary principles of the Word?

   B. THE GOSPEL IN PART OR WHOLE...?
      1. The gospel is more than simply telling people what they must do
         to be saved
      2. There are commands to obey, yes, but also facts to believe and
         promises to receive
      3. Such facts and promises provide motivation to obey - cf. Ro
         2:4; 2Co 5:11,14
      4. Do we deprive ourselves of the power of the gospel to convict
         the sinner by assuming they understand why they need to be
         saved and how God saves them through His promises?

   C. THE GOSPEL ABORTED...?
      1. Multi-lesson approaches often do not reveal the gospel until
         the end of the series
      2. Circumstances or controversies often terminate a study before
         getting to the actual gospel
      3. Do we miss opportunities to share the gospel by allowing such
         to happen?

[This is not a blanket condemnation of evangelistic approaches described
earlier.  I have used such often with some success.  Yet I wonder if I
have always made the best use of my time and opportunities.  With these
thoughts in mind, permit me to share the following...]

III. EVANGELISTIC PRINCIPLES

   A. SHARE THE FULL GOSPEL...
      1. Make sure that we are sharing the gospel of Christ in its
         fullness
      2. Not just commands to obey, but facts to believe and promises to
         receive
      3. So we do not deprive ourselves of the full power of the gospel
         - Ro 1:16
      4. Fruit is born when one understands the grace of God in truth!
         - Col 1:5-6

   B. FOCUS ON FIRST PRINCIPLES...
      1. In the words of Paul:  "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" - cf.
         1Co 2:2
      2. You might want to prepare a simple presentation of the gospel
         in tract form
      3. Stressing the facts, commands, and promises of the gospel
      4. Saving the second principles for those willing to obey the
         first principles

   C. SOW THE SEED LIBERALLY...
      1. As you sow, so shall you reap - cf. 2Co 9:6
      2. Be prepared to share the gospel at anytime
      3. Consider various ways to share the gospel in person and en
         masse
      4. Utilize tracts, DVDs, mailings, whatever works for you

   D. MOVE ON IF NOT RECEPTIVE...
      1. As taught by Christ - Lk 10:10-11
      2. As practiced by Paul - Ac 13:44-46; 18:6
      3. Once the gospel has been shared, if not received or there is no
         further interest, we should look elsewhere
      4. Though we can keep the door open should interest return

   E. DON’T FORGET TO PRAY...
      1. For opportunities - Col 4:2-6
      2. For wisdom - Jm 1:5
      3. For boldness - Ep 6:18-20
      4. Remembering that God gives the increase - 1Co 3:5-7

CONCLUSION

1. I do not mean to be overly critical of other ways to reach the
   lost...
   a. If a multi-lesson approach works well for you, wonderful!
   b. If you feel it best to cover second principles, don’t let me stop
      you

2. The important thing is to sow the seed of the gospel!  That precious
   message...
   a. Of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and our response
   b. Shared with as many people as possible
   c. Which can be taught rather simply if we focus on the first
      principles of the Word

Are we preaching the gospel of Christ?  That is the task given to us...

   And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel
   to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved;
   but he who does not believe will be condemned." - Mk 16:15-16
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