I. What Does Preaching the Gospel Mean II. The Purpose of Preaching III. Why Does Satan Hate the Gospel IV. Who is Commanded to Preach V. Where Do I Begin Sharing Jesus VI. What Does Preaching the Gospel Mean
What Does Preaching the Gospel Mean
Preaching the gospel refers to the act of sharing the message of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ with others. It is an attempt to persuade people to believe in Jesus and follow Him as their Lord and Savior. Through preaching the gospel, Believers gain an understanding of the love and grace of God. This results in a deeper understanding of eternal life as well.
Preaching is not simple an “element” of Christianity, it is “the entire ball game”. It is through the sharing of the good news that people come to salvation and have their lives forever changed. However, in today's fast-paced and secular society, it can be challenging to reach people with the message. This is why it is crucial for Christians to understand the importance of sharing it and doing so effectively.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when declaring the message is the audience. Begin by understanding the specific needs of those you are trying to reach. For example, in the neighborhood where I Pastor, I do not preach about “providing a financial inheritance” to descendants. Although this is a biblical concept, I shepherd poor people whose concerns are meeting utility and medication expenses. Anything beyond that is irrelevant.
A relevant message delivery for young adults, may be through use of contemporary language and examples that they can relate to. On the other hand, if you are trying to reach an older audience, it may be more effective to use a more traditional approach.
Another important aspect of preaching is authenticity. People can sense insincerity and hypocrisy, and it can turn them off. In a previous article, I warned against “practicing body movements and phrases” when delivering a sermon. People know when you are being phony. When sharing, it's essential to speak from the heart and to be transparent about your own struggles with faith. This helps build trust and credibility and makes it more likely that they will be open to hearing.
It's also important to use a variety of methods. While traditional methods, such as sermons and Bible studies can be effective, think outside the box from time to time. For example, using social media and other digital platforms can be an effective way to reach a wider audience. You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to share your message and engage with people in a more personal way.
Another important aspect is to be prepared. As a Pastor, nothing bothers me more than an obviously unprepared Ministers of the Gospel. It's essential to have a solid understanding of the Bible and to be able to defend your faith. This will help you to be more effective and to address any objections that people have.
Sermon delivery is not just about speaking words, but more about living them. Our actions speak louder than words. Others are more likely to be drawn to the gospel when they see Godly love and compassion modelled. This means striving to live a life that is characterized by love, kindness, and generosity.
It is through the sharing of Jesus Christ that people come to salvation and have their lives forever secured with the Lord. However, in today's fast-paced and secular society, it can be challenging to reach people with God’s message of forgiveness.
The Purpose of Preaching
The purpose of preaching is to share the message of salvation and redemption (in Christ only). Through Jesus, anyone can have their sins forgiven and gain eternal life in Heaven. Preaching also helps spread the example of Jesus. This inspires and guides people to live a more moral and compassionate life. Additionally, witnessing for/about Jesus provides a sense of purpose and belonging.
Here are twelve (12) important reasons the Gospel of Christ must be shared:
It explains salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
It Bring people to repentance and forgiveness of sins.
It builds and strengthen the faith of believers.
Assists in spreading the teachings and example of Jesus.
The gospel brings people together in a community of faith.
Can inspire others to be more Christ-like.
It provides guidance for living a Christian life.
Assists Believers in better understanding scripture.
Proclaims the kingdom of God to those without it safety.
Encourages Christians to share their faith with others.
Represents God's love and grace to a dying world in need of it.
Provides hope and comfort to those in need.
As you can see, the declaration of Jesus’ is eternal and life changing. Once it is preached, and accepted, the real battle begins. There is a celestial being who hates the God and tries to destroy both His message and those who dare to accept it by faith.
Why Does Satan Hate the Gospel
Satan, also known as the devil, is the enemy of God and of those who follow God. Satan hates the message because those who accept it have rejected him, and his evil kingdom. One of Satan's main goals is to prevent the spread of the gospel and the salvation of souls. He does this in a variety of ways, such as by tempting individuals to sin and turn away from God. He is also quite effective at causing division within the church by promoting false teachings.
In addition, Satan may also use persecution and oppression to try and stop the church. When I say “church”, I am speaking of Protestantism and not Catholicism and their false teachings. Although they call themselves the church, their dogma and doctrine prove otherwise.
Satan incites governments or individuals to persecute Christians. He also takes advantage of suffering to promote disbelief in God and His message. I am sure you have heard this before: “how can there be a God with so much suffering in the world.” Satan may also use fear and intimidation to try and silence Christians and prevent them from sharing their faith. He also uses deception to lead even Christians away from truth. The goal of Satan is to prevent people from experiencing love, grace, and salvation of God through Jesus Christ.
Here are brief descriptions demonstrating how opposite Satan is to God’s Holiness:
1. Satan is portrayed as a deceiver and liar, who seeks to lead people away from God. 2. Satan is often depicted as a tempter, who tempts individuals to sin and turn away from God. 3. Satan is described as an enemy of God, who opposes God's plan and purposes. 4. Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness, in opposition to God's kingdom of light. 5. Satan is often associated with evil, and is said to be responsible for the evil in the world. 6. Satan is seen as the adversary or opponent of God and His people. 7. Satan is portrayed as a defeated enemy, having been defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The world must accept that evil is real and Satan is the father of evil. The gospel message is the cure for evil that infests the lives of those opposed to God. Interestingly, there are “good” people who are followers of Satan as well.
Anyone without salvation through Jesus Christ, no matter how “wonderful”, belongs to the Kingdom of Darkness. As Jesus said: “You who are not with me (through salvation) are against me. If you are not gathering with me, you are scattered away from me.”
Who is Commanded to Preach
In the Bible, the command to preach the gospel is given to all believers in Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
This command, known as the Great Commission, is given to all of Jesus' followers. It is understood as “cart blanche” to do so anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. It is an eternal “blank check” if you will. This commission is not just for the apostles or church leaders but for all the believers.
Additionally, in Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes that God has appointed certain individuals, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, to equip the believers for the work of ministry. The result of this is building the body of Believers to make disciples of others.
The Ephesians individuals, known as the fivefold ministry, are given specific gifts and abilities to help equip and empower believers. Not to do what they believe is right, but what Jesus commands them to do. However, the ultimate responsibility falls on every believer, not just on those with specific roles or gifts. If I could be a bit more plain: it is not only church leader’s job to spread the message – it is all of ours.
Listed below are three (3) biblical text on “who” should share Jesus with others:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age." This command was made to everyone who heard it and every human being who would follow. 2. Luke 24:47 - "And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem." 3. 1st Peter 3:15-16 – "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
There are many reasons why some Saints of Jesus may be hesitant to share the gospel. One reason is fear of rejection and/or persecution. Many people may be hesitant because they are afraid of how others will react. The reality is some people are more confrontational than others.
I am a church Pastor but also preach on street corners which is ground zero for being ignored and rejected! However, I will not knock on someone’s door to witness. That is much to intimate of a setting. The point is, however, you are “wired”, make full use to share Jesus.
Additionally, some may not feel equipped or qualified to share their faith. They may not feel confident in their understanding or their ability to communicate effectively. Surprisingly, others think that it's not their job to share the gospel. It is impossible to think like this and yet understand the urgency of the message!
In any case, it's important to remember that fear and uncertainty are natural reactions. However, it is even more important to remember His Word: “God did not give us the spirit of fear but of sound mind to all His Saints.”
Where Do I Begin to Share Jesus
When it comes to sharing Jesus with others, it's important to begin by building relationships and connecting with people. This means taking the time to get to know people, listen to their concerns, and to understand their perspectives. It also means being a good friend, neighbor, or co-worker, and showing genuine care. By building relationships, you can create opportunities to share the gospel.
Another important aspect of sharing Jesus is to be familiar with the word of God. This can be done by studying the Bible, attending Bible studies and learning from experienced evangelists or pastors.
Additionally, it is important to pray for guidance and wisdom. And finally, be ready to listen, care, and be patient, because it is not always easy for people to understand the message. Time is the friend of the gospel so just “plant the seed” and allow another to water it.
Header Image Courtesy of Gonza Knox @ Pixabay