I want to explore a critical question that challenges our faith and role as bearers of the gospel: Are we truly preaching the gospel to a lost world?
Paul’s words resonate with us, urging us not to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a powerful call that demands introspection—are we effectively preparing ourselves to spread this gospel? Many of us strive to reach the lost, but I often ponder if our efforts align with Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15 or if our good intentions perhaps miss the mark.
Let’s consider how we preach the gospel. One common method surveys the entire Bible, illustrating how God’s plan of redemption unfolds from Creation to Revelation. This approach, while comprehensive, often packs too much into one sitting. Another method focuses on the New Testament Church, outlining its establishment and function as seen in the Scriptures—a stark contrast to many modern denominations, which may not reflect scriptural teachings about the church.
A third style zeroes in on salvation—directly addressing what one must do to be saved, emphasizing baptism and its role in salvation as laid out in the scriptures. These methods vary in impact, but they compel me to question if we’ve complicated evangelism more than necessary.
Turning to Hebrews chapters 5 and 6, we see a call for spiritual maturity among believers, indicating a need to revisit foundational teachings or “first principles” of our faith—repentance, faith, and baptism. These should be our focus before delving into deeper doctrinal issues that might only resonate with those already walking the path of faith.
Now, consider Romans chapter 2, verse 4. It teaches us about the kindness of God leading to repentance. This should remind us of the transformative power of understanding and embracing the gospel’s full scope—not just the commands but the encompassing beliefs and promises.
In our teachings, we must ensure we are not merely sharing fragmented truths but presenting the gospel comprehensively. This completeness is crucial as it invites understanding and commitment. As Paul boldly states in Romans 1:16, the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Furthermore, the practical aspects of evangelism call for simplicity and clarity. We should present the gospel plainly, using aids like tracts or discussions based on them, focusing first on the necessary steps towards salvation before advancing to more complex teachings.
We also learn from 2 Corinthians chapter 9, verse 6, about the generosity of sowing seeds—the more we sow, the more we reap. This principle should guide our evangelistic efforts, encouraging us to share the gospel freely and widely, prepared to engage at any moment, even if it means opening our church doors at two in the morning for a soul-seeking baptism.
And finally, we must not forget the importance of moving on when our message is not received, as Jesus advised in Luke chapter 10. Yet, we keep the door open for future opportunities, always ready to revisit those conversations with hearts possibly more receptive later.
In essence, our mission is clear. We are to spread the full, uncut message of the gospel, keeping our teachings anchored in the foundational truths of our faith. As we reflect on whether we are truly fulfilling our charge to preach the gospel to every creature this afternoon, let us recommit to this task with renewed vigor and clarity.
