What does it mean to preach the Gospel?

[mlqurgw]

I ask this question for the preachers here but any comments are welcome. I have my own understanding but will wait to give it.

[Flynmonkie]

First thing that popped in to my head.. (Now...you know what kind of trouble that gets me in! Not that I have any aspirations of "formal preaching" other than my occasional soapbox :D Just throw me into the any old comments section :))

Example.:)

[Proeliator]

Im not a preacher, but Id have to say that it is to give a good clear message about Christ, Him crucified for sinners, and His resurrection.

[arunma]

I more or less agree with what Shadrach has said. It seems to me the Gospel is that Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected for the atonement of our sin, and that we are saved by grace through faith in him.

[Andyman_1970]

It depends on what one defines the Gospel as........if it's merely getting one out of Hell and into Heaven then IMO that's a pretty narrow (and I would argue incomplete) answer and understanding of the Gospel.

[arunma]

It depends on what one defines the Gospel as........if it's merely getting one out of Hell and into Heaven then IMO that's a pretty narrow (and I would argue incomplete) answer and understanding of the Gospel.

I agree that it is far more than "getting out of hell." Fear tactics ought not to convert anyone to Christianity. At the same time, I think we should preach that direct faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation, apart from other religions.

[rural_preacher]

I believe preaching the Gospel is preaching the Word of God.

II Timothy 4

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.


Some argue that Paul only had the OT in mind when he said "preach the Word". But Paul was writing by the inspiration of the HS and understood that his writings and those of the other Apostles were Divine Scripture. So, I believe that Paul (by the HS) had all of God's Word in mind when he wrote this.

We are to preach all of God's Word...that is the Gospel...not just a message of salvation.

Jesus told us to make disciples, baptize them and teach them all things that He commanded.

II Timothy 3

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.



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[arunma]

I believe preaching the Gospel is preaching the Word of God.

II Timothy 4


Some argue that Paul only had the OT in mind when he said "preach the Word". But Paul was writing by the inspiration of the HS and understood that his writings and those of the other Apostles were Divine Scripture. So, I believe that Paul (by the HS) had all of God's Word in mind when he wrote this.

We are to preach all of God's Word...that is the Gospel...not just a message of salvation.

Jesus told us to make disciples, baptize them and teach them all things that He commanded.

II Timothy 3



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Whatever Paul thought of the New Testament, it is clear that at the very least, Peter considered Paul's letters to be inspired Scripture (2 Peter 3:15). It also appears that at some level, Paul was aware that his own writings came from the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37). It seems to me that when Paul and the other Apostles talked about the Word of God, they were referring to Jesus Christ himself. Since both Testaments of the Bible faithfully and historically record the words of Jesus, I think there is sufficient evidence to justify what you have said.

[rural_preacher]

Whatever Paul thought of the New Testament, it is clear that at the very least, Peter considered Paul's letters to be inspired Scripture (2 Peter 3:15). It also appears that at some level, Paul was aware that his own writings came from the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37). It seems to me that when Paul and the other Apostles talked about the Word of God, they were referring to Jesus Christ himself. Since both Testaments of the Bible faithfully and historically record the words of Jesus, I think there is sufficient evidence to justify what you have said.

AMEN!

The Spirit of God authored the written Word of God to point us to the living Word of God. The three are in perfect harmony.

When we preach the Word (written) we are preaching the Word (living).


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[newbeliever02072005]

I ask this question for the preachers here but any comments are welcome. I have my own understanding but will wait to give it.

*comment/thoughts from a person that was on the receiving end of "preaching"*

I feel that I have never been "preached" at to get me to accept Jesus.

For me, whenever I was approached by someone to "preach" me the gospel my hearing was tuned off. I became defensive and ready to argue that God didn't exist or atleast God wasn't important enough.

It was when I became severely depressed that I had a drive to want to change that. It was then that I began to analyze what I have done already in my life to fix it. I pretty much exhausted all efforts up until that point.

Little over a year ago I was given a friend in my life that is a strong christain. He is a happy, positive, kind hearted guy. I knew that he went to church. He was faithful in attending every week. He would go to Wednesday night bible study and also helped out with the teens on Fridays. A rather busy guy I thought. He had never during our first few conversations mention to me that I had to accept the Lord into my heart so that I can live eternally. He never told me that I was a lost sinner. He never preached to me about God. It was rather curious to me as to why he wouldn't do that to me. Everyone else did, why not him I thought.

It was then that I decided to ask him why he didn't talk to me about God. He then told me that it wasn't up to him to, that I had to ask him the questions that I needed answers to. Looking back on that I realize that. He understood that bringing the "lost" to the gospel has to be done by the Holy Spirit. The only job he had in my life at that particular moment was to be available to the Holy Spirit. That he did. He remained steady in conversation with me. He always had patiences in answering my questions when I was ready to argue" the bible. The patience he demonstrated was very important for me. It allowed God to continue the conviction upon my heart. It allowed God to work on me in a way that was unique to me.

Eventually, our conversations about God got to a point that I knew I needed more. That the only way I was going to get that was to visit a church. I chose a church a few miles down the road from me and have never regreted doing it one bit!!!

So, the point I guess I am wanting to say here is this. That the unbelievers of our community need to hear the gospel not through what would be preceived by them as demeaning comments ("your a sinner, your lost"). They need to hear the gospel through things like....example (seeing your faithfulness, routines of going to church), through listening to what is being asked of you by the unbeliever, not what you think they want to hear and by being available to God's will (don't question why this or that is happening, just let it happen). Be a consistent friend.

Remember that the work of the Holy Spirit starts in the heart of the person at home....not at church!

[Andyman_1970]

I agree that it is far more than "getting out of hell." Fear tactics ought not to convert anyone to Christianity. At the same time, I think we should preach that direct faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation, apart from other religions.

When I say things like "not just" or "IMO incomplete" I mean things like those firefighters that went into those burning buildings on 9/11 to rescue people......these people give their lives so others could live is a wonderful and beautiful example of God putting on display, even in spite of an act of hate, His good news to all creation.

The Gospel is about God's whole creation, not just getting people out of Hell.......He desires to restore everything back to it's pre Genesis 3 state.

[Dmckay]

Im not a preacher, but Id have to say that it is to give a good clear message about Christ, Him crucified for sinners, and His resurrection.
This is one of the best simple answers that I have seen. It is also one of the reasons that those who hold to T.U.L.I.P. and the true purpose of the Church, i.e. to train and edify believers for he work of the ministry (Ephesians 4), don't do a lot of gospel preaching from the pulpit.

The church is the assembly of the saved not the unsaved. Preaching a Gospel message to those who have already come to Christ is not an efficient use of the time. I do, from time-to-time, inject the Gospel at the end of a message and even give an alter call, but it isn't very often and it is always at the moving of the Holy Spirit.

[mlqurgw]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I said that I would give you my understanding so here it is.

Every time I stand before eternity bound sinners to speak in the name of God I desire with all my heart for people to see Christ. He is the message of the Gospel and He is as sufficient for those who have known Him for years as He is for those who don't know Him at all. I never tire of hearing of Him. He is the messsage of the entire Bible from first to last and He is the whole council of God. The Gospel applies to everyone in all situations. I believe the Gospel is more than just a salvation message, it is a life message. All the practical instuction given to us by the writers of the New Testament is in the context of the Gospel of Christ.

I seek to show Him from the Scriptures from the promise of Him in Gen. 3:15 to Rev. 22. I want for folks to see Him in the Ark of Noah, in the story of Joseph and in the sacrifices of the book of Lev. I seek to show Him in the Ark of the Covenant and in every other part of the Scriptures. He is the kinsman redeemer of the book of Ruth and Zerubbabel who lays the foundation of His temple and sets the topstone of completion. This is the message that gives me hope each day and comfort in all my trials. I call upon people to look to Him in all times and in all circumstances. I want folks to find rest in Him.


I asked this question because I hear so very little of Him from preachers today. In my travels I watch much of the local broadcasts of church services in the area I am in, including the area I live in and I hear a great deal of good stories, good advice and a lot of how to stuff but so very little of Christ. I have been accused of preaching the same message all the time but I hope I never have another. Christ is all in all and in Him is life.

[DeaconDean]

Amen mlqurgw! Keep preaching the pure Gospel! Preach the risen Savior! Keep preaching Jesus Christ! Each and every sermon we preach, people should see Christ in it. No matter what the subject, if Christ is not the foundation of it, it is wrong. God Bless!

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." -1 Cor 3:11

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" -Eph. 2:20

[Phileoeklogos]

I like what I'm reading here and would just like to add that Jesus Christ is the Gospel, from Gen-Rev, before the Cross, on the Cross and after the Cross. Jesus Christ is the object of all true preaching, I'd like to go on, but I'm a slow thinker, and slower typist.

[JPPT1974]

I like what I'm reading here and would just like to add that Jesus Christ is the Gospel, from Gen-Rev, before the Cross, on the Cross and after the Cross. Jesus Christ is the object of all true preaching, I'd like to go on, but I'm a slow thinker, and slower typist.

Jesus is the object of all preaching
And He is God incarnate
Before, on, and after the cross!

[Flynmonkie]

I asked this question because I hear so very little of Him from preachers today. In my travels I watch much of the local broadcasts of church services in the area I am in, including the area I live in and I hear a great deal of good stories, good advice and a lot of how to stuff but so very little of Christ. I have been accused of preaching the same message all the time but I hope I never have another. Christ is all in all and in Him is life.
Mlqurgw, I wanted to post on this earlier but I didn't have the time. You know I hear allot of negative about the “feel good” view of the gospel, but honestly, if it had not been for that first impression - I wonder if I would have come this far in understanding. Once I heard about Gods love, and mercy, I wanted to hear more (like a drug feign!) totally addicted to understanding.

I am much like NB on this topic. I believe that God uses many different things to call, bringing us into the fold. What happened to me is that initially this style got my attention enough to walk in and hear a pastor, such as yourself, feed me more :) (Although, I hear various descriptions of what “feel good” gospel is, it seems undefined to me at the moment?)

I think at times we become concerned with so many other things that could be a stumbling block for others - we forget what God has gifted us with, and doubt it will prevail. Not that this is your issue. But many times I see pastors (internet) questioning things, at times I believe appropriately, but at other times it is almost fear that somehow people are not obtaining a balance in scriptures taught. I believe God IS balancing this. In my mind doubting this, would be to doubt the perfection of His call via the Holy Spirit. (Does that make sense?) I would like to think since it is something we cannot always control (improper teaching) -- God knows what He is doing; He is bringing people to you :)

IMHCO :)

[mlqurgw]

Mlqurgw, I wanted to post on this earlier but I didn't have the time. You know I hear allot of negative about the “feel good” view of the gospel, but honestly, if it had not been for that first impression - I wonder if I would have come this far in understanding. Once I heard about Gods love, and mercy, I wanted to hear more (like a drug feign!) totally addicted to understanding.

I am much like NB on this topic. I believe that God uses many different things to call, bringing us into the fold. What happened to me is that initially this style got my attention enough to walk in and hear a pastor, such as yourself, feed me more :) (Although, I hear various descriptions of what “feel good” gospel is, it seems undefined to me at the moment?)

I think at times we become concerned with so many other things that could be a stumbling block for others - we forget what God has gifted us with, and doubt it will prevail. Not that this is your issue. But many times I see pastors (internet) questioning things, at times I believe appropriately, but at other times it is almost fear that somehow people are not obtaining a balance in scriptures taught. I believe God IS balancing this. In my mind doubting this, would be to doubt the perfection of His call via the Holy Spirit. (Does that make sense?) I would like to think since it is something we cannot always control (improper teaching) -- God knows what He is doing; He is bringing people to you :)

IMHCO :)When I first began to preach I was a very negative preacher, actually I was mean. I preached quite a bit against those who I believed where wrong. I preached doctrine without Christ. I honestly wonder whether I was actually saved at the time. Then I was brought, in the providence of God, under my pastor Don Fortner. I listened to him and began to see what it was to preach the Gospel. One day in my study I came across these words:the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom. 2:4 It hit me like a ton of bricks. I have sought ever since to preach Christ in all His wonder and beauty.

I still preach doctrine but now I do it as it is in Christ. Don told me once that doctrine is like a beautiful dress my wife wears. On her it is ravishing but laying on the bed without her it is dead and lifeless.

I want folks to know Christ. I want them to know what He did and why. I want them to know who He did it for and what is the outcome of His work. I want them to see their need of Him and fall at His feet seeking mercy.I know that not one who has sought mercy from Him has ever been turned away.

When I seek a message from God I always have in mind the verse I mentioned and one in Isa.

Isa 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Isa 40:2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

It is my desire to preach Christ in such a way that all God's people are feed by Him. I am aware that many who hear me have troubling things on their minds and I want to comfort them. I am aware that some need to be shown their sin and I try to do so without making it a personal rebuke. I am convinced that preaching all the doctrines of Christ will meet every need.

[Flynmonkie]

That is just so awesome!:thumbsup: It is so true! I kept looking around and feeling like such a failure in my life. Thinking I had to "do" something for Gods approval and acceptance. No matter how hard I tried, it wasn't possible. It took for me to hear God loves you even when you make mistakes. We CANNOT be perfected in this lifetime, not until glorification. But we should strive for it. Now we know that out of sheer reverence we no longer want to "make mistakes" but I strived for perfection without truly understanding Gods unconditional love, and what it meant. So what would sound to some (especially the meat eaters) like a "feel good" sermon is what brought me to John MacArthur. Of course there are a (very) few things I disagree with but overall, he is exactly what I needed. Along with John, was Gary Smalley and then on to others for more personal struggles in my life. Each pastor’s perspective helped in different areas "I" needed growth.

You know, sometimes I think becoming negative (as you mentioned at first) for some is an experience God allows so they might find balance, not just for themselves, but in understanding how to preach to others experiencing the same things, or the same "temptations". (Not using this as an excuse) I don't necessarily think you were not saved at that time, I think you just didn't grasp the fullness of the gospel? You believed in God, just that alone brings His promise to give us exactly what we need, when we need it :) Thinking otherwise would be to me like questioning Gods perfect plan. Allowing us to suffer mistakes, to grow. (I call sanctification) I would think even a pastors trials would be no different?

For instance, you will hardly hear me give an opinion I don't feel relatively secure about, or even have experience with. It seems in my life, the minute I pass judgment - BAM something happens to "open my eyes" to the matter. I finally got to the point my eyes were so open, I couldn't sleep!^_^ If you know what I mean? IOW I let God know quite clearly - I get it!

But honestly, those well-traveled lessons were for a reason. I learned. (Still learn!)