Preaching the gospel; elements of gospel

 TEXT:  1 COR. 15:1-22

INTRODUCTION: God gives a very solemn warning in Ezekiel 33:8 and 9. He says “if thou dost not warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” If you profess to be a true Christian today, when was the last time you witnessed to an unsaved person? Have you ever told them what Christ has done for you and what He can likewise do for them? When was the last time you passed out a Gospel tract? It is easy for us to criticize the cultists (who erringly claim to be Christians) who knock on our doors from time to time, but could teach us something about zeal. We’re the ones who should be knocking on doors to tell the unsaved of their need of Christ as their own and personal Saviour.

ELEMENTS OF THE TRUE GOSPEL

When you preach, these are some of the most important message God expects you to communicate…..

A. CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED FOR OUR SINS….

In love God offers His Son as a “propitiation” (sacrifice) for our sins! (1 Jn.4:9-10). This is fundamental to the gospel Paul preached (1 Cor.15:1-3). It was as foretold by the Old Testament scriptures (Isa.53:4-6). Why did Jesus die for our sins? Because we are all sinners! (ROM.3:23) and the wages of sin is death! (Rom.6:23).

B. CHRIST WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD….

Raising Jesus verifies the justification offered on the cross! (Rom.4:25). This also is fundamental to the gospel Paul preached (1 Cor.15:5-8). It was also proclaimed by Peter in the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:22-32). Christ was seen by many eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8).

C. CHRIST IS EXALTED AS KING AND SAVIOR…..

God has made Jesus ruler over the kings of the earth! (Rev.1:5). He is now both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:33-36). He is head over all things (Eph. 1:20-23). All authorities and powers are now subject to Him (1Peter 3:22).

D. CHIST IS COMING AGAIN…..

His coming will cause many to mourn, while others rejoice (REV. 1:7; 22:20), as promised when He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Christ is coming to offer both rest and tribulation (2Thess. 1:7-10); rest to those who responded to the call of the gospel (2Thess.2:13-14) and tribulation to those who obeyed not the gospel (2Thess.1:8-9).

YOUR FIRST LOVE…. What Happened?

In Matthew Chapter 10 and verses 32 and 33, Jesus said, “Whosoever, therefore, shall confess Me before men, him shall I confess also before My Father, which is in Heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in Heaven. “Perhaps the reader of these words is a professing Christian who was once noted for their spiritual boldness in witnessing for their professed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but today you are silent. For various reasons, known but to you, God and Devil, you’re no longer a faithful testimony to God’s love, mercy and grace expressed in His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember what the Lord said in Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FIRST LOVE?

Discuss: Why many Christians do not evangelize. What are the practical ways out of this?

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 9:16.

Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau State.