Preaching the Gospel

The Great Commission

Before leaving His disciples, what great commission did Christ give them?

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Mark 16:15.

Note – The word translated gospel means “good news,” or “glad tidings.”

What is the gospel of Christ declared to be?

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for Jews, then for the Gentiles.” Romans 1:16.

How extensively and for how long did Christ say the gospel should be preached?

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14.

The Gospel to the Gentiles

What was the object of Christ’s ministry?

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles. To open eyes that are blind, to fee the captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:6,7.  

For what purpose did Christ select the Apostle Paul, and send him to the Gentiles?

“Then I asked, ‘Who are you Lord?’ “’I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” Acts 26:15-18.   

Why was the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles?

“Simon has described to us how God art first showed concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.” Acts 15:14.

The Mission of the Minister

How are those who preach the gospel described?

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7.

What is the Christian minister commanded to preach?

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2.   

Of what did Christ say the Scriptures testify?

“These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39.

Note – Everyone, therefore, who preaches the Word aright will preach Christ. Paul, who faithfully preached God’s Word, said he was determined not to know anything “save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2.)

How did Christ present the truth to the people?

“With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.” Mark 4:33. 

Note – Ministers should learn to adapt their labors to those for whom they labor – to meet the people where they are.

How should the servant of God labor?

“And the Lord’s servants must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24,25.

Note – While the claims of the law of God are presented to the sinner, ministers should never forget that love – the love of God – is the only power that can soften the heart and lead to repentance and obedience, and that to save men is their great work.    

Preparation to Preach With Power

In preparing the disciples for their work, what did Christ do?

“Then he opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45.

For what did He tell them to tarry in Jerusalem?

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Verse 49.

How did the apostles preach the gospel?

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.” 1 Peter 1:12.

What was the result of this preaching?

“But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priest became obedient to the faith.” Acts 4:4; 6:7.  

What promise is made to the faithful gospel minister?

“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6. 

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