Preaching The Good News
by Robert Jones
Firstly the Greek word for preaching is ‘kerygma’ which means proclamation. The gospel or good news is to be proclaimed from the roof-tops, if not in a literal sense, at least in a metaphorical sense.
Secondly the gospel should be kept simple. Jesus said that the Son of Man must be lifted up in the same way that Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness – John 3v14. If we examine the passage in Numbers 21 we will find that merely a look at the serpent was sufficient to bring life. How much more then, is a look at the crucified Saviour enough to give us life?
Thirdly the gospel is primarily about facts, not feelings. It is faith in Christ and in what he has done that counts, not how we feel inside. Feelings may well be involved but are of secondary importance to faith in Christ and his finished work. Paul spells out three of the most important facts in I Corinthians 15v3: that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Fourthly there should usually be a warning about the consequences of sin and a call to respond or ‘paraenesis’. When the gospel is preached in Acts there is usually a warning and a call to respond. How often do we say that we have had a ‘gospel service’ when in fact there has been no call to respond? ‘Repent and be baptized’ was Peter’s call to the Jews on Jerusalem of the Day of Pentecost.
Fifthly preaching the gospel is great privilege which we should always treasure. In Romans 10v15 Paul makes this abundantly clear when he quotes from Isaiah 52v7 ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Sixthly preaching the gospel is a matter of urgency. Paul says furthermore ‘ now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation’. 2 Corinthians 6v2
Finally preaching the good news is exciting. This excitement is very evident from Paul’s classic exposition of preaching in Romans 10. You can almost feel the excitement when Paul says in verse 8 ‘THE WORD IS NEAR YOU!’.
When someone has heard the gospel they are within a hair’s breadth of being saved. It is the Spirit of God who provides the decisive push to salvation.
As preachers it is our privilege to proclaim the good news and to share in the excitement of seeing the Holy Spirit at work.
Preaching The Good News
by Robert Jones
Firstly the Greek word for preaching is ‘kerygma’ which means proclamation. The gospel or good news is to be proclaimed from the roof-tops, if not in a literal sense, at least in a metaphorical sense.
Secondly the gospel should be kept simple. Jesus said that the Son of Man must be lifted up in the same way that Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness – John 3v14. If we examine the passage in Numbers 21 we will find that merely a look at the serpent was sufficient to bring life. How much more then, is a look at the crucified Saviour enough to give us life?
Thirdly the gospel is primarily about facts, not feelings. It is faith in Christ and in what he has done that counts, not how we feel inside. Feelings may well be involved but are of secondary importance to faith in Christ and his finished work. Paul spells out three of the most important facts in I Corinthians 15v3: that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Fourthly there should usually be a warning about the consequences of sin and a call to respond or ‘paraenesis’. When the gospel is preached in Acts there is usually a warning and a call to respond. How often do we say that we have had a ‘gospel service’ when in fact there has been no call to respond? ‘Repent and be baptized’ was Peter’s call to the Jews on Jerusalem of the Day of Pentecost.
Fifthly preaching the gospel is great privilege which we should always treasure. In Romans 10v15 Paul makes this abundantly clear when he quotes from Isaiah 52v7 ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Sixthly preaching the gospel is a matter of urgency. Paul says furthermore ‘ now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation’. 2 Corinthians 6v2
Finally preaching the good news is exciting. This excitement is very evident from Paul’s classic exposition of preaching in Romans 10. You can almost feel the excitement when Paul says in verse 8 ‘THE WORD IS NEAR YOU!’.
When someone has heard the gospel they are within a hair’s breadth of being saved. It is the Spirit of God who provides the decisive push to salvation.
As preachers it is our privilege to proclaim the good news and to share in the excitement of seeing the Holy Spirit at work.