What is Gospel Preaching? (part 3)

The gospel is about a person, Jesus Christ. In Peter’s gospel sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he went on to describe how this person made provision for our salvation through two events: the crucifixion and the resurrection. Peter elaborates in Acts 2:23-24, “But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him it its grip” (NLT).

Jesus is known for many things. He was a masterful teacher, using everyday illustrations and metaphors to bring weighty matters of faith into his audience’s comprehension. He was compassionate, as evidenced by his willingness to restore sight to blind eyes, cleansing of lepers, healing those infirmed with sickness and disease, not to mention restoring life to three dead people. He was merciful, and exhibited his great mercy by extending God’s forgiveness to those who had been written off by religion and its leadership. He held dominion over nature, and demonstrated his might by calming winds and walking on angry waves. If we were to consider this resume of accomplishments, we would find Jesus to be quite worthy of admiration. But those deeds weren’t the end game. He came to this earth, identifying with his own creation by becoming robed in flesh, and experienced death on the cross in our place and on our behalf.

Die on the cross he did. But he didn’t stay dead. He displayed his power and victory over sin, death, and the grave through his resurrection. In our church’s tradition, I spend one day of Vacation Bible School roaming from class to class sharing the good news of Jesus with the children who attend. After sharing God’s love with our second graders, one little girl raised her hand and asked a profound question. She asked, “What if Jesus stayed dead?” Great question! At that point I referenced Paul’s words in his first letter to the Corinthian church and quoted, “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of all of your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17, NLT).

Gospel preaching is preaching about a person who made provision for our salvation through two events: the crucifixion and the resurrection. They always go hand in hand. Through that provision God extends two promises to us. More about that tomorrow.

What is Gospel Preaching? (part 2)

What are the significant elements of the gospel? Looking at Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the first element of the gospel we see is Jesus. Acts 2:22 reads, “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know” (NLT).

The gospel is about a person and his name is Jesus.

Sometimes we tend to overlook the fact that Jesus is perhaps the most misunderstood person in religion. American culture has reduced "God" to a mere common reference to any deity that the mind can conceive. One cannot speak of God without making a clarification and providing a definition. Jesus is still revered in America, chiefly because of his words of justice and compassion and his deeds to reach out to the oppressed. While this is not insignificant, Peter’s concern is to present Jesus as more than a peasant teacher who wandered Palestinian soil for three years. His concern is to present Jesus as God.

Through his miracles, signs, and wonders, God publicly pointed out Jesus to the crowds as the chosen one for who they have waited. The New Testament at large presents Jesus as the divine Son of God, born of a virgin, who took on flesh to identify with his own creation. During his time here Jesus lived a sinless and perfect life. The accusations against him were categorically false. He taught with brilliance and recklessly loved cared for those who were battered and broken by life and its structures and systems. But to present Jesus as a revolutionary who called for social reform falls short of who He was and is today. He is God. And that’s where the gospel must always begin.

What is Gospel Preaching?

When I served in south St. Louis, our church was located at the beautiful intersection of Tower Grove and Magnolia Avenue. For nine years I would arrive at church prior to the 8:15 a.m. service, driving past two Sunday morning fixtures. The first was a man I affectionately called “pretzel man.” Pretzel man had a small, portable cart which served as his base of operations for selling pretzels. He would have about six of those soft pretzels in a bag that he would sell for a couple of bucks. The other fixture was a boy, probably a middle schooler, who sold the Sunday morning St. Louis Post-Dispatch. They would call out to those stopped at the intersection and sell their Sunday morning wares to those who were venturing out for the first time that day.

Those images of people calling out to those passing by remind me of the most commonly used word for preaching in the New Testament. To preach is to “herald,” to call out or speak out news. As Christians we are all called to “herald” or “call out” the gospel. Whereas we typically think of news predominately bad news, the gospel is good news. Hence, gospel preaching is calling out or heralding the good news of salvation.

The book of Acts contains some 30 sermons. Some of them are heralded to crowds while others are shared with individuals. Make no mistake, though, gospel preaching is one of the primary themes of Acts, and God invites each of us to be gospel preachers.

What is the content of the gospel? If we’re going to be gospel preachers, I think it’s important that we’re clear on the content of the message. Especially in a world that is becoming more and more pluralistic in its worldview. This week’s series of posts is designed to look at the content of the gospel based on the first gospel sermon in Acts delivered by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

Summer of Love Video

Click on the video to get the full screen version. Great work!

Stewardship Thought for the Week

“Then someone called from the crowd, ‘Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.’ Jesus replied, 'Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?’ Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.’ Then he told them a story: ‘A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops. Then he said, I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry! But God said to him, You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you have worked for?' Yes a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:13-21, NLT)

How can a person become rich toward God? First, it is important that we learn to evaluate everything as a gift from God (cf. James 1:17). This reminds us that we are not self made or even “lucky.” We are blessed with blessings that come from the hand of God. Next, seek God’s direction before settling on a decision. This reminds us that we are not our own and that Jesus is Lord and master of all things. Finally, care more about giving than you do about getting. This reminds us that life is not about us. God has placed us here to be part of a bigger picture. We are blessed to be a blessing to others, not because we’re deserving.

Crow Creek

This weekend several from our church made a quick run to Crow Creek Reservation in Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, to recognize Jason Yates and Dustin Miller for their two years of service with the Harvest Initiative (HarvestInitiative.org). Dustin wasn't able to be there, but we were able to celebrate with Jason and his wife Betsy. While we were there, Scott Oswald, who made his 21st trip to Crow Creek, was also presented a Star Quilt. A Star Quilt is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a person. Congratulations Jason and Betsy Yates, Dustin and Sarah Miller, and Scott Oswald!

Summer of Love Week 4

Here's a picture from St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines. This congregation has planted a huge community garden on their campus to provide fresh vegetables to the poor and under employed in our community. We were able to assist with harvesting sweet peas and weeding. Great idea!