Acts 4:5-12; 17:1-4, Our Objective: Evangelism (2)

The work of evangelism is preaching the gospel.  We declare who Christ is and what He did.  When we preach that “This Jesus … is the Christ” (Ac. 17:3) we are putting out in front of people the real issue.  This was the question Jesus asked of His disciples: Who do you say that I am (Mt. 16:15)?  It is the confession that His death and resurrection call for (John 20:28).

A good “gospel” conversation begins with the question, “who is Jesus Christ”?  It sets the discussion on the correct path.  If we begin by asking, “do you believe Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead” we might find that unsaved people will answer “yes”, not understanding what they are really saying.  Remember, “good Friday” and “Easter” are common holy days in the West that have been made into “feel good” stories about new life and baby rabbits and chicks and colored, hard boiled eggs.  But to ask “who is Jesus Christ,” or to testify that Jesus is the reason for your hope” (1 Pt. 3:15) puts the issue out in front of people. 

Look at how Peter did this before the Sanhedrin in today’s passage.  He spoke respectfully: rulers … elders.  He made clear the subject of his brief answer: Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  He pointed out the sin of these men: whom you crucified.  He pointed out the strong declaration of Jesus’ deity: whom God raised from the dead.  Then he boldly proclaimed the greatness of Jesus of Nazareth: the chief cornerstone.  He concluded by drawing the line in the sand: nor is there salvation in any other.  He did all this in three sentences, preaching the complete gospel as to WHO Jesus was and WHAT He did. 

Paul’s preaching at Thessalonica shows the same “fullness.”  This is just a summary of his message, but it shows how the complete gospel is easily preached.  Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead; and the point of this is: This Jesus I preach to you is the Christ. 

One other matter, when speaking of the “complete gospel,” is that the gospel message need not include many other important subjects in Scripture.  Eschatology, election, Body life, the Christian’s walk and so forth all have a connection to the gospel.  But they are not “the gospel.”  When I read of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) I think of this.  He immediately engaged her in considering who He was.  If you knew the gift of God and who it is who is talking to you (v10).  He ends by saying, I who speak to you am He (the Messiah, v25-26).  Along the way she tried to get off on the question of which mountain was more important (Mt. Gerizim of the Samaritans or Mt. Moriah of the Jews).  Jesus answered the matter but immediately brought her back to the issue.  All else distracts from the real issue.  We need to keep to the real issue.