Category: The Gospel

Anatomy of a Gospel Presentation: Driving It Home

In my previous article, I detailed how to use the New Testament record of the life and ministry of Jesus to explain how he fulfilled Old Covenant messianic promises and prophecies. The New Testament fills in our picture of the Messiah, providing amazing richness and clarity. The Gospel presents Jesus the Messiah King, who died for our sins and rose again in power, and who will return some day to judge the nations and rule over God’s kingdom forever.

In this article, I will suggest ways we can drive home this message to our hearers in a way that can provoke a proper response.

Once again, I am using Paul’s Gospel message that he delivered in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-41) for a model of how we can present it. I will also refer to Peter’s presentation on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) , another excellent example. As I mentioned before, there are a great variety of ways to share the Gospel, as can be seen when we examine the different times it was shared in the Book of Acts. Nevertheless, there is a basic pattern that should be followed, if we are going to present a complete gospel and not an inferior “Gospel Lite.” I admit that some situations do not provide the time to be thorough, but, when we do have the opportunity, we should take advantage of it.

We never want to give people an excuse to reject the Gospel because we presented it inadequately.

We do not want inoculate people against the Gospel by giving them a small dose that enables the hearers to “wall off” future presentations, thinking that they have already heard it all. It took multiple chapters for each Gospel writer to present the story of Jesus. We cannot possibly do it in four bullet points. Jesus is much more than a bridge back to God. He is the reigning Lord of Lords.

The Gospel is a presentation of God’s Messiah King, not a set of steps to keep us out of hell.

The Passion and Crucifixion

The heart of the Gospel is our Lord’s passion, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit baptism on Pentecost, which launched the church’s apostolic ministry. Each Gospel writer gave us the most important details of this part of Jesus’ time on earth because in it we find the core of the Gospel message.

Just as a magnifying glass can focus sunlight into a single brilliant point that has the ability to ignite what it touches, the Gospel brings the Old Covenant context and New Covenant explanation into a fiery focus at the crucifixion.

Jesus, the promised Messiah, was put to death unjustly in order to ransom us back to God!

"Brethren, sons of Abraham's family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27  "For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. 28  "And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29  "When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. Acts 13:26-29 (NASB)

Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane revealed that he laid down his life primarily to please his Father and secondarily for our sake; although, the two are inextricably linked. Jesus demonstrated his amazing love by voluntarily laying down his life for the church – for us. But more than that – if we really want to drive our message home as Paul did – we must emphasize that he not only died for us, but because of us. It was our sin and rebelliousness that he took upon himself so that we can share in his right relationship with God the Father.

Peter powerfully presented our guilt on that first New Covenant Pentecost.

"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23  this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 2:22-23 (NASB)

It is vital that people understand the magnitude of the evil committed by those (us) who put God’s Son to death!

The Holy Spirit can and can take this important truth and use it to break our hearts and elicit repentance. We should also explain that Christ’s sacrificial death is the sole reason for Father God’s offer of forgiveness and reconciliation.

This is the part of the Gospel that almost everyone presents, and it is vital, but it is not the end all. The Lamb of God ministry of Christ is a means to an end. Jesus died so that he might rise again in power and glory in order to enter into his Son of God / Son of Man Messianic King ministry. We should not curtail our Gospel presentation with the offer to receive forgiveness of sins. This trends toward being a consumerist Gospel that draws people to simply receive without any “strings attached.” It sounds wonderful, but it is not the full Gospel. Jesus did not die so that we can be forgiven and then do whatever we please. God’s purpose in saving us is to glorify himself by producing a multitude of sons (and daughters) who will reflect Christ’s character and ministry. Surrender to Christ’s Lordship is a very important “string” that we must trumpet thunderously, if we are doing to present to real Gospel.

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2  which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3  concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4  who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5  through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, 6  among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; Romans 1:1-6 (NASB)
The Resurrection

If the Gospel were a musical symphony, the beginning would be a sonata-like lively presentation of the Old Covenant promises explained in the light of Christ’s birth and ministry, the focus of my first two articles in this series. The crucifixion would be a slow, somber adagio-like section, followed by a thunderous and lively allegro section that focuses on the resurrection. The finale would be a triumphant section that includes the giving of the Great Commission, the ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, with the promise of his coming back as judge of the living and the dead.

The resurrection turned what looked like a horribly disappointing and disillusioning tragedy into a rousing victory celebration beyond our wildest dreams.

Let’s see how Paul and Peter constructed their resurrection portion of their message. First we have Paul at Pisidian Antioch.

"But God raised Him from the dead; 31  and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32  "And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33  that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, 'YOU ARE MY SON; TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.' 34  "As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: 'I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and SURE blessings OF DAVID.' 35  "Therefore He also says in another Psalm, 'YOU WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.' 36  "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay; 37  but He whom God raised did not undergo decay. 38  "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39  and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. Acts 13:30-39 (NASB)

Please take a few minutes to think deeply about these verses. Next let’s take a look at Peter’s presentation in Jerusalem on Pentecost.

"But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. 25  "For David says of Him, 'I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. 26  'THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE; 27  BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY. 28  'YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.' 29  "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30  "And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, 31  he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32  "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Acts 2:24-32 (NASB)

The resurrection affirms that our sins are forgiven because it proves that God the Father approved and received his sacrificial atonement for our sins.

It also confirms that not only is Jesus God’s Lamb, he is God’s Messiah King, the Lord of lords, the glorious Son of Man prophesied by Daniel. Paul succinctly stated the import of the resurrection.

Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 23  Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24  but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25  He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Romans 4:22-25 (NASB) 
Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2  which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3  concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4  who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:1-4 (NASB)
The Ascension

Many Gospel presentations do not even include Christ’s ascension into heaven and the outpouring of the Spirit, which shows how far from God’s pattern we have strayed.

The ascension of Christ further demonstrated that God the Father fully accepted the sacrificial death of his Son and installed him as the currently reigning and one-day coming again Lord and Judge of all the earth.

"Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' 36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:33-36 (NASB)

The ascension marks Christ’s installment on the throne of heaven where he reigns until his enemies are finally defeated and he returns in glory to the earth he created and redeemed.

It also marks the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit, which fulfilled the last part of the ministry that John the Baptist prophesied – Baptizer in the Spirit. (You can read more about John the Baptist’s prophecies concerning Jesus by clicking here.)

The giving of the Spirit provides believers with another benefit and requirement. The baptism in the Spirit equips and empowers us to obey Christ by being his witnesses in fulfillment of the Great Commission. (Acts 1:8)

Calling for a Proper Response

As any good salesman knows, the closing is critical. A great presentation means nothing without a sale.

We should never try to coerce or manipulate our hearers into a response, but we should give them a reason and opportunity to make one.

The proper reaction to the Gospel should be a sense of shock, sorrow, and amazement, coupled by a desire to get right with God.

The proper response is a combination of repentance, faith, and surrender.

We err greatly If we fail to convey the magnitude of the sin of rejecting and crucifying God’s Son. We fail our hearers if we do not emphasize that surrender to Christ’s glorious lordship is central to the Gospel. If we omit the necessity of a life of obedience to this amazing Good Shepherd and Lord, we seriously damage a person’s chances to live in a way that brings the utmost glory to God.

Paul asked his hearers to “take heed” to his message, lest they be lumped among those whose hearts were hardened against God.

"Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you: 41  'BEHOLD, YOU SCOFFERS, AND MARVEL, AND PERISH; FOR I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, A WORK WHICH YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE, THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD DESCRIBE IT TO YOU.'" Acts 13:40-41 (NASB)

Peter’s hearers on Pentecost were gripped by his Gospel presentation. When he announced that the one they crucified has been made the Lord of lords, they responded accordingly.

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37 (NASB)

Such a response is music in the preacher’s ears and glorifying to God. It is evidence of the activity of God’s Spirit following a convincing presentation of the Gospel. Those who heard Peter understood his message, their guilt, and the need to get right with God. Peter gave them a clear path to accomplish this.

Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." Acts 2:38-39 (NASB)
  • Repent – The Spirit works in us to convict us of our root sin of trying to be the lord of our own lives. True repentance takes place when we acknowledge our sins, turn away from them, ask for and receive forgiveness, and surrender to Christ’s lordship. Faith is required for us to repent. We are not simply sorry for our sins. Rather we receive God’s amazing provision for us in Christ and commit to a lifetime of service to his Lordship.
  • Be Water Baptized – Water baptism is a public demonstration of our repentance, faith, surrender to Christ, and our commitment to serve him for the rest of our lives.
  • Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit – This equips Christ’s followers to fulfill the Great Commission. For more information on this, click here. We cannot adequately serve the Lord of the harvest without it.
Conclusion

My hope is that these three articles on the Anatomy of the Gospel have expanded and deepened your understanding of the Gospel and helped you see how important it is to share it thoroughly. According to Paul, the Gospel is the “power of God to salvation.” (Romans 1:16) Perhaps the reason we do not see more power released to save people is because we are not properly presenting the Gospel. Let’s see what God will do when we better trumpet the most powerful message in the world.

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Anatomy of a Gospel Presentation: Providing a New Covenant Explanation

In my previous article, I showed how important it is to frame a Gospel presentation against the backdrop of God’s Old Covenant promises and history with the nation of Israel. I believe that the Gospel is somewhat unintelligible without knowing something about the Old Covenant promises that God would send a Messiah. Jesus is not a New Age guru who offers a path to personal peace. Rather he is the promised King of Kings who will rule the nations.

There are as many ways to present the Gospel as there are unique individuals and situations, but there is a pattern that God wants us to follow in order to preach the Gospel as the early disciples did. Paul wrote that the fully preached Gospel is the power of God to bring salvation to its hearers. Let’s not shortchange people!

In this series of articles, I am examining how Paul presented the Gospel when he was at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-41). He was an apostle commissioned by God not only to go to the nations with the Gospel message, but also to establish the foundations of doctrine for the church. Luke’s account in Acts of Paul’s Gospel message is profitable for establishing our doctrinal understanding of the Gospel.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)

Paul used the ministry of John the Baptist as his launching point for providing a New Covenant explanation of how Jesus fulfilled Old Covenant messianic promises. John was the forerunner, the emcee, so to speak, who announced to the world who Jesus was and is. The people of Israel were in a state of high expectation regarding the appearance of God’s promised Messiah. Many thought it might be John, but he relieved them of that misunderstanding, declaring that the anointed one was coming and was now in their midst. (Luke 3:15-17) Can you imagine the level of excitement and anticipation that filled John and his followers?

As I wrote in another series of articles, John announced Jesus’ four messianic roles: Lamb of God (Savior), Son of God (Messianic King and Lord), Baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Lord of the Harvest), and Son of Man, the coming glorious judge of the living and the dead. The New Covenant account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled John’s prophecies. His death on the cross was a complete fulfillment of Passover and the Lamb of God ministry. His resurrection from the dead confirmed Jesus as the Lord. His ascension into heaven followed by the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost fulfilled his Baptizer in the Spirit role with the church. The Son of Man role will be seen at his Second Coming.

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide an enormous amount of detail regarding Jesus’ life and ministry before he died for our sins and was raised for our justification. Peter summarized Jesus’ ministry better than most.

“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 (NASB)

What Peter’s hearers probably understood that we likely should clarify is that Jesus’ ministry fulfilled Isaiah’s messianic prophesies, confirming our Lord’s identity to all who had eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand. John the Baptist once again provides a hook for explaining this to our hearers. When John languished in prison, he had a lot of time to think and perhaps doubt. He might have been discouraged, and discouraged people tend to doubt. He sent some of his followers to Jesus to question him about his identity.

Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3  and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" 4  Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5  the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. 6  "And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me." Matthew 11:2-6 (NASB)

The common expectation among the Jews was that the Messiah would lead them to a military and political victory over their Roman oppressors. Jesus obviously did not fulfill that expectation, leading to John’s and others’ doubts. Jesus’ reply cleared the air. He did not come the first time as the victorious leader of the armies of God. Rather, he came as the Suffering Servant to reveal God’s compassionate heart for the hurting and oppressed. (His Second Coming will fulfill the military and political side of things.)

When Jesus quoted Isaiah 35:1-10 in the above passage, he provided a New Covenant explanation and clarification of an Old Covenant messianic promise.

We should do the same for our hearers. I suggest you read Isaiah 35 in its entirety and consider how Jesus fulfilled it.

As part of providing a proper New Covenant explanation of Old Covenant messianic promises, we can show how Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham to raise up a descendant who would become a blessing to the entire earth.

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ. Galatians 3:16 (NASB)

We can show how Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to King David that he would raise up one of his descendants to rule over God’s kingdom forever.

"Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30  "And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, 31  he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32  "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33  "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' 36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:29-36 (NASB)

We can share how Jesus fulfilled Moses’ announcement that God would raise up another prophet like himself.

"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20  and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21  whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. 22  "Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23  'And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' 24  "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. 25  "It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.' 26  "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways." Acts 3:19-26 (NASB)

The important thing is to help our listeners tie Jesus to Old Covenant because all scripture ultimately talks about Jesus.

Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, Luke 24:44-45 (NASB)

The Bible is a grand story that provides the only true explanation of creation, life, and redemption. The Gospel is the only story that gives people real hope and purpose. We dare not truncate it into a brief explanation of how Jesus bridged the gulf between us and God created by our sins. We should not present Jesus as a free ticket to heaven with no strings attached. This is not how the New Testament does it, and I will show you how the early apostles drove this home in the next article.

If we fail to adequately present the Gospel, we run the risk of inadvertently inoculating our hearers against it.

If they hear a weak version, they may reject it without ever properly considering Jesus’ messianic claims. Let’s not give people that excuse. Let’s present the full gospel every time.

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Anatomy of a Gospel Presentation: Old Testament Context

The good news about Jesus only makes sense in the context of Old Testament promises.

When we present the gospel, it is a good idea to give our hearer with some understanding of creation, the fall, and various Messianic promises. Then we can show that Jesus came as the fulfillment of those promises to rescue us from the catastrophe of sin.

Paul introduced his letter to the church in Rome with such an overview.

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2  God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3  The Good News is about his Son, Jesus. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4  and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5  Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. Romans 1:1-5 (NLT)

One of the best ways to study the key components of a good Gospel presentation is to examine how the first apostles preached.

Due to attempts to streamline and mass market evangelism, we sometimes reduce the Gospel to a simple presentation of what some call the “plan of salvation,” or The Four Spiritual Laws, or perhaps the Roman Road. None of these are “bad,” and many people have come to faith using these. However, such short versions cannot possibly contain the full story.

The Gospel is a magnificent presentation of Jesus, the eternal Son of God, the Logos, the Son of Man, the Messiah King, Lamb of God and Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. When we reduce the Gospel to a mere explanation of how our sins can be forgiven, we short change our hearer.

When Paul preached to the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia in Acts Chapter 13, he laid out a classic presentation of the Gospel. Let’s take it apart to view its critical parts.

After being asked to share a word of encouragement with the congregation, Paul began his speech by reviewing the history of God’s dealings with Israel. Paul began with the Exodus from Egypt and then mentioned how God gave them the Promised Land, raised up judges, and then gave them kings, specifically Saul and David. Paul’s goal was to get to David, because to this godly man God promised to raise up the Messiah.

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Acts 13:22-23 (ESV)

Since he spoke to Jews, he presumed they fully understood this claim and needed no Scripture reference. When we share the Gospel, however, most of our listeners will need to hear the relevant verse or passage. The following will do nicely.

“When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (NASB)

This passage is acknowledged to be a Messianic promise. David’s son, Solomon, despite being a great and glorious king, eventually died. Neither he nor his kingdom endured forever. Therefore, in order for this promise to be fulfilled, another king had to arise, one whose kingdom will never end. Only one person fills the bill – Jesus, the glorious Son of Man, whose kingdom will destroy every other and endure forever! (Daniel 7:13-14)

Paul used the Old Testament historical context to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

Other verses can be used, too, such as God’s promise to Abraham that in his seed all the earth will be blessed (Genesis 22:18) or his promise to Moses that God will raise up a prophet like him to whom the nation will be accountable (Acts 3:22).

Each Gospel writer starts at a different place. Matthew begins with Abraham. Mark starts with a prophecy of Isaiah. Luke launches with an account of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus before giving us Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Adam. John hits a home run by taking us all the way back to creation by the eternal Logos, who became a human being named Jesus!

Each Gospel narrative uses historical context to inform the reader who Jesus is.

These writings are called Gospels because that is just what they are. We should learn from how they present Jesus. Any disciple of Jesus, who wants to be able to share a strong biblical version of the Gospel, should familiarize himself or herself with the Old Covenant scriptural context of the good news about Jesus in order to properly show how our Lord came as the fulfillment of God’s specific promises to provide us with a Savior and Messiah King. Gospel “lite” is not Gospel right.

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The Gospel: A Race for a Prize

The gospel is an invitation to begin a lifelong journey of obedience to the Lord. It can also be thought of as a race for a prize.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4  and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5  And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NLT)

The first apostles preached a gospel of hope. The biblical definition of hope is a confident expectation that God’s promises will come to pass, no matter how long it may take.

What is the hope of the gospel? When we preach the gospel today, do we instill the same hope into people as the church had in the beginning?

It is clear from the above passage that Peter expected believers to be given an eternal inheritance in heaven. Paul taught the same thing.

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4  For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5  which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. Colossians 1:3-5 (NLT)

This teaching came straight from our Lord Jesus. Here are his words.

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

It is clear from later teachings that Jesus himself is the treasure, which Paul confirms in his writings. Our reward is anchored in Christ, who is our hope of glory and guarantee of reward.

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. Colossians 1:27 (NLT)

Our obedience to Christ the Lord springs from faith and love and is based on our confident expectation that one day we will obtain our promised heavenly reward if we remain faithful to him.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)

The gospel reveals that Christ lives in us by faith now and keeps us focused on our promised heavenly reward.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NLT)

Times of testing are upon us. We need the strength that comes from keeping our eyes on the prize.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

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The Gospel Is the True Story of a Real Person

The gospel is not a myth or a benevolent spiritual concept. It is the true story of a real historical person.

John the apostle wrote these amazing words:

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2  This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.1 John 1:1-2 (NLT)

The apostle Peter, who was an eyewitness to everything that happened, wrote the following in one of his letters:

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17  when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18  We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19  Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:16-19 (NLT)

The gospel is the true story of a real person and all he accomplished on our behalf, who he is right now, and what he will do in the future. It continues to impact the world and determine eternal destinies.

Jesus’ incarnation, birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are all historical facts that were witnessed by many. His future coming as the glorious judge will one day be seen by everyone. At that moment, it will be obvious to all that Jesus is a real person, the most important person who ever lived, and that the Bible is true; but then it will be too late for those who rejected God’s offer of reconciliation.

Currently the gospel gives people the opportunity to acknowledge the historic Jesus’ identity as the Lord of lords and bow the knee to him while there is still time.

As God’s representative, I beg you not to reject this marvelous gift of God’s kindness! 

For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
Prayer

Lord, I will no longer spurn your kind offer to be reconciled to you through the blood of your Son. Please forgive my sins. I receive all that Jesus did for me, and I give my life to you. I acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Come, Holy Spirit, into my life. Fill me to overflowing. Change me on the inside to be more like Jesus. Help me to tell others about him. Amen.

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The Gospel Reveals God’s Hidden Plan

The gospel is not what anyone of us would have expected or invented. It could not be anticipated. Although it is based on divine wisdom and logic, to our natural human way of thinking it seems alien, foolish, and illogical. It is a mystery that began to be revealed in the Old Testament and was finally revealed to us through Christ.

The gospel draws back the curtain on our Creator God’s merciful and loving heart toward humanity against the backdrop of his terrifying justice. Unless the Holy Spirit of God opens our hearts and minds, we cannot understand or believe it.

Paul writes:

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26  but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27  to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27 (NASB)

In the Bible, a mystery is something hidden that cannot be known unless it is revealed by God.

Sin put a veil over the mind and heart of mankind, greatly limiting our ability to see, hear, and comprehend truth. (Matthew 13:10-17) Sin blinded us spiritually according to Jesus. (John 9:39) It hardened our hearts against seeing and believing truth. Left to ourselves, that is how we will remain, which is the reason we need to receive the softening influence of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus, who is the focus and revelation of God’s mystery of salvation and redemption, appeared, he was rejected by those whose eyes had not been opened by God’s Spirit. (John 1:9-11) The same is true today.

When the gospel is preached, only those who are able to see and hear with the Spirit’s help can understand the mystery of Christ and salvation, that Jesus is the Messiah King of Israel, who died to save us from our sins, who rules now as Lord, and who will return as the glorious Son of Man to judge all creation.

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4  Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT)

Jesus understood this reality and, surprisingly to us perhaps, he rejoiced in it.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26  Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26 (NLT)

Every time someone believes, it shows that the Spirit of God has been at work in that person’s life, which is a cause for great rejoicing.

Jesus was always on the lookout for those whose hearts had been opened by God.

Perhaps you are asking yourself if the Holy Spirit has opened the eyes of my heart to know Christ in this way? If not and you desire to know him, the Bible promises that all who seek God will find him.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8  "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)

Jesus will never turn away anyone who comes to him with an open and honest heart. (John 6:37)

Why not come to him now?

Prayer

Father God, thank you that you promised that all who seek you will find you. I admit to you that I desperately need your mercy and help. I cannot do life on my own any longer. You never intended me to live independently from you. I come to you as a sinner and a seeker of truth. I want to know who Jesus really is through the revelation of your Spirit. Open my eyes and help me to see him as he really is, the merciful Savior and glorious Lord of lords, risen from the dead and coming again in glory one day to judge all mankind. On that day, I want to know that I am safe in his love and not be terrified of encountering his holy judgment. Holy Spirit, come into my life, open my eyes, soften my heart, help me to see and understand and believe. I give myself to you and receive by faith all that Jesus died to provide for me – forgiveness, being made right with God the Father, being restored to God’s family, being set free from all the things that have enslaved me, and eternal life in the Spirit. Help me to follow you as a loyal and on fire disciple. Amen.

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The Gospel Requires a Response

God profoundly interrupted and complicated Mary’s life with the angel Gabriel’s startling and glorious gospel announcement.

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32  "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Luke 1:30-33 (NASB)

If she agreed to be God’s servant in this regard, it would put her in an almost unbearable situation of being pregnant without being married. What would her fiance Joseph think? What would he do? What would her family and friends think?

This gospel announcement required her response – yes or no. Mary exhibited extraordinary courage and trust in God by saying yes.

Later, the angel also spoke to Joseph in a dream.

... “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT)

We learn from this that when we say yes to God, he handles those who will be affected by our obedience. When we say yes to God, it impacts others; but God’s grace extends to them as well.

Whenever God speaks to us, it requires a response. The Bible tells us that Joseph obeyed the angel and responded as God intended.

After Jesus’ birth, an angel appeared to shepherds in a field outside Bethlehem and made this bold proclamation.

..."Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (NASB)

The shepherds also demonstrated their faith in the angels words by immediately going to see this newborn Savior.

All of these three pronouncements or proclamations contain key elements of the gospel.

Jesus is the promised Messiah King of Israel – the Lord. He will save God’s people from their sins as Savior. The angel combined both truths in his announcement to the shepherds: Jesus will be a Savior who is Christ (Messiah) the Lord.

Many years later, when Jesus officially announced his public ministry in Nazareth, his boyhood home, he did so by quoting one of the great freedom proclamations of Isaiah the prophet.

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19  and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)

Jesus understood that his purpose was to be the Savior King of Israel who would free people from the power of sin, Satan, death, disease, and everything else that holds us in captivity.

Jesus’ announcement required a response. Either the people would believe his words or reject them.

We cannot remain neutral when it comes to Jesus or the gospel. Neutrality is a form of rejection because it says we do not care or regard the words as important.

After the resurrection Peter made the first gospel proclamation of the church era. He boldly announced to the people who had recently put Jesus to death that he rose from the dead and is both Lord and Messiah.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”  Acts 2:36 (NLT)

The gospel is a bold proclamation that Jesus is the promised Messiah King, the Lord, who died to liberate us from the tyranny of sin and death.

It requires a response. The gospel invites us to believe the good news that Jesus died for us and rose again. It calls us to repent from our rebellious death-filled independent ways, accept God’s forgiveness, and publicly declare our allegiance to Jesus through water baptism.

The gospel proclamation of freedom becomes effective in our lives when we respond to it. A bold public gospel deserves an equally bold public response, followed by a life of loving service.

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The Gospel Releases Us from Receiving What We Deserve

Paul wrote the following near the end of his life of service to our Lord Jesus and the gospel.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 (ESV)

The Good News about Jesus Christ is based on God’s mercy and unmerited favor or grace from top to bottom.

The gospel is the opposite of the Law, which offers the prospect of salvation based on our performance of its rules and regulations. In fact Jesus taught that the Law demands much more than mere outward observance. It includes an even more impossible demand – obedience from the heart. For example, Jesus taught that it is not enough to merely abstain from adultery: one must not even entertain lust in the heart! (Matthew 5:28) Paul clearly taught that no one, except the Righteous One named Jesus, was able to fulfill these rigorous requirements.

God’s purpose for the Law was to convince us of our desperate need for his help. 

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  Galatians 3:22–24 (NKJV)

Since the just punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23), the Law justly condemns all of us lawbreakers to death.

Jesus came as God’s innocent Lamb to take upon himself the punishment for our disobedience of the Law. By allowing our condemnation under the Law to fall upon Jesus and by causing him to take the full brunt of God’s righteous wrath against that sin, our heavenly Father broke the power of sin and death over all the descendants of Adam who choose to put their trust in Christ. Jesus’ death and resurrection perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf.

With the Law, we get what we deserve – death; whereas, with the gospel of grace, we receive what Jesus earned on our behalf – forgiveness and eternal life.

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:4 (NLT)

Jesus lived a perfect life of dependence upon, obedience to, and delight in the Father.

He joyfully partnered with the Holy Spirit and fully surrendered to his Father’s will all the way to his death on the cross. By paying the penalty for our transgressions of the Law that he perfectly kept, the Bible says that Jesus made a way of escape for us.

Those who put their faith and allegiance in Christ and trust in what he did for us are released from the Law’s power to condemn. Free from the threat of eternal condemnation, we enter a new life based on God’s grace and the power of the indwelling Spirit.

Paul put it like this:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)

Jesus said it as follows:

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24 (NLT)

This makes the gospel the best news ever! It’s almost unbelievably wonderful! Almost…

Don’t be among those who reject God’s promise of eternal life because it seems too fantastic. Realize, along with countless others, that the gospel is true. It’s wonderful, and it will change your eternal destiny.

Do you believe it? Have you received it? Are you experiencing it?

Prayer

Jesus, I come to you now to ask your forgiveness for trying to live apart from you. I have stubbornly done things my own way, but now I see my error. I need you and the forgiveness you offer. Forgive my sins and come into my life. I give you my life to do with it as you choose. I now belong to you. Have your way with me. Holy Spirit, come to dwell in me and change me from the inside out. Fill me to overflowing so I can tell others about you. Help me to be fearlessly loyal to Jesus and declare his name to others. Amen.

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The Gospel Will Save You If You Believe

If we wish to clearly present the gospel, we must first understand what it is. Here is a very well-known summary verse found in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NASB)

The gospel is God’s power and means to save people.

As important as prayer is, it cannot do what the gospel does. Prayer can never take the place of the gospel. Neither can good works, great worship, or the powerful gifts of the Spirit. Only the gospel, when it is communicated effectively and believed, can rescue people from sin and death. Only the gospel can provide the doorway into God’s favor and family. Only the gospel is the gateway into eternal life in God’s presence. Only the gospel saves people.

Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NLT)

The gospel becomes effective in our lives when we believe it.

Belief is much more than the acknowledgement of a set of facts or agreement with the Bible’s logic or story.

Faith opens our eyes to Jesus.  It moves us to declare allegiance to the crucified Savior and risen Lord.

This is why Paul wrote that he was not ashamed of the gospel. His faith propelled him into a lifetime of obedient service to Jesus Christ and the gospel, regardless of the personal cost.

Faith can be thought of as a combination of trust and allegiance which produces a quality called faithfulness (loyalty + obedience) in those who believe.

People who are “full of faith” believe the gospel message that Jesus died for our sins and rose again as our Lord. With The help of the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to trust God with all our hearts and remain steadfastly loyal to him.

Such heart faith moves people to tell others about Jesus and the gospel. It is too wonderful to keep to ourselves.

Paul wrote to the church at Rome the following.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Water baptism is God’s way for us to publicly declare allegiance to the Lord Jesus.

If you did not previously understand the gospel or believed it, now is a good time to make the decision to receive everything Jesus died to give you. It is a perfect time to recognize the Risen One as Lord of your life. Now is a wonderful time to confess aloud your allegiance to Christ. Below is a sample prayer you may wish to say aloud. If you pray that and mean it, Jesus will do his part. Then you will want to tell others about it and be water baptized. This will launch your life as a disciple. It is also important to become involved in a local church committed to helping you on your journey as a follower of Christ. The one I attend is called LifeNet. Let us know if we can help you.

Prayer

Jesus, I have never before understood the gospel, but now I believe that you died for my sins and rose again in victory over sin, death, and the devil. I acknowledge that you are my Lord and I dedicate my life in service to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins, setting me free, and giving me a brand new relationship with God the Father. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Help me to tell others about you. Amen.

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How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit by Faith

I have already shown that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every person who puts his or her faith in Christ. I have also explained how to speak in tongues by faith. In this teaching, I will provide four easy steps to receive this amazing promise.

As with every other gift from God, the baptism in the Spirit is received by faith.

We cannot earn it or somehow “gin it up.” It transcends our human abilities in every way. Since the baptism in the Spirit is received by faith, we must be convinced that God has given it to us, receive it, and act as if we believe he has. That is how faith works.

This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Galatians 3:2 (NASB)

 

1. Believe that God will do what he says.

If we first grasp that God has provided all believers with the privilege of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the next step is for us to believe that God is always faithful to keep his promises.

God’s complete trustworthiness is the foundation of all faith.

How simple is that? Yet many people get hung up at this point. Maybe it is not for me? God will bless everyone else, but not me. This is sinful unbelief from which we must repent. Cast that lie away and start believing God.

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19 (NASB)

 

2. Ask and receive with simple faith as a child.
"For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11  "Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12  "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13  "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" Luke 11:10-13 (NASB)

Children do not suspect devious motives in the giver or concoct complicated reasons the promise might not come true. When an adult makes a promise, a child expects it to happen. To God, we are all little children. We may have been disappointed many times by people who did not keep their promises to us, but God is not like that. If as a child we experienced adults lying to us and failing to follow through on their word, we must not let those memories and any attached lies about God block us from trusting our always trustworthy heavenly Father. As a child, believe, ask, and receive. If something in our minds is whispering that this is not going to happen for me, repent of that unbelief and try, try again.

...You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2 (NASB)

If I extend my hand to offer someone a hundred dollar bill, what will that person need to do? Would it be enough to say thank you without making any effort to come forward to receive it? If we want the money, we will take action. Similarly, we receive the baptism in the Spirit by asking the Lord to baptize us and then by actively receiving.

Faith receives before it sees any outward visible evidence. Faith depends on the promises and character of God alone. It knows that God will keep his word and that his promises are true.

Faith does not doubt. It does not struggle with wondering if God will keep his end of the deal or not. It receives and moves on, just as when the Roman Centurion believed Jesus healed his servant and returned home. (Luke 7:10)

3. Give thanks.

After receiving a gift, grateful people say, “thank you.” After we ask for and receive the baptism in the Spirit by faith, we should take another faith action and begin to thank and praise God.

Thanksgiving is faith in action.

The opposite is either silent passivity or doubtful complaining, both of which are negative. Do we only praise God after he “comes through” for us or when we grasp that he is always faithful to his promises? Real faith acts before it ever sees the confirmation or fulfillment of what it believes because it is convinced that God is true.

The kind of praise and worship that gives God the most honor is what comes from people who exalt God’s faithfulness before they ever see the fulfillment of what is promised.

Faith knows and overflows. Only faith filled (faithful) people give thanks. Let’s show our faith by our praise.

4. Speak in tongues.

As I covered in the previous teaching, speaking in tongues is a supernatural overflow of the Spirit that we experience when we receive the baptism of the Spirit. It provides evidence that we have indeed received this wonderful gift from God by faith. As we pray for you to receive this marvelous promise, I hope you will act upon your faith, open your mouth, and begin to speak whatever words God gives to you.  

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To access this entire series, click here.

Want to know more? I have written a book on this very topic, which is available on Amazon. Click here to find out more.
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