What Is Gospel Preaching?

Every denominational preacher, so far as I know, claims to be a preacher of the gospel. Since what they preach causes a divided state among professed Christians, one of two things must be true: either the gospel itself produces these divisions, or these preachers are not really preaching the gospel. It does not take a scholar to know that the New Testament condemns division among brethren in Christ. Hence, gospel preaching does not create divisions among Christians. We turn, therefore, to the question: What is gospel preaching?

The New Testament gives us the answer to all questions about preaching the gospel; this involves the who, when, where, what, how and why. “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). “And he commanded us to preach unto the people . . .” (Acts 10:42). “. . . the word of faith, which we preach . . .” (Rom. 10:8). “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). “And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord . . .” (Acts 8:25). “But we preach Christ crucified . . .” (1 Cor. 1:23). “. . . woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ . . .” (Acts 8:12). “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord . . .” (2 Cor. 4:5). “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom . . .” (1 Cor. 2:4). “. . . that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:20). “. . . we use great plainness of speech” (2 Cor. 3:12). “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority . . .” (Titus 2:15).

We could go on citing verses that describe the characteristics of gospel preaching. One thing, however, is outstanding in all these verses: the word of Christ, and only the word of Christ, as revealed by the apostles in the New Testament is to be preached. This is to be done with boldness and plainness of speech that cannot be condemned. It is to be done to please God and not men. That is the power to save those who believe and obey it.