Gospel-focused

In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: gospel-focused.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:2,”For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” This is one of the main reasons why each and every week the gospel is articulated in the sermon. This is not just an invitation tacked on the end or something completely foreign to the text, but rather the Scriptures continually direct us to Christ and the gospel. From this principle of proclaiming the gospel week in and week out the following benefits are realized:

1. There are always going to be people in the congregation who are not truly converted to Jesus Christ or have a false assurance that they are. The gospel is the only solution.

2. Visitors frequent our assembly and they may only have this one week to hear the gospel. In fact, no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

3. Christians need to hear the gospel as a reminder and to rejoice in God and in their salvation. No matter how mature in the faith you may be, Christians love to hear the gospel!

4. We need to be equipped to share the gospel so hearing it said every week an in different ways from different text each week helps us.

5. People who attend our services need to have a confidence that they can invite someone to church and that person will hear the gospel. No need to wait for a special outreach, just come and hear the gospel this Sunday.

Click the “Distinctives” category below for more posts in this series.