Gospel Message: Anathema Against the Cross

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“The philosopher puts his glass to his eye, looks at the cross, and then says, “I cannot see anything so very wonderful in it,  —  even with this splendid glass of mine, which more than can be seen by that poor, humble peasant; I do not care about such a system of religion as that; any simpleton can understand the cross.” So he passes by, and merely sneers at it.” - C.H. Spurgeon

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” - 1 Corinthians 1:18

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” - Romans 3:23

Overview:

A few months ago, I was given the utmost of pleasures by being asked to preach my first ever “official” gospel message  –  it was also the first time I preached a message from the pulpit at my home church. We held an evening event for which we had established a theme of “It starts and ends at the cross”. It was an oddly nerve-wracking endeavor to prepare this message as I felt a weight from hosting such a lofty privilege as to handle a most poignant message carrying such extreme importance. Although there is an element of the Gospel in much if not all that I preach, it was different having a singular mandate to make the case for Christ and Christianity clear.

Please feel free to flip through the slides below or listen to the audio or simply watch …

Whose witness are you?

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” - Usual Suspects (1995 move release)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  - 1 Peter 2:9

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” - 1 Peter 3:15-16

Key takeaway(s):

1. The church is in the business of disciple making.
2. Never let the primary cause of Christ become the secondary purpose of His church or His people.
3. Goal is not to bring people to “church” but rather to Christ.

Overview:

If one was to witness a crime, such as stealing, and yet did not come forward to provide their eye witness account in a court of law - what would we think of them? If we knew of someone who observed a heinous act such as rape and when asked to speak against the culprit in judicial proceedings they shirked their duties as a citizen in fear of retribution - what would we think of them? Even worse, what if the lack of testimony allowed the criminal to perpetrate …

How can I share the Gospel with my friends?

Question:

Hi Sumair,

Summer’s nearly over, and school’s about to start. I’m excited, but very upset that I have to graduate this year. This brings me to feeling nervous about how I can bring my friends to church, because as you had told me before, if not me, who? Last Sunday the pastor quoted Paul Harvey in his sermon, saying “Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men, but have become keepers of the aquarium.”, in a sense that as Christians, we have forgotten to save our other brothers and sisters who have not come to know God, and we only concentrate on keeping people in church. My goal this year is to bring a friend to church so that he/she may come to know God. Do you have any tips or advice?

Answer:

Hi Sister,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to submit your honest and heartfelt inquiry. I am touched by your question because in order to ask it one must (a) believe God is real, (b) understand the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), and © is compelled by the Love of Christ to share the Good News with others. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

“we have forgotten to save our other brothers and sisters who have not come to know God”
A few comments before I answer your primary question, firstly it is likely semantics but it is important to note when you say “save our brothers and sisters who have not come to know God” that they are not actually our brothers and sisters. …