Introduction. There are people in communities all over America who visit church after church, never finding one to their liking. We immediately think that they’re only looking for fun, but the truth is they’re looking for the Bible.
There are people who look for churches that are glorified country clubs and preach a watered-down gospel to ease their conscience, but not everyone is so inclined. There are sincere seekers of truth who desire to attend worship for the purpose of exalting God, not entertainment.
Too many churches, pastors, and preachers have become sidetracked by right-wing, or left-wing politics. Others are trying to appease people by meeting their physical, psychological, or emotional needs instead of their spiritual needs. Some refuse to condemn sin, preaching only a positive message to make people feel good. Finally, there are those who preach an entire sermon devoid of any scripture.
Paul was an apostle of Christ and a minister of the gospel. As such, he “fully preached the gospel of Christ” from Jerusalem as far as Illyricum (Romans 15:19). What does it mean to “fully preach” the gospel? There are several essentials people have to know in order for them to fully obey the gospel.
The Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:16-17.
Acts 18:8.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
The Need for the Gospel
Romans 3:10, 23.
Romans 1:14-15.
Romans 5:6-8.
The Facts of the Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Acts 2:22-24.
The Unity of the Gospel
Philippians 1:27.
Ephesians 4:4-6.
Galatians 1:6-9.
The Commands of the Gospel
Mark 16:15-16.
Romans 10:9-10.
Acts 17:30.
Romans 6:17-18.
The Obligations of the Gospel
Titus 2:11-14.
Matthew 28:19-20.
Acts 20:26-27.
1 Corinthians 15:58.
The Promises of the Gospel
Acts 2:38.
Mark 16:16.
Titus 1:2.
1 John 2:25.
The Consequences of the Gospel
Hebrews 2:1-2.
Acts 13:46.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-8.
Conclusion. I’m sad for people who’ve been turned off by churches who’ve given up on the pure, life-changing gospel. We need a return to the gospel proclaimed by Peter, Paul, and the first-century preachers and apostles. We need to elevate our regard, respect, and reverence for the gospel — and then do everything we can to bring people to it.
