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Introduction

Many messages are preached from the pulpit in “churches” today:

Social reform and politics,

“Dangers” of capitalism and global warming,

Health, wealth and prosperity gospel,

Social gospel that ”ministers to the whole man.”

Are the denominations and digressive churches of Christ right?!

What Does It Mean To Preach ChristActs 8:1-12

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Preach the word

Acts 8:4: “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:25; Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:1-2)

Why is it so essential to “Preach the word!” ?

Jesus is the “Word”: Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 1 Cor. 2

The word judges us: Jn. 12:48-50

The word saves us: Rom. 1:16-17; 10:17; Acts 2:40; 11:12-14; 20:32

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Preach the word

Acts 20 reveals the nature of Paul’s preaching: Preached the “whole counsel of

God”: Acts 20:26-27; Ezek. 3 & 33 Preached per his own instructions to

the young evangelists: 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:3-4

Think of the grand opportunity the Pope had when he visited the U.S.: Rom. 1:16-17; Acts 11:14

Truly the day has come of which Paul spoke! 2 Tim. 4:3-4

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Preach things concerning the kingdom of God

Acts 8:12: “…they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God…, both men and women were baptized.” (Matt. 16:18-19)

Some claim the “kingdom” has not come: Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4

Coming of the Holy Spirit followed directly by first gospel sermon: Acts 2:21, 36-37, 38, 41, 47

Saved are in the church and in the kingdom: Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:13

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Preach “in the name of Jesus Christ”

Acts 8:12: “…they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” (Matt. 16:18)

It means doing it by Jesus’ “authority”: Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17; Jn. 12:48; 2 Jn. 9

Unauthorized “doctrine” may seem unimportant, but it’s not! Matt. 7:21-23

Did the NT church involve itself in a “social mission”? Gal. 6:10; Matt. 25:31-46

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Preach baptism

Acts 8:26-39: Conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.

Philip joined him in the chariot and “…beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” Acts 8:35

What does it mean when he “preached Jesus to him”? Carefully compare Isa. 53 with Acts 8:36; Rom. 6

Why does preaching Jesus mean preaching baptism? Mk. 16:15-16; 2 Jn. 9; Gal. 1:6-9

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Preach the gospel of Christ

Acts 8:25 Why is preaching the good

news of Jesus so important? 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Rom. 1:16; Col. 1:21-23; 2 Tim. 1:8-10

Why did Paul say we were saved by the gospel? Rom. 1:17

Notice Paul’s admonition about preaching the true gospel: Gal. 1:6-9

What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

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Conclusion

Our goal is simple: Preach Christ and only Christ!

Any other means to draw people to God is doomed to failure! 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Rom. 2:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; 2 Thess. 1:7-9

If we preach only Christ then we will only be Christians, not hyphenated-Christians!

Are you looking for salvation in the right place? Acts 4:10-12