Give The Gospel
Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 15:1.3

Good news -- this is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16)! Good news--this is the story about Jesus. Good news--this is what men are to preach. Good news is what people need to hear and will listen to when preached. Good news is what Christians are to rejoice in and to share with the world. Oh, that all Christians entered into the joy of their salvation and the wonderful joy of passing on this good news to others.

To be specific, what is the "gospel," this good news about Christ? Simply put in I Corinthians 15:3, 4, it is "how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." The good news one needs to hear is that someone loved him and has already paid the penalty of his sins. The essential essence of the gospel is that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (I Pet. 3:18), "Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8), "Christ died for our sins" (I Cor. 15:3). Paul said that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" (I Cor. 1:18). The cross, the suffering, the shedding of Christ's blood, the death as pictured by all the animal sacrifices must be presented for people to hear the good news. The proof, the seal, the glory of this whole story is "that he rose again" (I Cor. 15:4). Discover how the apostles emphasized this (Acts 2:24, 32; 3: 15; 4: 10).

If you wanted to convince a Christian of the need of separation you would not just tack on a verse about separation to a message on some other subject and expect people to respond. But this is about all the gospel that is included in many sermons and tracts or in much personal witness. Notice carefully, it is almost mentioned, but alas, it is omitted or just tacked on in a sentence or a verse. No wonder so few come to Christ.

Not only does the gospel need to be given but given joyfully. How long has it been since you saw someone become excited and preach this good news. This is good news, tremendous news. Oh, to break through the barrier of reticence and cheerfully tell the good news wherever we go.