Gospel Centrality

A. Evangelism Must Be Gospel-Centered

Romans 1:16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

Paul emphasizes that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. Evangelism must focus on proclaiming this message, as it is not human effort or eloquence that saves.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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 gospel is not just one aspect of the Christian message; it is of "first importance." Paul defines the gospel as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins according to the Scriptures. Evangelism must center on this message, as it is the foundation of salvation.

B. Human Wisdom is Not a Solid Foundation

1 Corinthians 2:1-2

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

Paul makes it clear that evangelism is not about persuasive speech, worldly wisdom, or clever arguments.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

"And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

True faith does not come from human persuasion but from the power of God. Evangelism must rely on the work of the Holy Spirit rather than manipulation or rhetorical skills. If people are convinced merely by human reasoning, their faith will be weak, but if they come to Christ through the Spirit’s power, their faith will be genuine and enduring.

C. The Role of Scripture in Evangelism

2 Timothy 3:15

"And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Scripture is essential in evangelism because it reveals the way of salvation. The Bible contains the truth about Christ, and through it, people are led to faith. Evangelism must be rooted in God's Word rather than personal experiences or opinions.

Isaiah 55:11

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

God’s Word is powerful and effective. When the gospel is preached, it will accomplish God's purposes, whether that results in repentance and salvation or in judgment. Evangelists can be confident that Scripture will work in the hearts of those who hear it.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The Bible is alive and active, cutting through human resistance and convicting people of their sin. Evangelism must depend on the power of Scripture to bring about true spiritual transformation in the hearts of unbelievers.

Conclusion

Evangelism must always be centered on the gospel, not human wisdom or persuasive techniques. The role of Scripture is crucial in this task, as it brings wisdom, conviction, and life. Faithful evangelism relies on God's Word and the Spirit’s power, trusting that He will accomplish His work through the proclamation of the gospel.