Preaching The Gospel

How do we preach the gospel?

The Gospel comes to us through the person of Jesus of Nazareth, an ancient Jewish Rabbi. But he was more than just a teacher. He was God. Jesus said, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” But what does that really mean?

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Teachings

Before you begin the practices with your community, listen through these teachings to understand why this practice is important and discover what it can do in your life.

1

What is the Gospel?

Why is our generation so emotionally triggered by the idea of “evangelism” and what is the Gospel?

2

The Four American Gospels

What are the American Gospels, and how are they a misunderstanding from the Gospel of Jesus?

3

Practice Hospitality

Jesus “came eating and drinking.” If he had a “method of evangelism," what would it look like?

4

Recognizing and Joining In

What might it look like to join God in what He is doing, rather than trying to bring him where He is needed?

5

Methods & Context

When our methods do not meet the current cultural context, how do we effectively preach the Gospel?

6

Doing The Stuff

When Jesus says that we will accomplish even greater works than Him, what does that look like in our every day lives?

7

Live a Way That Begs the Question

Most of “evangelism” in the early church was simply people living a radically different and deeply good life. Do we?

8

Preaching a Disruptive Gospel

Early Christians did not try to be popular with the culture of their time but also lived respectful lives.

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Practice

Follow along with each part of this practice. We recommend you work through it with your community, a small group triad, a weekly meal with friends or neighbors, your roommates, whatever works. Get a group of people, set a time each week to share a meal, then talk and pray for about an hour. Transformation happens in community. 

1

Defining The Gospel

In Greek, the word is euangelion, literally translated as good news. It is a declaration about Jesus.

2

Life Shared: Join His Heart

Discussing feelings and thoughts around the idea of sharing your faith in this present culture and context.

3

Life Shared: You're Invited

Partnering with God to bring the Good News to our neighborhoods and cities, through the Spirit's power.

4

Life Shared: Take A Step

Defining, "Who is my neighbor?" and taking practical next steps to sharing the gospel with our neighbors.

5

Hospitality

For Jesus, sharing the gospel was sharing a meal. Practicing the way of Jesus is shared life around a table, inviting others in.

6

Invitation

One way to preach the gospel is through inviting others to Alpha, a conversation about spirituality without judgement.

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Recommended Reading

Follow along with the recommended reading. We want to continually expand our minds and understanding of the way of Jesus. God wants us to love him not only with our hearts, souls, and strength, but with our minds as well.