1st century Christianity in the 21st century
Should the gospel be preached to everyone? Some verses say it should be (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:25; 15:3; 22:21; 28:28), but others say it should not be given to Gentiles or Samaritans (Matthew 10:5-6; 15:24; Acts 16:6). Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Is the gospel for all? Answering the Atheist”
In Acts 8:5 we read, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.” Later, the text records, “But when 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” (Acts 8:12).
Sometimes, when we preach on a controversial topic, people object by asking, “Why don’t you just preach Christ?” It is most assuredly essential to preach Christ. Even though some dishonest preachers were trying to increase Paul’s persecution while he was in prison, he rejoiced “that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached” (Philippians 1:15-18).
What, then, does it mean to preach Christ?
Continue reading “What It Means To Preach Christ”