Mark 1:14-15, “14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

The gospel message may never change, but the methods in which it is shared can vary from person to person and generation to generation.  At the same time, I do believe that looking to Jesus in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) we can find the “way of the Master” and follow His methods.

Here is a brief list of the different methods Jesus used in the book of Mark while preaching the gospel.  (1) Casting out demons, Mark 1:23-28; (2) Performing miracles, Mark 1:33-34; (3) Sharing meals, Mark 2:16; (4) Telling parables, Mark 4:1-2; (5) Meeting needs, Mark 6:39-44; (6) Rebuking sin, Mark 7:9, Mark 9:20-23; (7) Ministering to children, Mark 10:14-15, (8) Giving people the cost of discipleship, Mark 10:21, (9) Serving, Mark 10:43-45; (10) Debate/Confrontation, Mark 11:29; and lastly, (11) Sharing about the end times, Mark 13:4.

We must always remember that the “method” is not the “message.”  Meaning, simply praying for people, giving away food, and loving the children is not the gospel.  The gospel is the “good news concerning God’s glory and humanity’s salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.”  Therefore, if we do all the methods mentioned above and don’t preach the gospel, people will still go to hell and their blood will be on our hands.

We then should always be sure to make the gospel message the most important part of the method.  After the sick are prayed for the gospel must be preached.  While children are being ministered too we can teach them to put their faith in Jesus, so that when they’re old they will never leave God’s commands.  And after the hungry are fed, let us preach to their hungry souls about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

Find a method that works best for you and go preach the gospel!

Reflection

Which method(s) does the Holy Spirit want you to use to preach the gospel?

Action

  1. Ask God to give you the methods you’re to use to preach the gospel.
  2. Always remember to include the message in all your methods.
  3. Always be open to try new methods because God is a God of creativity!