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 will never change, but the methods in which it is shared can vary from person to person and generation to generation.
The best way to develop methods to effectively preach the gospel message is to look to Jesus in the gospels and follow, “The Way of the Master.”
Here is a brief list of the ten different methods Jesus used in the gospel of Mark to preach the gospel; (1) Casting out demons in Mark 1:23-28. (2) Performing miracles in Mark 1:33-34. (3) Fellowshipping and sharing meals in Mark 2:16-17. (4) Telling parables to the crowds in Mark 4:1-34. (4) Meeting physical needs in Mark 6:39-44. (5) Rebuking sin in Mark 7:9-13. (6) Ministering to children in Mark 10:14-16. (7) Giving people the cost of discipleship in Mark 10:21-31. (8) Serving people in Mark 10:43-45. (9) Debate and confrontation in Mark 11:29-33. (10) Sharing about the end times in Mark 13:4-37.
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 itself- it is a method to open the door to preach 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 loved and prayed for we can teach them to put their faith in Jesus, so that when they’re old they will never forsake 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.
Remember to let the Holy Spirit lead you to use the method that works best in each situation and preach the gospel (Romans 8:14)!
Reflection
Which methods is the Holy Spirit leading you to use?
Action
- Ask God to give you the methods you’re to use to preach the gospel.
- Always remember to include the gospel message in all your methods. Reject the popular quote from Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospeleveryday; if necessary, use words.” The Word of God is necessary for people to be saved (Romans 10:17)!
- Be open to try new methods because God is a God of creativity!
