THE FIRST CENTURY ECCLESIA PREACHING

Methods of preaching There are many different ways we can share our hope with others. We need to choose the right method for the listeners and the circumstances. The following words are used in the King James version to describe preaching. Testify, preach, exhort, confirm (i.e. with evidence) contend, confound, reason, mightily convince, dispute, witnessing

All believers are called to be “witnesses” “Ye shall be witnesses unto me...” (Acts 1:8) Witnesses speak about something they have seen or experienced – We have experienced the power of God and witnessed how he works; we should share this with others A witness provides evidence to the truth of a fact – we should provide a witness to the truth of the Gospel Many other religions consider “preaching” to be the responsibility of their paid leaders or hierarchy. For true followers of Christ witnessing is a way of life.

“All things to all men..” We need to present our message in the way that is most relevant to the audience – consider the example of the apostles. ACTS 2 Audience – Devout Jews Background knowledge – Old Testament Message – Peter used the Old Testament to prove the outpouring of the holy spirit was scriptural, Messiah would die, be resurrected, go to heaven and return again in the future

“All things to all men..” ACTS 7 Audience – High Priest and Jewish Council Background knowledge – Old Testament Message – An appeal to look at the history of the Jews, using certain Old Testament Characters as examples ACTS 10 Audience – Cornelius and his household Background knowledge – Roman with strong interest in God Message – An appeal to the widespread publicity of Jesus and eyewitness accounts of his life, death and resurrection. Discusses the life and example of Christ

“All things to all men..” ACTS 17 Audience – Greek philosophers Background knowledge – Pagan Message – Uses a well known landmark (the altar of the unknown God) as his introduction. Shows that God is the creator of everything by referring to their own poets and closes with reference to God's judgements on earth and the resurrection

“Always ready to give an answer...” (1 Peter 3:12) Acts 5:42 “And DAILY in the temple and in EVERY house they ceased not to preach the word...” Acts 14:21 “And when they had preached the gospel and taught MANY...” Acts 16:10 “IMMEDIATELY we endeavoured to go to Macedonia Acts 18:5 – Paul was “pressed in spirit” and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ Acts 28:31 “Preaching the kingdom of God with ALL CONFIDENCE...”

Discussion Discuss some of the different beliefs and circumstances in your area and how to most effectively preach to them, based on the examples we see in Acts, e.g. Non-Christian religions Traditional beliefs Atheism Preaching to people from a rural background Preaching to people with a professional background who work in a city

“Not ashamed of the gospel...” Acts 4:29 – The Lord grant thy servants BOLDNESS that they may speak thy word... Acts 14:3 – Long time abode they, speaking boldly Acts 18:25 – Apollos spoke FERVENTLY, DILIGENTLY and BOLDLY... Acts 19:9 – Many of them which used curious arts burned their books before ALL MEN Acts 26:2 – I think myself HAPPY, King Agrippa, that I shall answer for myself this day.

Enthusiasm – The key to effective preaching Acts 2:14 – Peter “LIFTED UP HIS VOICE” The result – The same day were added 3000 souls (v41) Acts 4:29 – The apostles prayed for BOLDNESS The result – Multitudes of believers were added (5v14) Acts 5:21 – Taught EARLY in the temple The result – The number of disciples multiplied (6v1) Acts 16:25 - “The prisoners HEARD them...” The result – The jailor was baptised