2.  Many messages are preached from the pulpit in “churches” today:  Social reform and politics,  “Dangers” of capitalism and global warming,  Health, wealth and prosperity gospel,  Social gospel that ”ministers to the whole man.”  Are the denominations and digressive churches of Christ right?! 2

4.  Acts 8:4: “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:25; Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:1-2)  Why is it so essential to “Preach the word!” ?  Jesus is the “Word”: Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 1 Cor. 2  The word judges us: Jn. 12:48-50  The word saves us: Rom. 1:16-17; 10:17; Acts 2:40; 11:12-14; 20:32 4 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

5.  Acts 20 reveals the nature of Paul’s preaching:  Preached the “whole counsel of God”: Acts 20:26- 27; Ezek. 3 & 33  Preached per his own instructions to the young evangelists: 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:3-4  Think of the grand opportunity the Pope had when he visited the U.S.: Rom. 1:16-17; Acts 11:14  Truly the day has come of which Paul spoke! 2 Tim. 4:3-4 5 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

6.  Acts 8:12: “…they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God…, both men and women were baptized.” (Matt. 16:18-19)  Some claim the “kingdom” has not come: Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4  Coming of the Holy Spirit followed directly by first gospel sermon: Acts 2:21, 36-37, 38, 41, 47  Saved are in the church and in the kingdom: Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:13 6 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

7.  Acts 8:12: “…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.” (Matt. 16:18)  It means doing it by Jesus’ “authority”: Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17; Jn. 12:48; 2 Jn. 9  Unauthorized “doctrine” may seem unimportant, but it’s not! Matt. 7:21-23  Did the NT church involve itself in a “social mission”? Gal. 6:10; Matt. 25:31-46 7 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

8.  Acts 8:26-39: Conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.  Philip joined him in the chariot and “…beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” Acts 8:35  What does it mean when he “preached Jesus to him”? Carefully compare Isa. 53 with Acts 8:36; Rom. 6  Why does preaching Jesus mean preaching baptism? Mk. 16:15-16; 2 Jn. 9; Gal. 1:6-9 8 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

9.  Acts 8:25  Why is preaching the good news of Jesus so important? 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Rom. 1:16; Col. 1:21-23; 2 Tim. 1:8-10  Why did Paul say we were saved by the gospel? Rom. 1:17  Notice Paul’s admonition about preaching the true gospel: Gal. 1:6-9 9 What Does It Mean To Preach Christ?

10. 10  Our goal is simple: Preach Christ and only Christ!  Any other means to draw people to God is doomed to failure! 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Rom. 2:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; 2 Thess. 1:7-9  If we preach only Christ then we will only be Christians, not hyphenated-Christians!  Are you looking for salvation in the right place? Acts 4:10-12