Driven by Mission

Preaching for Mission

By Chan Kilgore on October 21, 2024

The Urgency of Bold Gospel Preaching

In an era overflowing with noise and distraction, the call to preach the gospel boldly has never been more pressing. As preachers, we have the power to wield the transformative message of the gospel—a message that compels us to respond, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Christ and a bolder relationship with the world.

The Call to Proclaim

Consider Acts 2, where Peter stands before the crowd, unveiling the gospel for the first time since the resurrection. By the power of the Holy Spirit, his words cut through the din of daily life, and across language barriers, forcing his listeners to confront that miraculous reality. Verse 37 reveals their response: they were “cut to the heart.”

Peter has to be our model. We have to boldly preach the truth of the cross and resurrection and move people to respond to the grace of God. There has never been a more important time for us to preach the gospel. The world is as confused and worthless as it’s ever been and people need to hear the truth.

In today’s world, discussing sin might feel uncomfortable or even antiquated, yet avoiding this vital topic limits our ability to convey the full scope of the gospel. People are yearning for something real—something that resonates with their struggles and aspirations. Addressing sin not only reveals our deep need for a Savior but also paves the way for genuine repentance and, ultimately, profound joy in Christ.

Our mission as the church is to shepherd individuals from the acknowledgment of sin to a jubilant celebration of grace. This is where the gospel’s transformative power shines brightest. We must cultivate environments where confession leads to rejoicing, creating spaces where people can embrace their new lives through Christ.

The Power of Testimony

Each of us carries a unique story of how the gospel has reshaped our lives. Our testimonies can serve as a powerful bridge to connect with non-Christians and illustrate the real impact of Christ’s love. When we openly share our struggles and victories, we demonstrate the gospel in action.

Fostering a culture of discipleship—where individuals feel empowered to share their faith and engage in meaningful conversations about Jesus—can spark a ripple effect. As we boldly proclaim the gospel and share from our own lives, we invite others to join us on this faith journey, creating a vibrant community rooted in mutual encouragement and accountability.

In Acts 2:41, we witness a breathtaking moment: those who received Peter’s message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were saved by  Jesus that day. This is the power of the gospel on full display—a testament to the impact of bold preaching.

So, pastors and church planters, let us rise to the occasion. Let us preach with courage and conviction, for the mission of spreading the gospel is more vital now than ever. The world is waiting—let’s share this life-changing message with urgency and passion.

Chan Kilgore
Written by: Chan Kilgore on October 21, 2024

Chan Kilgore is the Lead Pastor of New River Fellowship. He is passionate about how the gospel can inform and transform our everyday lives. He holds degrees from Central Florida and Reformed Theological Seminary. Chan has been married for more than 30 years and has been blessed with three beautiful daughters and a grandson. He enjoys woodworking, home remodeling, reading, and going to the beach with his wife.

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