PROCLAIMING JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED EFFECTIVELY
Jesus Christ told his disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel so that whoever believes would be saved (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). Disciples of the Early Church were on one accord in proclaiming the good news of Jesus crucified when many souls believed and were added to the Church. As disciples of the Lord today, we might follow the examples of the Early Church to be equally effectively in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ crucified.
EXAMINING WHAT THE EARLY DISCIPLES PROCLAIMED
The Bible records what the disciples preached: All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). And there is no other name than Jesus Christ whereby anyone can be saved from sin (Acts 4:12).
Proclaiming further, the Bible says: “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Nevertheless, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19; Acts 2:38).
OBSERVING HOW EARLY DISCIPLES AGREED TO PREACH
Before being filled with the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s early disciples argued among themselves about who would be the greatest (Luke 9:46). But they came to be on one accord when they were empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and together they focused on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified. As a result of their collectively concentrating on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, thousands of souls were saved. (Acts 1:8; Act 2; book of Acts).
In the apostle Paul’s determination to preach Jesus Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2), he solicited the cooperation and help of fellow believers from various churches. Recognizing them as needed brothers and sisters in the Lord, he asked them to pray and work together with him in unified efforts to reach nonbelievers for the Lord. (Romans 15:30-31; Ephesians 6:19 Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). New Testament writings shows how very productive Paul was in working together with different Christians in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified.
The apostle Paul urged Christian believers not to be distracted from proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified by religious issues like different convictions about holy foods, holy days, etc. (Romans 14:1-6).
FOLLOWING EXAMPLES OF EARLY DISCIPLES
In carrying out our Lord’s command to preach the gospel to the world, we can benefit from following examples and advice of the early disciples. I experienced these benefits in my working with an evangelizing group, which was comprised of people from different Christian denominations. Our central focus was proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified. In unity, we concentrated on preaching Jesus Christ, at home and abroad. Thus, we spread the good news in troubled streets, in prisons, in shut-in and rehab programs. Many people were drawn to the Lord and saved as we focused essentially on proclaimed Jesus Christ crucified. Our Lord and Savior who died on the cross tells all of us as his disciples, if I be lifted up, I will draw all people unto me (John 12:32).
