Central Message of Christ, Crucified and Resurrected

When God called me to preach, he called me to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not call me to be a motivational speaker, telling folks to be a “Better You.” Yet, in the process of discipleship, we often guide our disciples in necessary life skills. But our overwhelming call is to tell the story of God’s love in the gift of HIs Son. This love is demonstrated in the sending and dying of His Son Jesus on the cross for our redemption. The resurrection of Jesus is a confirmation of His deity.

The main theme of our preaching needs to be Christ, crucified and resurrected.

Recently, as I was plowing through a book of over 700 pages, originally published in 1858 (167 years old). It was out of print but reprinted by a publisher, Forgotten Books, in 2012. During this reading I prayed for the Lord to give me a fresh word or something to quicken my spirit. Soon after I read the words that were written long ago but still alive. The words (on page 341) were from Dr. David Livingstone, missionary to Africa, as recorded in his book titled, “Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa.” (If you are interested in ordering the book, here is the link.)

Dr. Livingstone’s Words

In the beginning to speak on religious subjects with those who have never heard of Christianity, the great fact of the Son of God having come down from heaven to die for us is the prominent theme. No fact more striking can be mentioned. “He actually came to men. He himself told us about His Father, and the dwelling-place whither he has gone. We have his words in this book, and he really endured punishment in our stead from pure love,” etc. If this fails to interest them, nothing else will succeed.

These simple words describing the simple message of Christ touched my heart once again. Four months before reading the words of Livingstone, God impressed me to preach a sermon titled, “Message of the Cross.” I told the congregation, if I had only one message to preach, this would be it. I also wrote a blog post based on the sermon. Here is the link to the blog post, “Message of the Cross.”

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt