The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Gospel truth

I think we are in total agreement on this point . . . the Gospel is the Gospel is the Gospel. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> The "message" is unchanged as to content regardless who it is to be spoken to. What I am trying to emphasize is that there is no such thing as a "canned" Gospel message, e.g., "Four Spiritual Laws" or any other such thing. The truths of the Gospel are the same, but they are not to be blurted out in some rote fashion without any consideration given to the hearer.

Again, what Paul said to the Athenians was far different than what Peter preached to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. Yet, the truths which they spoke were believed by both men. The difference was in WHAT was necessary for their specific audiences to hear. In the case of the Athenians on Mars Hill, Paul had to begin with "square 1", so to speak.

Let me try to make my point a different way. Before you can teach a student Algebra, a knowledge of basic mathematics is essential. If you were to try and teach a 6- year old Algebra who didn't even know basic addition or subtraction, you would be wasting your time. It would be sheer gobbledygook to his ears. It isn't that you teach a 6-year old a different math, but rather you teach the youngster the basics upon which the more advanced elements of math depend. Does that help? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />

Another example from the Bible is the instance where Priscilla and Aquila sat Apollos down and explained to him the truths concerning Christ (Acts 18:24ff), they did not have to explain to him many things concerning God, the need of salvation etc. They were able to take what he already knew and build upon that, showing him where he erred, etc. In verse 24 it is said of him, "he was mighty in the scriptures". And in the next verse we read, "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John:". You see, he knew much that was correct, but there were some important things he did was wrong about. And this is how I believe we are to conduct our teaching/preaching as well. We are to first attempt to discern where are hearers are at and build upon those things which are held in truth, correct those things which are in error and then move on to matters which the person(s) do not know. (cf. Heb 5:12-14)

In His grace,