A Return to New Testament Christianity: Why We Need a Jesus Christ-Centered Ministry

1. Contemporary Ministry That Focuses on Jesus Christ

In our present-day society we have seen many religious groupings emerge. Some are gospel oriented and others have ulterior motives known to the founders themselves. We must be careful not to allow ourselves to be drawn into following a man, no matter how sincere he may seem, without first checking his message and himself against the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. We need to return to New Testament Christianity if we are ever going to reach this lost generation for Christ. A return to New Testament Christianity means that our primary focus must be upon Jesus Christ and His teachings, rather than upon the personal opinions of men. It is only as we keep our focus upon Christ that we can hope to be used of Him in a mighty way. With this in mind, let us look at some of the things that a contemporary ministry should be emphasizing if it is truly to be Christ-centered.

2. The need for a Jesus Christ-centered ministry

The first thing that must be stressed in any true gospel ministry is that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and that He came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). We must preach Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:2) and proclaim His resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3-4). It is only as we do this that lost sinners will be saved (Rom. 1:16). We must also bear witness to the fact that Jesus is the only way by which men can be saved (John 14:6). We need to stress that there is no other name given under heaven by which men can be saved (Acts 4:12).

3. The two greatest commandments

Another thing that must be emphasized in any true gospel ministry is that Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27). These are the two commandments upon which all the law and prophets hang (Matt. 22:40). If we are going to reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.

4. The Golden Rule

Another thing that must be kept in mind if we are going to have a Jesus Christ-centered ministry is what is known as the Golden Rule. This rule simply states that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matt. 7:12). This rule was not given just as a suggestion, but rather it was given as a commandment by Jesus Christ Himself. If we are going to reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn to treat others the way we want them to treat us.

5. Christ’s ministry was one of service

Another thing that should be kept in mind when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that His ministry was one of service, not of being served (Mark 10:45). He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Matt. 20:28). He did not come to seek His own glory, but rather the glory of His Father who sent Him (John 8:50). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn to serve rather than be served.

6. A call to love God and neighbor

Another thing that must be kept in mind when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that He has called us to love God and our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). This is not a suggestion, but rather it is a commandment. If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.

7. The cost of discipleship

Another thing that should be emphasized when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that the cost of discipleship is not cheap (Luke 14:26-33). We must be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). We must be willing to lose our lives for His sake (Mark 8:35). If we are not willing to pay the price, then we cannot be His disciples (Luke 14:33). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must be willing to pay the price of discipleship.

8. Christ’s model of soul-winning

Another thing that should be kept in mind when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that He gave us a model of soul-winning that we are to follow (Luke 19:1-10). He told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). He also said that we are toGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must follow His model of soul-winning.

9. The importance of daily Bible study

Another thing that must be emphasized in any true gospel ministry is the importance of daily Bible study (2 Tim. 2:15). We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God (1 Tim. 4:15-16). We need to meditate upon His word day and night (Josh. 1:8). We need to hide His word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) so that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:105). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn the importance of daily Bible study.

10. Prayer is vital to the Christian life

Another thing that should be kept in mind when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that prayer is vital to the Christian life (1 Thess. 5:17). We need to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). We need to pray in everything by giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ unto God even the Father (Eph. 5:20). We need to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn the importance of prayer.

11. Worship is to be directed to God

Another thing that should be emphasized when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that worship is to be directedto Godand notto man(John 4:24). We are to worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We need to sing praises unto God with our hearts (Eph. 5:19). We are to lift up our hands in worship (1 Tim. 2:8). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn that worship is to be directed to God.

12. witnessing must be a part of our daily lives

Another thing that should be kept in mind when trying to reach this generation for Christ is that witnessing must be a part of our daily lives (Acts 1:8). We need to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15). We need to be prepared to give a defense to everyone that asketh us a question concerning our faith (1 Pet. 3:15). If we are going reach this generation for Christ, then we must learn the importance of being witnesses for Him.

13. Conclusion

In conclusion, we need to return to New Testament Christianity if we are ever going to reach this lost generation for Christ. A return to New Testament Christianity means that our primary focus must be upon Jesus Christ and His teachings, rather than upon the personal opinions of men. It is only as we keep our focus upon Christ that we can hope to be used of Him in a mighty way. With this in mind, let us keep the following things in mind as we try to reach this generation for Christ:

– Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and that He came into the world to save sinners.
– The two greatest commandments are to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.
– The Golden Rule is that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
– Christ’s ministry was one of service, not of being served.
– The cost of discipleship is not cheap.
– Christ gave us a model of soul-winning that we are to follow.
– The importance of daily Bible study cannot be overemphasized.
– Prayer is vital to the Christian life.
– Worship is to be directedto Godand notto man.
– witnessing must be a part of our daily lives

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