Let’s be clear about one thing. The mission of every church is to preach the gospel. Whatever outreach, family programing or volunteer work you do, it should lead to the gospel. Whatever advertising, social media or invitation strategy you employ, it should lead to the gospel. I don’t know anyone in church ministry who would disagree with that.

The problem is that many times, preachers skip an opportunity to preach the gospel, or they make it too complicated for people to understand. Think of these two problems as the opposite ends of the same issue: the clarity of the gospel. Either you don’t say enough, or you say too much.

Since the gospel is so important to the work of the Church, we must be clear about it. We should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind on Sunday morning about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. That’s the key to empowered preaching.

The Gospel Is Power

The gospel is so important because the gospel is power. It’s the power to save, to heal, to transform lives, and to change the world (Romans 1:16). Jesus told His disciples that even if they lost their lives for the sake of the gospel, they would find them again (Mark 8:35). That’s how powerful it is! It overcomes opposition, persecution and even the grave.

Paul often boasted that one thing, and one thing only, defined his ministry: the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17; 15:1-11). Paul didn’t need to be philosophically engaging or rhetorically eloquent, although most of the time he was. Instead, his mission statement was defined by the gospel message. In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul told his brothers and sisters in Christ, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

A sermon without the gospel is fire without fuel. It may sound good, but there’s no substance. It may be full of good advice, great application and emotional energy. But if you are not clearly presenting the gospel, you’ve lost all divine power, and you shouldn’t expect your sermon to change anyone’s life.

One thing I do during my sermon writing process is print the outline and read it over with a red pen in hand. When I find the place where I’ll be clear about the gospel, I write in the margin “gospel.” If I can’t find a place where that happens, that means I’m missing something crucial, and I should start over. A sermon without the gospel is like a car without gas; you won’t get anywhere.

The Gospel Must Be Clear

The gospel is powerful, but only to those who believe. And it’s impossible to believe without understanding. It’s our obligation as ministers and preachers to be crystal-clear about the gospel message.

If you are not clearly presenting the gospel, you shouldn’t expect your sermon to change anyone’s life.

So, what exactly is the gospel? And what is necessary for a gospel presentation? Is it enough to talk about Jesus’ death on the cross, or do we also need to mention His resurrection? How about the miracles of Jesus or His virgin birth? Are those necessary components for anyone who wants to put their faith in Him?

The gospel comes from the Greek word for “good news.” And all good news begins with the bad news. God created humankind to love and to love Him. However, we turned our backs on God through our rebellion and sin. That sin could only be covered by a sacrifice, but continual animal sacrifices weren’t enough. We needed something more.

That is when God sent his Son, God in the flesh, to live with us and die for us. But on the third day, He rose again from the grave and is now seated at God’s right hand. Whoever puts all their trust in Him will have eternal life.

That’s it. That’s the gospel. It contains four elements that theologians agree are adequate. First, there is a Creator God. Second, humanity is sinful. Third, Jesus’ death and resurrection covers our sins forever. Fourth, when we believe in Him, we receive His grace.

But how do we cover all those points in a clear, concise manner? Often, the words of the gospel are blurred by over-explanation or the use of complicated terms like “justification” and “propitiation.” I believe the best way to approach it is to include a short and simple sentence or two explaining the gospel.

Paul was clear about the gospel, and he gives us a hint as to what his short and simple presentation was. In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul said, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.”

Of course, Paul said much more than that. He was known for going on and on in his sermons (Acts 20:7). But Paul was also able to crystalize it in one or two short phrases or sentences.

So, what’s your gospel? How do you explain this incredible and powerful story quickly and clearly? I use this formula: “Jesus died so that we don’t have to, and He rose again so that we can live with Him forever.”

This statement is meant to cover the important parts of who Jesus is and what He did. But it also raises questions I can address. “Why would we have to die?” “How is it that Jesus died in our place?” “Is there anything else I need to do to live with Him forever?” That short statement opens the door for me to share more. But its simplicity allows anyone of any age to begin to understand.

This isn’t about taking anything away from the gospel. This is about making the gospel as simple as possible so as many people as possible can understand it and receive it. When we are clear about the gospel in every sermon, we can be sure our sermons are empowered.