The Car Showroom

Have you ever wandered into a car showroom to have a look at the latest models? If you are not interested in cars then perhaps a kitchen store or clothes shop. You would not be surprised if a sales assistant approached you and asked if they could help or even just began to talk about the benefits of owning the latest model. When you walked through that door you LOST the right not to hear their GOOD NEWS! Of course you could simply walk out without listening to the sales talk, but unless you are a bit strange no offence would be taken at the approach of the sales person. If the sales person didn’t make a point of approaching potential customers I’m sure his boss would have something to say, don’t you?

When someone walks into your Church building for any reason they have LOST THE RIGHT not to hear the gospel.

Why might they walk in?

Sunday Meetings, Mothers and Toddlers, Coffee Morning, Scouts etc., Jumble Sale, Christmas, Easter, Weddings, Funerals, New Baby, ETC.

Who might walk in? What do you do? What do you say? Exactly what IS the gospel?

Did you know that when Peter preached the first gospel sermon most of it was actually the BAD NEWS!

Why should you preach the bad news first?

Because we don’t think we need salvation unless we first know we are sinners!

Men of Israel, give ear to these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man who had the approval of God, as was made clear to you by the great works and signs and wonders which God did by him among you, as you yourselves have knowledge, Him, when he was given up, by the decision and knowledge of God, you put to death on the cross, by the hands of evil men: (Acts 2:22-23)

This Jesus God has given back to life, of which we all are witnesses. And so, being lifted up to the right hand of God, and having the Father's word that the Holy Spirit would come, he has sent this thing, which now you see and have knowledge of. For David has not gone up into heaven, but says, himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Be seated at my right hand, Till I put all those who are against you under your feet. For this reason, let all Israel be certain that this Jesus, whom you put to death on the cross, God has made Lord and Christ. (Act 2:32-36)

You killed the Messiah, he is risen, all his enemies (including you) are going to be under His feet!

No wonder they replied: Brothers, what are we to do?

NOW Peter can get to the GOOD NEWS!