RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

LESSON FORTY-THREE

SUNDAY, 25TH JUNE 2017

TOPIC: THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea' woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" - 1Corinthians 9:16

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 16:15-20

INTRODUCTION:
Shortly after the baptism and wilderness experiences of Jesus Christ, His earthly ministry started with the preaching of the gospel and ended with the commissioning of the disciples for the same assignment (Mark 1:9-14; Matthew 28:18-20). Without doubt, this must have been an issue topmost in the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ for all generations. May the Holy Spirit teach and help us to obey the will of the Master today, in Jesus' name.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. A must for all believers
2. The message is simple

A MUST FOR ALL BELIEVERS
The Lord commands the believer to go and preach the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20), the power and the wisdom of God (1Corinthians 1:24). A refusal to preach, as Apostle Paul was concerned, is a curse (1Corinthians 9:16). It is a duty that is not limited by seasonal changes, societal, spiritual or marital status (2Timothy 4:2; Acts 18:26).
The Lord does not want anyone to perish (2Peter 3:9; 1Timothy 2:4). He promises rest for the weary, rescue for the perishing soul and everlasting life for the repentant sinner (Matthew 11:28; John 3:36). He remains our Advocate with the heavenly Father (1John 2:1-2) and His blood still cleanses from all sins (1John 1:7). Therefore, every believer must see the task of preaching the gospel and soul winning as an inevitable one (1Corinthians 9:16). Do not shy away from it (Romans 1:16).

THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE
The word from the beginning (John 1:1, 14) makes it abundantly clear that all souls are His (Ezekiel 18:4) and that these souls have all sinned (Romans 3:23). Whosoever confesses and forsakes his or her sins will obtain mercy (Proverbs 28:13; 1John 1:8-10) since the grace of God in Christ Jesus will grant him or her eternal life (Romans 6:23). This is a new covenant in the blood of Jesus, which alone can atone for the sins of the whole world (Hebrews 9:14).

CONCLUSION:
If the Lord Jesus Christ saw the preaching of the gospel as unavoidable, then, believers therefore have no excuse. He has promised that we will do greater works (John 14:12) and that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Pray and obey now.

QUESTIONS
1. Why is the preaching of the gospel a must for all believers?
2. Give a summary of the simple message.