In the quest to share the transformative message of Christ, the apostle Paul’s writings echo with urgency. He emphasized the imperative of preaching Christ to all, underlining its profound significance in Colossians 1:27-28: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” This call to preach Christ is a timeless directive shaping the essence of Christian proclamation.
The Focal Point: Christ in Every Message
To preach is to be consumed by the central figure of Christianity—Christ Himself. Anything that sidesteps Christ, no matter how well-intentioned, ultimately falls short. Christianity’s essence rests on a person, not mere doctrines, theories, books, or institutions. The theme of Christ’s redemptive work must permeate every message, infusing it with the life-giving power that only He can provide.
The First-Century Message: A Christ-Centered Foundation
The sermons of the early church resound with the unmistakable echo of Christ’s centrality. On the day of Pentecost, Peter’s message anchored in Christ’s life, crucifixion, and resurrection (Acts 2:22-23, 36). Even before the Sanhedrin, Peter declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Regardless of the starting point, every message culminated in Christ. The heart of the gospel, encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, showcases the eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Unveiling the True Essence of Preaching Christ
To preach Christ means more than a superficial, emotional plea to “Come to Jesus!” Authentic preaching unveils the depth of salvation in Christ, unveiling the practical steps one must take to come to Him. Preaching Christ requires a thoughtful approach, not merely a vague sentiment. Preaching Christ involves relating every facet of Christian teaching to Christ’s authority and transformative power. Relying solely on abstract truths, devoid of Christ’s redemptive reality, is insufficient to bring salvation.
The Church: An Extension of Christ’s Person
The essence of preaching Christ extends to preaching the church. The church is the “bride of Christ” (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 22:17), reinforcing the profound intimacy between Christ and His body. This divine union is emphasized through Paul’s analogy of the husband and wife relationship, with the church representing the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32). Severing Christ from His church would yield a lifeless religious institution, devoid of the vibrancy that only Christ’s presence can bestow.
Salvation: A Christ-Centered Journey
Critics may misconstrue preaching Christ as promoting salvation by works. Yet, a genuine proclamation of Christ inherently includes the conditions for redemption. Peter’s message on Pentecost (Acts 2:38) and Philip’s instructions to the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13) exemplify this. Baptism, an integral part of salvation, is intrinsically linked to Christ—symbolizing His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), and authorized by His divine mandate (Matthew 28:18). Preaching salvation without Christ’s central role robs the message of its true power.
Holiness: An Expression of Christ’s Character
The call to holiness is an extension of Christ’s character. Although Paul was relentless in preaching Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), his messages entailed calls to repentance (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 5:1-11). This holiness is deeply intertwined with Christ—urged by the likeness of God and Christ’s righteousness (1 Peter 1:14-16), the pain our sins cause Christ (Ephesians 4:30), and the new life found in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-22). Preaching holiness means dedicating one’s life to Christ as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).
Unity: A Reflection of Christ’s Body
The unity of the church resonates with Christ’s central role. We are united as one body in Christ (Ephesians 2:16). Christ’s authority forms the foundation of our unity. Distorting this message distorts the essence of the church (Galatians 1:6-7) and exalts human ideologies over Christ (1 Corinthians 4:6). Emphasizing unity through Christ’s authority strengthens the bond of the “one body”—Christ’s body.
Guided by Wisdom, Driven by Love
In all our preaching, wisdom is essential. We are called to preach in love (Ephesians 4:15), tailor our message to our audience’s capacity (Mark 4:33), and meet their spiritual needs (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). Balancing truth with love ensures that our message, centered on Christ, is delivered with compassion.
The End Goal: Perfecting Lives in Christ
Ultimately, our preaching aims to present every individual complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28). It’s not about winning arguments or imposing regulations—it’s about transforming lives. As ambassadors of Christ, our motive is clear: to lead souls to the Savior, guiding them to embrace His grace and grow in His likeness.
Conclusion: A Christ-Centered Legacy
As faithful messengers of the gospel, let us heed the apostle Paul’s timeless appeal. May we consistently keep Christ at the forefront of our preaching. Let our words reflect the profound depth of Christ’s love, His sacrifice, and His transformative power. With every sermon, lesson, and interaction, may we continue to unveil the riches of the glory of this great mystery among the Gentiles—Christ in us, the hope of glory.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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