How To Preach the Gospel (as a Reformed Pastor)

Those who love the doctrines of grace often forgot that it is not theologically incompatible to call sinners to faith and repentance as a dying man to dying men. We are, after all, "ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (see 2 Cor 5:11-21).

In the history of the church no one exemplified this kind of evangelistic preaching better than Charles Haddon Spurgeon (note this).  The following sermon from Dr. Lawson is a great example of how to preach the gospel (as a Reformed minister).

Magnify Jesus Christ - Preach Revelation!

O WORSHIP THE KING

 

When I came to Freeport in 2008 I wanted to be very strategic and intentional in my role as pastor-teacher. After a short thematic series of sermons on "Biblical Exposition: An FBC Distinctive," I decided to take my new congregation through the book of Revelation. The most common response I got when sharing that bit of information with fellow believers was, "Are you crazy, stupid, or a little bit of both?" Ok not really, but I could see what many Christians were thinking when I told them what my plans were:  Why Revelation?  For those preachers who love to proclaim the glories of Jesus Christ Revelation is your book!

Most Christian’s think of Revelation as a very complicated New Testament book with lots and lots of prophecy charts and really strange enigmas that no one truly understands. Yet I found that the book of Revelation is one of the most Christ-centered, doxological books in the Bible.   It is also one of the most encouraging New Testament books, especially for persecuted believers (pay special attention to the original context in Revelation 1:9).  Chapter 1 begins with a picture of Jesus Christ in all His post-resurrection glory (note Revelation 1:12-20)!  This triumphant vision sucks the air out of your sanctified lungs (note Revelation 1:17).  Chapters 2 and 3 provide immensely practical instructions from the Lord of the Church to seven congregations in Asia Minor.  These are seven real churches that represent the type of congregations (and church goers) that exist in every century of church history.  What King Jesus praises and condemns in these chapters is some of the richest pastoral theology in all the Bible.  Revelation 4 pictures heaven's worship of the Sovereign Creator of the universe (the Lord God Almighty is His name).  Revelation 5 highlights the great Hero of Heaven, Jesus Christ.  He alone is worthy to “open the book and its seven seals” (note Revelation 5:5-7).   Some of the richest details about the gospel are also presented in this magnificent fifth chapter (see Revelation 5:9-14).  I believe that Revelation 6-18 describes the awful Tribulation period that is yet "to come" (see Revelation 1:19; 3:10).   Rather than spend six months in chapters 16-18 going verse by verse through the Text I provided two overview sermons of this unit of Scripture.  Chapter 19 highlights the majestic return of Christ as the righteous Judge, the Holy Warrior, and as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords while chapter 20 describes the millennial Kingdom and the final judgment of all God's enemies. Chapters 21-22 showcase the New Heavens and the New Earth.  As I exposited the final two chapters of Revelation I told my flock that heaven is going to be mind-numbingly massive, heart-stoppingly holy, and breathtakingly beautiful.  For believers the best is yet to come.  Is it any wonder that after taking all of this in John proclaims, "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus! Come!"