Many people use 1 Corinthians 15 as a passage that defines the gospel and claim that it only talks about Jesus Christ being crucified and raised from the dead. However, in 1 Corinthians 15:12–14 Paul says: "Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ is not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." In other words, Paul is talking about the people who do not believe the Resurrection. But now have a look at the tack Paul takes. In verse 21, he goes back to Genesis and explains the origin of sin. "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead." He sets the foundational reason as to why Jesus Christ came and died on the cross. It is important to realize that the gospel consists of the foundational aspects as well as the other elements as outlined above. Therefore, to preach the gospel without the message of Christ as Creator and the entrance of sin and death is to preach a gospel without a foundation. To preach a gospel without the message of Christ and His crucifixion and resurrection is to preach a gospel without power. To preach a gospel without the message of the coming kingdom is to preach a gospel without hope. All these aspects constitute the gospel. Therefore, to understand the gospel message properly we must understand all aspects.

Methods of Evangelism

Many Christians feel that it is sufficient to preach concerning the death of Christ for our sin, the need for repentance, and the receiving of Christ as Saviour, leaving the outworking to the Holy Spirit. However, it is quite evident that the Early Church evangelists used different presentations according to the people they found before them. Examples abound in Acts and the Gospels:

John 4 Jesus used the "living water" approach at the well.

Acts 2 Peter used the explanation of the circumstances of the Day of Pentecost as a starting point.

Acts 3 Peter used the healing of the lame man to speak of Gods power.

Acts 7 Stephen gave a history lesson to the Sanhedrin.

Acts 13 Paul preached Jesus as the Christ in the synagogue.

Acts 14 and 17 Paul preached the Creator God to the Gentiles.