Pastor challenges to preach 'Christ crucified'

The multitude of books, chapters and translations of Bible have led to preachers complicate and confuse the core of Gospel. Keep it simple; Gospel is all about 'Christ crucified', says the pastor of a growing evangelical church in Delhi.

Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, Pastor Chandran Kadambavanam of Delhi Bible Fellowship, exhorted believers to 'heedfully' follow the Biblical mandate for evangelism and sharing the Gospel.

He has a word of caution. "Keep it simple. Gospel is about Christ crucified," he says. His message is part of a four-week series on 'Mission with God'.

"We are commanded to go to the ends of the earth and make disciples. God is seeking worshipers. Now as we go on mission and share the Gospel with our friends, what exactly are we to talk about? What are we to present?" he asks.

Quoting Paul from 1 Corinthians 1: 23, he responds: "We preach Christ crucified."

He strictly warns Christians not to "sugarcoat" the Gospel to make it palatable. "It is very crisp and clear. In a nutshell, we simply just have to proclaim Christ crucified...his life, death and resurrection."

"It might seem foolishness to this world, but remember it has the power to draw people to God. The message of the cross is effective and inspiring. If we preach this basic gospel truth, that is enough," he admonishes.

During the time of the early church, he notes, disciples never had the New Testament and other theological discourses. Even the Old Testament was not easily accessible. "But their success was in preaching the life and death of Jesus Christ. This led to thousands come to faith."

With too much of theology and dogmas, says Pastor Kadambavanam, we are confounded and miss out the simple essence of what it is to be a Christian. He urges Christians to "go back and keep it simple as it was".

The message of cross, he concludes, "must consist of God's love, grace, His purposes and His works. This can bring salvation to people."