In his book, Timothy Keller underlines the centrality of the gospel as one of the major means to connect an individual and the Church and establish fair and effective relationships. The gospel should be applied to every area of human activity, including thinking, feeling, and behaving. People cannot ignore the fact that the only way to be saved is “through Christ alone, by faith alone, but not by a faith which remains alone” (Keller 2016, 49). As such, the gospel may grow in people, depending on their acceptance of Christ. It shows how to solve problems, understand the environment, and never neglect the Christian doctrine. In other words, the centrality of the gospel lies not only in salvation but the solution that every person expects to get.
In Chapter 2, the author says that people have to serve Christ and preach the gospel every time. Keller (2016, 48) writes that when people use the Bible text, they try to demonstrate what Jesus can do in this situation and follow his example, but just “settle for general inspiration or moralizing.” First, this frequency of preaching allows fitting the Bible together. Second, this decision helps individuals change from the inside, achieve the desired outcome, and become true believers.
In addition, Keller wants people to preach from all of Scripture, meaning that all sections of the Bible have a specific impact on people’s thoughts and beliefs, and every theme has its particular follower. It is not enough to preach the gospel every time but to use examples and explain why to do or not to do something. I have to agree with what Keller says in these two chapters, even if it is challenging to what he is saying. Sometimes, people do not want to accept that there are some rules that cannot be ignored. Still, when there is a plan to solve problems and be saved, like the one in the gospel, people benefit from not making mistakes and staying protected.
Reference List
Keller, Timothy. 2016. Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism. New York: Viking.