Worship and Gospel Truth (Kerygma)
There are six words found in Acts Chapter 2 that focus on acts of worship in the Church. One of those words: kerygma. This Greek word means proclamation or preaching, the Gospel message of salvation. Depending on the context, it may refer to either the content proclaimed or the act of informing. Kerygma is the gospel, the Christian faith's core message that all believers ought to declare. Kerygma is not the only Greek word associated with teaching yet; it is distinct from another noted term Didache, another Greek term that refers to education (teaching), instruction, or doctrine.
Hector Molina clarifies these words in this way:
“While kerygma means the initial gospel messages that introduce a person to Christ, didache concerns the fuller and more extensive doctrinal and moral teaching and instruction in the Faith that a person receives once the gospel message is received.
As we explore the worship and mission of the Church, we read Acts 2:42–47 [New International Version]. We've noted the word kerygma in bold.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day, those who were being saved.
Through the text in Acts, the term apostle sticks out. What is an apostle? An apostle is a person that had met and knew the person of Jesus Christ and had formed a personal relationship with him. The apostles were a witness to the person and work of Christ. They spoke from the experience of their encounters. The Bible even references such truths; one place is in 1 John 1:1 [New American Standard Bible] "What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon, and touched with our own hands… What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you!"
There is no replacement for authentic witnesses. Everyone doesn't have the gift of teaching — but all who have a relationship with Christ have the advantage of witnessing. We learn the basic kerygma through this witness — God has a plan for your life. Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. Through Faith and his Church, you can be connected to God forever. These revelations are made known through the Holy Spirit, and our investment in Scripture's truth is made known through faithful reading and prayer. Our witness makes us ready to share the gospel's message with others.
As we carry the gospel message into our modern worship gatherings, we must consider the community dynamic noted in the text from Acts. They were devoted to the teaching and the fellowship. Affirming that the message is more beautiful through relationship — everyone is welcome into the conversation.
As we carry the gospel into our gatherings, we must be respectful, patient, and understanding with all. Share a meal, make the conversation authentic, and then take your cue from them and pace the conversation around their readiness to explore a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus himself knew that carrying the gospel could be nerve-racking at times. So we can take courage from his words to the apostles as he sent them out, knowing persecution was around the corner. He says in Matthew 10:19–20: "Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say." I love how The Passion Translation words verse 20: It won't be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father repeatedly speaking through you.
The Father has been speaking the gospel message down through the ages. As witnesses to the gospel truth, we pick up this message and proclaim these same truths to those with ears to hear.
May our worship always be centered on these truths.
