1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. “NKJV

I interviewed for a sales job once, and the interviewer commented, “Well, I guess you are qualified. After all, preaching is the ultimate in sales.”  I have thought about that many times since and disagree.  Someone once asked if I knew the definition of a salesman, and I knew he had something clever to offer.  So, I played the game and said no.  He said, “A salesman is someone who convinces you to buy what you don’t need at a price you can’t afford.”  

That may be true of some, but undoubtedly not true for all who are in sales. However, sales does involve convincing someone to purchase a particular item.  I do not consider preaching a ‘sales job’ or a ‘pitch.’ It is the presentation of GOOD NEWS pointing to the door of salvation and life.  It is more of a public service announcement than sales. 

Once in witnessing to a particularly difficult individual and presenting the GOOD NEWS, he stopped me and said, “You are quite the salesman, aren’t you?”  I said, “No sir, I’m not trying to sell you anything. I am simply offering information that, if received, will completely transform you” I make no commission, the price has already been paid, and the warranty is eternal.  It is up to you to decide whether you will receive or reject the offer.  If the Holy Spirit is tugging your heartstrings, I urge you to accept.  I know this might be splitting hairs, but I have never considered preaching the gospel as sales or politics.  I am not seeking a sale or garnering a vote; I want to see a life transformed!

The apostle Paul packaged what the gospel is in a beautiful package in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.  He identified that Christ died for our sin, was buried, rose on the third day, and was seen by eyewitnesses.  He continued in the following verses declaring that there is a resurrection from the dead for Christ arose.  He made the arresting declaration that if Christ did not rise, our faith would be in vain.  If that is the case, then we are still without hope; all we have is here and now.  That makes it a pitiable existence.  But Christ did arise, and we have hope!

The word gospel means good news.  The image is that of a newborn calf skipping in delight as it leaps and plays.  The Good News makes our hearts leap for joy because it transforms us from children of darkness into children of light.  We are born again and become new creations in God.  The old is gone, and the new has come to life.  So today, I come with a Public Service Announcement that Jesus is alive and is extending the offer of salvation to whosoever will.  Harken to the call of the Spirit of God if you have not, and if you are a child of the King, then allow Him to live His life through you completely. 

May God be with you as you go through your day!