What characterizes the mission of New Testament preaching?

The mission of New Testament preaching is primarily characterized by spreading the Gospel of Christ. This focus reflects the core message that emerged within the early Christian community, centering on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel, which means "good news," emphasizes salvation, grace, and the establishment of a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

This mission does not imply the necessity of fulfilling Jewish laws or customs, although some early preaching occurred within a Jewish context. Instead, it shifted towards the teaching of grace and faith, which are foundational to the Gospel message. Additionally, while promoting social justice may be an important aspect of Christian living and ethics, it is more of a result or application of the Gospel rather than a central mission of New Testament preaching. Similarly, maintaining church traditions can support the preaching of the Gospel but is not the essence of its mission. Thus, the emphasis on spreading the Gospel of Christ encapsulates the primary goal of New Testament preaching, seeking to share the redemptive message with all people.