“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2.

Here are some discerning questions to apply to the question of what it means to preach Christ as opposed to alternatives.  The distinction is going to elevate Christ, or man, but only one.  Elevating man does not elevate Christ.  Let’s look at the questions.

Are people to live for God or is God to live in the people?

Is eternity for the human about the human, or about the expression of Jesus the glory of God in a people?

Are people to see you and how good of a Christian you are? Or are people supposed to see the actual life of Christ in the vessel?

Do new Christians need to be taught mostly the rules of Christianity, or how to interact with the life that is Jesus so that he lives in them?

Has Jesus replaced human religions such as Judaism, humanism, and the traditions of Christianity?

Is the mind qualified to know God or must Christ be revealed inwardly to each person?

Do supernatural gifts remain under the control of Christ, or the control of the soul?

Does the vessel of the life of Christ get recognition?

Is the greatest problem facing the church theological barrenness, or barrenness as to the life of Christ?

Is the remedy for the greatest problem facing the church fixed by moore teaching, or more cross?

After we come up out of baptism do I get to return to my old life, and am I alive again because Christ resurrected me, myself and I? Or am I put away, and I must learn a new creation lifestyle as a vessel for Christ?

Do demons fear the name of Jesus on my lips, or do they fear the life of Jesus that I am submitted to entirely?

Which is more important: works of God through me, or the formation of Christ in me?

Does submission to the life of Christ mark my life in heaven, or my list of deeds and ideas that I do for him?

Do we preach faith in Christ for salvation and also transformation? Or do we preach faith in Christ for salvation, and works for Christ for transformation?

Do we teach abiding in Christ for fruitfulness, or initiative and creativity for fruitfulness?

What do we say will be the thing that breaks the demonic strongholds around us, greater prayer and testimony, or the increase of the life of Christ in me through the crucifixion of my soul?

These are some primer questions to help distinguish the human Christian religion vs the message of the New Testament.