In the Bible, there is a pattern of early Gospel preaching about Jesus.  These patterns and elements are what the first apostles felt were the essential pieces of information they needed to share with their audiences about Jesus. Therefore, they should be regarded as totally nonnegotiable, the most basic and central facts that anyone who is seeking to understand the Gospel should understand. These central elements are;

1. Jesus preexisted with the Father,
2. He took on human flesh,
3. He died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4. He was buried,
5. He was raised on the third day,
6. He appeared to many,
7. He is seated at the right hand of God as Lord, and
8. He will come again to judge.

(each of the above eight items are links)