There are some preaching styles that are so readily accepted that we forget that very essence of the preaching moment is the Gospel of Christ. Nothing against any of it; but we get so wrapped up in preaching Christian living, prosperity (health and wealth) and the joys of life that we often leave the Gospel (Jesus) on the sideline, sitting on the bench. We assume (wrongly or not) that the entire congregation is saved. So we teach. We are Pastor/Teachers, right? We do want to see Gods people live a harmonious life in Him, right? We are seeking to empower parishioners, am I right? Everything joyous, laid out in a logical analytical manner that is acceptable and readily receivable by the masses. Dont ruffle any feathers or rock the boat with the mention of doom and gloom, judgment and punishment. Were speaking less on the need for salvation, and more of how to walk happy. All at the expense of the Gospel of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God. What happened to preaching the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and soon coming Christ? Ephesians chapter one, verses seven thru fourteen says, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him , you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed , you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of Gods own possession, to the praise of His glory. (NASB) Paul begins his argument with resting in the fact of salvation through the completed work of Christ. This is what brings us all to a right relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians chapter five, Paul calls it the ministry of reconciliation. Yet, lets dig a bit farther. Romans ten urges us to believe and confess in a risen Christ. How can we if we have not heard. Preach the Gospel of Christ. Take them to the Cross. Present a risen Christ! There is power in the Gospel. It is the power unto salvation. Bring preaching home! Its Ok to get someone saved at morning worship! PREACH JESUS; and Him crucified, raised and coming again for a spotless Church. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 22:16:02 +0000
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