What would happen if the local fire department changed its emphasis from responding to emergencies to keeping its employees comfortable and its buildings in good shape? The results would be disastrous. It would be inexcusable for such a vital organization to compromise its main mission. But it's possible for individuals entrusted with an even more important mission to lose sight of the main mission:
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
"Preach the word". The word "preach" literally means to "herald, proclaim or publish". The main mission of followers of Jesus Christ is to get the word out in every possible way - through speech, writing and lifestyle. It is an urgent mission that we dare not lose sight of.
Perhaps one of the greatest fears that disciples of Jesus have is that of sharing their faith. Stereotypical evangelism methods such as ringing doorbells and handing out tracts are anything but appealing. But the genuine faith within creates a burning desire to express itself to others.
There has never been a time in history in which there have been more means and methods for expressing the faith than there is today. In addition to the changeless method of simply talking about the faith, electronic publishing through books and websites has never been more readily available and cost-effective. If the desire to share the faith is there, the means to do so are nearly limitless.
The "word" that we are urgently called to preach and proclaim is a code word for the often-neglected biblical gospel. Paul and Timothy both clearly understood its meaning but tragically that meaning has been obscured throughout the ages. "Word" is synonymous with "gospel" which, according to Jesus, is the good news of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14,15). Knowing that Jesus was intrinsically associated with that good news, the first-century church proclaimed both the message of the kingdom and the king (Acts 8:12).
It's possible to lose sight of both the main mission and the message at the heart of the mission. The appeal to us today is to discover and rediscover both with all the fervor and zeal that the Spirit of God inspires.
The true faith within will create a burning desire to share. May we each be completely responsive to the Spirit-inspired prompting to understand, embrace and share this vital faith.
Steve
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
"Preach the word". The word "preach" literally means to "herald, proclaim or publish". The main mission of followers of Jesus Christ is to get the word out in every possible way - through speech, writing and lifestyle. It is an urgent mission that we dare not lose sight of.
Perhaps one of the greatest fears that disciples of Jesus have is that of sharing their faith. Stereotypical evangelism methods such as ringing doorbells and handing out tracts are anything but appealing. But the genuine faith within creates a burning desire to express itself to others.
There has never been a time in history in which there have been more means and methods for expressing the faith than there is today. In addition to the changeless method of simply talking about the faith, electronic publishing through books and websites has never been more readily available and cost-effective. If the desire to share the faith is there, the means to do so are nearly limitless.
The "word" that we are urgently called to preach and proclaim is a code word for the often-neglected biblical gospel. Paul and Timothy both clearly understood its meaning but tragically that meaning has been obscured throughout the ages. "Word" is synonymous with "gospel" which, according to Jesus, is the good news of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14,15). Knowing that Jesus was intrinsically associated with that good news, the first-century church proclaimed both the message of the kingdom and the king (Acts 8:12).
It's possible to lose sight of both the main mission and the message at the heart of the mission. The appeal to us today is to discover and rediscover both with all the fervor and zeal that the Spirit of God inspires.
The true faith within will create a burning desire to share. May we each be completely responsive to the Spirit-inspired prompting to understand, embrace and share this vital faith.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:17 AM
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