![]() It demands of people that they face the reality of their sin and guilt and that they turn to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ to survive the judgment of God. ![]() Through the Holy Spirit, the gospel does what no human reasoning can do. ![]() How unfortunate that we are often ashamed of the gospel because we may face a little criticism or ridicule. Paul was not intimidated by the religious leaders in Jerusalem or the influential pagans in Athens. Yet, this was the Word Paul would never give up preaching. Pagans branded Christians as atheists - something no Pharisee would ever have been able to tolerate. Greeks despised it because it was considered foolish. Jews abhorred the gospel because it subverted the law. Paul had been imprisoned in Philippi, chased out of Thessalonica, smuggled out of Berea, stoned and left for dead in Lystra, and laughed at in Athens for proclaiming the good news of the resurrection. In verse 17, Paul presents the key theme to his epistle - the gospel. True preaching is not several illustrations woven together, nor is it “warm fuzzies” delivered to a passive congregation. Often what people want is simplified messages that easily degenerate into moralistic, self-help talks that cut out the heart of the gospel. Today preaching has fallen on hard times. That is not to say that God cannot use other means to soften the heart, but, generally speaking, it is through the preaching of the gospel. An unbeliever attending the worship service cannot sing with any understanding: “My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought! - My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!” It has no meaning for him. I have yet to lead a worship service where a congregation mumbled through “It Is Well with My Soul.” Such songs, however, only have an impact on the singer when they understand the gospel. Certainly they can be spiritually uplifting. While defending my research, I was asked about psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. For the preacher to be faithful to his calling he must preach the gospel. Neither were they ever used by Jesus in His ministry, nor by the prophets, apostles, or Paul. No shortcuts, novelties, or gimmicks are necessary, nor were they ever employed by the Spirit. It is through preaching that the Holy Spirit awakens the heart and mind to faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. While researching the paper, I became convinced of the necessity of preaching. What he wanted was substitute methods for bringing the gospel that could replace the sermon. He offered all kinds of ideas for alternate worship styles including opera, plays, and puppet shows. Years ago, when I was at college, a professor who knew my theater background offered me an independent study on worship. In this lesson we read how Paul’s desire was to preach the gospel to those who are in Rome. In the last lesson we learned how Paul, like all ministers, desired the strengthening of the faith of his readers.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |