Welcome to Hank’s Place —
I say, preach the good news. Not a preacher? Hey we ALL have been commissioned to preach the Good News of Jesus. Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15. And there’s no limit on how we preach. We don’t even have to use words.
Paul tells Timothy to “preach the word” – “preach the truth” – “preach sound doctrine.” By that he means proclaim Jesus, the Living Word, for it’s Jesus who gives meaning to the written word. When we “preach sound doctrine,” we are telling people about Jesus Christ – who He is, why He came, and what He reveals about the character of God. It’s really Good News.
Paul cautioned Timothy that many were preaching something other than the Good News of Jesus, and in 2 Timothy 4:2–4 he warned that in time people will not want “sound doctrine” but want their ears “tickled.”
Who are those wanting to have their ears tickled? They are those who have the natural man on the throne of their lives. The natural man has no real interest in the things of God. In 2 Timothy 3 Paul lists some characteristics of these last days people, which include being lovers of self and money, without self-control, brutal haters of good, loving pleasure rather than God, yet holding to a form of godliness but denying the power of God to change lives. Example? Consider the struggles within the Methodist denomination and others regarding homosexuality.
There’s more. Messages that declare we’ve not gotten a passing grade in Christianity yet, are not good enough yet, had better study more, repent more, give more, sacrifice more, serve more — are NOT the Good News. Nor are messages that call us to rely upon our own strength and understanding. Nor messages with principles for living – keys to success. That if we do the right things and makes the right decisions we’ll impress God and be blessed.
Sound doctrine includes the message of repentance. How does one preach this message? I suggest with gentleness. For Romans 2:4 says, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” God’s kindness leads a person to repentance. Not harsh accusation. As Dr Paul Ellis writes, repentance is responding positively to God’s kindness and grace. Our repentance does not move God to forgive us. Rather, our repentance is a response to the love and forgiveness He has already shown us through His Son.
I urge you my friend, tell others about Jesus. Share the kindness of God. His lovingkindness. I am confident you can preach this word concerning Jesus in season and out. Yes you CAN, and in doing so you will help many others — COME ALIVE!
NEW BLOG NOTIFICATION
Be notified when a new blog posts