PREACHING AND THE GREAT COMMISSION

When Jesus prepared to leave this world, He left the responsibility of continuing His work through the body of Christ—the church, (cf. Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Lk. 24:47-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8) .  It involves on one hand, evangelizing, as we are Gospel heralds calling sinners to salvation. Then, as people believe the Gospel and are saved we are to commanded to the task of “teaching them to observe ALL THINGS that I have commanded you,” (Matt. 28:20, emphasis added). 

While all believers are to participate in that mission, pastors are called to model it to the congregation.  For example, Timothy was charged, “Preach the word!” (2 Tim. 4:2), that is to declare “the whole counsel of God,” (Acts 20:27). It is to be done comprehensively.  “Be ready in season and out of season,” (2 Tim. 4:2), that is with consistency—wherever any occasion presents an opportunity, and if it does not, then create one!  Also, do it convincingly, “Convince,” (2 Tim. 4:2) using persuasion. Such preaching is done correctively, “rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching,” (2 Tim. 4:2)  Do it whether people want to hear it or not, and often they will not, (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4)! Yet, we are commanded, “But you be watchful in ALL THINGS, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” (2 Tim. 4:5, emphasis added).  Paul stresses that evangelism is crucial in Biblical preaching. 

Tim Patrick in his book, “The Whole Counsel of God,” makes this connection with evangelism and teaching:

We are comfortable knowing that what we tend to think of as preaching is not the only possible way of fulfilling what the New Testament calls for in evangelizing and teaching. Additionally, we think that extensive works of evangelism and Bible teaching could—and should—happen apart from the preacher’s weekly sermons. In fact, theoretically, we believe it could be possible for a church to be faithful to the Bible’s call to evangelize and preach without any pulpit ministry whatsoever. However, we also believe that preaching as we know it has become a great tradition of the church over the centuries precisely because it is an excellent means for both evangelism and teaching. (Location 604, Kindle edition). 

Here is a good diagram that Patrick offers:

 

THE MODEL CHURCH LEADER

In Jeff Iorg’s book, “The Case for Antioch: A Biblical Model for a Transformational Church,” he stresses the pattern of that New Testament church for leadership in chapter 8. I wholeheartedly agree. This is a message I have delivered again and again. Here is a summary of my thoughts. 

You will never find a growing, thriving church that does not have committed competent leadership. While good leaders cannot guarantee success, poor leaders guarantee failure. “Everything rises and falls on leadership,” is an expression I learned from John Maxwell. It is a sobering truth for every officer of the church, whether it be the pastor, a deacon, a teacher, a committee member or some other leader. As you search the pages of Scripture, you will discover that whenever God wanted to do a work, He called out a leader, whether it was Moses, Deborah, David, or Peter. We find the church at Antioch affords us a Biblical blueprint to follow in this area as well.   Antioch was a model missionary church. That church had model members and model leaders.

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Consider THE ROLE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. There will be edification, education, evangelism, and equipping. 

Good leaders edify. Barnabas was a prominent leader in the church at Antioch. He was sent to edify, that is, to build up the church. As we see him fulfilling that responsibility, edification was the result. We need leaders like that today.  Rather than building up the church, I have seen leaders who insist on tearing down the church. Many churches today are in absolute turmoil because of poor leadership. May we commit ourselves to building up our church family.  

Good leaders educate. Agabus was another man God used. Before the formation of the New Testament, God spoke by direct revelation through the prophets. They were the source of doctrine and educated the church in the truth. There are no prophets like this today. God has given us the complete revelation in the Word of God—all that we need for faith and practice. But the prophetic role is still needful today. We could compare this to teaching in the modern church. Baptists who boast of believing the Book, often don’t read the Book!  We may be a Biblically illiterate people. Entire denominations are dying because of their departure from the Bible and sound doctrine. Let us teach it!  Let us teach it in our homes to our family, let us teach it in our Sunday School classrooms and in our Discipleship groups.  God has promised His Word will not return void.  

Good leadership yields edification and education, but more, there will be evangelism. “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬-‭21‬).

The church at Antioch was founded by evangelists.  While it is true that every member is to be a witness, leaders must set the pace. Paul told the young pastor, Timothy, “do the work of an evangelist.” Philip was a deacon who was a model soul-winner, whether preaching to the masses in Samaria, or witnessing to a man in Gaza. Teachers have a great opportunity for evangelism. When was the last time you presented the Gospel in your classroom?  You might protest, “All my class members are saved.”  How do you know that?  Can you see in their heart?  I give an invitation at the end of my sermon because I dare not assume everyone is saved. Even if the whole class is saved—you should ask, “Where are the prospects? Are we not inviting unchurched people to Sunday School?”  Music can help promote evangelism.  The Gospel needs to be clearly expressed in our songs. We are not just after a beat to get people hyped up, but a message to get souls saved!

Good leaders will also engage in equipping. This is a primary duty of a pastor. He must not be the only “minister.” His ministry is to equip the saints for their ministry. He is like a player-coach. He is called upon to feed the flock, and shepherd the sheep. He was also known as an elder in the early church (Acts 11:29-30). We do not have time today to consider the whole topic of elders—but, suffice it to say, that these were what we would call pastors, and notice there are a plurality. We need plurality due to the enormous responsibility, and the needed accountability of those pastor/teachers in the church. Antioch did not have just one pastor, but multiple elders.

Not only do we see the role of good leadership, but THE RESULTS OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. The center of the Christian church would shift from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

They had growth, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord,” (v. 21). God’s intent is for His church to grow. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will BUILD my church…” Christ is the One who builds His church. That is not our responsibility. If I build it, it won’t amount to anything of eternal worth. But, good leaders point to people to the Biblical blueprint for the building of the church. Since Christ is the architect, the leaders are the on-site project managers. Jesus commanded, “Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my Father’s house may be full.” God wants His house full. There’s still room in most of our church buildings. We need a vision of what Christ wants us to do. It ought to break our heart when one service passes without someone being saved. It shouldn’t surprise us that someone would be saved today, but should surprise us if someone isn’t. 

Good leadership results in growth and in godliness, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” (v. 26b). They called them Christians because they saw Christ in them. The populace used the term as a slur, but the believers embraced it as an honor. Why did they call them “Christians”?  Because the name of Jesus dominated their conversations, directed their conduct, and was displayed in their character. It was all about Christ. As a leader, do others see Jesus in you? Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1).  As leaders, we should be so in step with Jesus, that when people follow us, they will be following after Christ. 

Good leadership results in growth, godliness, and in generosity.  We read in Act 11:28-30 concerning Antioch, “Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

These were generous people. This infant church at Antioch helped support the mother church. The leadership set the stewardship pattern. Stingy leaders will beget stingy church members.  As pastors and deacons in the church I led, we always believed we should set the example. We asked for and held accountable those who were in leadership to be faithful givers. So, in stewardship campaigns, or capital campaigns, we shared our commitment—not to boast of the amount, but to establish our commitment. Should I, as a leader, not practice what I preach?

How often we hear of some lost person who is hindered from coming to Christ because of the failure of some church leader. They look at a preacher, or a deacon, or a teacher and say, “If that’s what a Christian is, then I don’t want to be one.” As leaders, wherever we go in the community, we represent our Lord and this church. An inconsistent life, will repel people from coming here. Our leaders need to make a fresh commitment today.  All of us are leaders to someone—even if we do not hold an office. Leadership is influence. Every one of you has an influence on someone for good or bad.

THE SUCCESSFUL SOUL-WINNER

 

If we are faithful to share the Gospel, the Lord will make us fruitful in it. Here is the promise of Proverbs 11:30:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, 
And he who wins souls is wise.”

Every believer is commissioned to be a witness for Christ, (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). Pastors are to set the standard in that we are commanded to be soul-winners, as we “do the work of an evangelist,” (2 Tim. 4:5c). To neglect to do that is to fail to, “fulfill your ministry,” (2 Tim. 4:5d). 

1 Peter 3:15 tells us three characteristics of a successful soul-winner.

First, we need A SANCTIFIED DEVOTION, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.”  We have been set apart for God—to be used by Him. He has purchased us with the blood of Christ. We belong to Him and that gives Him the right to command our conduct. Thus, I am either soul-winning or I am sinning!  Our devotion to Him leads us to reach out to those made in His image. We love our Father and out of that we love our fellowmen who are created in His image. 

Second, we need A SWIFT DECLARATION, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”  We are to always be ready—praying for and searching for opportunity to share the life-changing power of the Gospel. We are to demonstrate that transformative dynamic every day. People must see the difference in us, if we are to be used to make a difference in them. I must exude hope, so that they express questions to me concerning that hope—and wonder how they may have it. 

We live in a world desperate for hope. People are looking for it and failing to find it in what the world offers. They should see it in us. The Spirit of God will open doors, if we are looking for them. Then, we are ready with a Gospel defense. The Greek word for “defense” is apologia, from which we get our term “apologetics,” meaning a reasoned explanation of the Gospel. People are looking for answers and we are to have them on the ready.

Third, we need A SUBMISSIVE DISPOSITION, “with meekness and fear.”  We are not to come across as arrogant. We have answers, but are not to be “a know-it-all.”  Only God is the “know-it-all,” in being “omniscient,” as theologians refer to this Divine attribute. Humility makes us a channel through which God’s grace can flow into and out of to others. “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble,’”(James‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬‬). Only the amazing grace of God can save sinners like we are and is required for us to lead other wretches like us to Christ. It has been well-said that evangelism is “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Our disposition is one of submission to God, “fear,” and respect for others, “meekness,” as we are in reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit to make us successful soul-winners.

THE PASTOR’S APPOINTED AUDIENCE

 

A pastor is a man appointed by God. It is not a vocational choice, but a Divine call. He does not seek the position, but is selected for it. This call is affirmed by the church and confirmed by his works.  He is appointed to a threefold audience, as Paul described himself in 2 Timothy 1:11.

There is PUBLIC EXHORTATION as “a preacher.”  The Greek word is used of a herald. The herald went before the king and summoned those in the city to prepare to meet their sovereign. The pastor lifts his voice and passionately proclaims the coming of the King of kings!  He summons them to readiness to receive Him. The message is not the herald’s, but one appointed for him. The audienc is not of his choosing, but of the King’s sending. Thus, we have the anointed Word of God, and are sent to the appointed people of God to preach in light of eternity. We will give account for our faithfulness to the assignment and our congregation to their faithfulness in responding to the truth.

We are also called to PERVASIVE EVANGELIZATION as “an apostle.”  In the strictest sense of the word, there are no apostles like those of the first century. The Twelve were the pillars of the church erected on the foundation of Christ, the Rock of Ages. Beware any man that claims apostolic authority today. Demand that he meets the criteria of having been with Jesus, heard Him teach, and seen Jesus alive from the dead, (Acts 1:21-26).  Paul was an apostle in a special sense having been personally called, instructed by Christ, having heard Him and seen Him as the glorified, risen and ascended Savior. When these men died, there is no indication that others replaced them. They were unique in church history.

Yet, it is also apparent that that there were others whom I would call, “apostolic men.”  I think of Barnabas, Silas, Luke, Mark, Timothy, and Titus for example. The term literally means, “sent on a mission.” In that way, the pastor is an apostle for he has been sent on a mission. It is a global mission—the Great Commission of Matt. 28:16-20. Our appointed audience is those who are lost—wherever we find them. Paul told Timothy and all who are called to be pastors to “do the work of an evangelist,” (2 Tim. 4:5). 

Further, the pastor is called to do PERSONAL EDUCATION as “a teacher.”  Recall that while Jesus preached to the masses publicly, he was a teacher of the twelve personally—especially concentrating on the core of Peter, James, and John. Once we win people to Christ and they are born again, they need to grow up in Christ. This is often done in small groups—a more personal educational process.  One of the vital ways is mentoring men in leadership. By this our voice and ministry extends beyond our lifetime. As we reproduce biologically, so we ought to do spiritually—pastors producing more pastors.  

Thus, we preach to the congregation as we root them in the fertile soil of truth, are sent to the crowds as we scatter the Gospel seed far and wide, and teach the core in order to cultivate them to fruitfulness, whereby they may reproduce future harvests.

HEADING FOR HOME

The old saying goes, “There’s no place like home!”  There is a restlessness—a longing—in every child of God for home. When I have been away on mission trips or revival services, those have been a blessing, but it is always good to get home. This world is not our home. Our home is heaven, and we long for it. We want to see our Father’s face. That is the thrust of 2 Corinthians 5. The Apostle speaks of “a building,” “a house,” “our habitation.”  Paul reminds us that wherever we are and whatever stage of our pilgrimage, we are heading for home.  

This SUSTAINS A GOOD CONFIDENCE, (v.1-10). Twice, the Apostle mentions we are, “confident,” (v.6, 8 ).  

This is our guarantee, (v.1-5).  “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee,” (v.5). The hope of heaven is not just a possibility—it is a certainty!  God’s eternal Spirit indwelling us gives us the assurance, as the downpayment on our new home in heaven. 

How we long for home!  In this body we “groan,” as Paul twice underscores (v.2, 4). Yet, we know someday the groans will yield to glory!  This old house I live in now is in a state of decay. The fabric of this tent is wearing out. It will soon be unfit for habitation. So, God is preparing a new home for my soul. There we will be forever freed of life’s burdens!

This is our goal, (v.6-10), “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him,” (v.9). Each day on earth—no matter the temptations and trials—we can face the future with courage for we know that God is at work behind the scenes, guiding us through this world and preparing a place for us in the next. With this knowledge, we have the goal of pleasing Him, knowing that we are answerable to Him. The judgment seat of Christ awaits, where we will  gain reward or lose it, as our works are tested by fire as to the enduring quality of “gold, silver, precious stones,” or “wood, hay, straw,” (cf. 1 Cor.3:10-15). It is not a matter of whether we will get in to  heaven, but the degree of reward awaiting. Preacher, we do have a measure of responsibility to people, but ultimately our accountability is to God. Our goal is not to please a board, but the Lord!

Knowing that we are heading for home not only sustains a good confidence, but SUPPLIES A GREAT COMMISSION, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (v.18-20). 

This speaks of our motivation, (v.11-15). “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men,” (v.11a). This is our sacred why.  Because hell is hot and heaven is sweet, we recognize our accountability to share the Gospel. Love for our Lord and those who are lost compel us. We are not our own. We belong to Jesus. He has given us a mission. 

This points to our ministry, (v.16-20). “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,” (v.18). This is our sacred what. Though Jesus was fully God, He became fully man—now raised and ascended as forever glorified humanity. This means that in Him, we are not what we once were, and are forever changed. God has made us a new creation in Christ. As the Risen Lord was the same Jesus, yet different in His resurrection body, we are still the same person, but made new in regeneration—and more changes to come!  Because of what Christ has done, we who were sinners are now sons, reconciled to Holy God. He has appointed us His ambassadors. We are in a foreign land, representing our King. He wants peace with the citizens of this world. It is our task to extend the offer. While it is certainly true that each child of God is to share the Gospel, preachers must set the pattern. 

This presents us our message, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (v.21). This is our sacred word.  It may well be that this verse encapsulates the Gospel as well as any single text of Scripture. We have Christ’s incarnation, “He made him;” His qualification, “who knew no sin,” Christ’s substitution, “to be sin for us;” His justification, “that we might become the righteousness of God;” and His imputation, “in Him.” This is “the word of reconciliation,” (v.19b).  Man of God, wherever you begin your sermon make sure you end it at the cross!

AN EVANGELISTIC CHURCH

“Great things are done by the Holy Spirit when a whole church is aroused to sacred energy: then there are hundreds of testimonies instead of one, and these strengthen each other; then advocates for Christ succeed each other and work into each other's hands, while supplication ascends to heaven with the force of united importunity; thus sinners are encompassed with a cordon of earnest entreaties, and heaven itself is called into the field. It would seem hard in some congregations for a sinner to be saved, for whatever good he may receive from the pulpit its frozen out of him by the arctic atmosphere with which he is surrounded: and on the other hand some churches make it hard for men to remain unconverted, for with holy zeal they persecute the careless into anxiety. It should be our ambition, in the power of the Holy Ghost, to work the entire church into a fine missionary condition, to make it like a Leyden jar charged to the full with divine electricity, so that whatever comes into contact with it shall feel its power. What can one man do alone? What can he not do with an army of enthusiasts around him? Contemplate at the outset the possibility of having a church of soul-winners. Do not succumb to the usual idea that we can only gather a few useful workers, and that the rest of the community must inevitably be a dead weight: it may possibly so happen, but do not set out with that notion or it will be verified. The usual need not be the universal; better things are possible than anything yet attained; set your aim high and spare no effort to reach it.. Labor to gather a church alive for Jesus, every member energetic to the full, and the whole in incessant activity for the salvation of men. To this end there must be the best of preaching to feed the host into strength, continual prayer to bring down the power from on high, and the most heroic example on your own part to fire their zeal: then under the divine blessing a common-sense management of the entire force cannot fail to produce the most desirable issues. Who among you can grasp this idea and embody it in actual fact?” (Lectures to My Students, Charles Spurgeon, pp. 346-347, Kindle Version).

THE SUCCESSFUL SERVANT

 

The story of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24 illustrates successful service for the Lord. Eliezer was sent to seek a spouse for the son, Isaac. Similarly, as servants of God, we are sent to seek those who will become the Bride of the Son, Jesus Christ. 

We begin with THE PLEDGE OF A WORKER, (v. 1-9). God—in His supremacy—did not need us, yet in His sovereignty has chosen us. He calls laborers to work in His field. He calls men to commitment. He is still calling today; but are we listening? I remember when I surrendered to Jesus to preach the Gospel in 1976. My pledge was that with the help of God: “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere—I am ready.”

Then, we hear THE PRAYER OF THE WORKER, (v. 10-14).  The availability came from the servant, but the ability came from the Lord. This man understood the need for God’s intervention, if his work was to be successful. So he prayed. We will never see fruitfulness in our labors apart from faithfulness in our prayers. 

Further, We see THE PREPARATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 15-28).  God was already at work—even before the servant concluded his prayer!  Our intercession does not change the will of God, but includes us in the accomplishing of it. The woman was a beautiful virgin with the humble heart of a servant. This is the Bride that God the Father has prepared for His Son. Paul wrote: “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish,” (Eph. 5‬:‭26‬-‭27‬‬). 

There is THE PROVISION FOR THE WORKER, (v. 29-33a). Provisions were prepared for the servant. When we take the step of faith to pursue God’s will, He has promised He will supply our needs. I have never lacked anything that I truly needed during a half century of Gospel ministry. The Lord told His disciples, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food,” (Matt.10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬). Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides!

Also, note THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WITNESS, (v. 33b-49). Abraham’s servant had something to say—and it was urgent—so much so that he would not even eat until he shared it. He relates the story of his search for a bride for his master’s son, and how the Lord had providentially led him there. He delivers the word and calls for decision. Our task is to proclaim the Word; those who hear are accountable for their response to it. 

Next, observe THE PROSPERITY IN THE WORK, (v. 50-60). God blesses these words and the servant prospers in his work. He sought a bride and a bride was found!  God might have sent a heavenly angel to visit Rebekah with a vision, but instead selected a human messenger to make the appeal. This is how God typically prepares a Bride for His Son. The Father seeks a man and sends a man, supplying the man with the means for mission. When it seems the Word is falling on deaf ears, be encouraged and rejoice in the promise of God, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55‬:‭11‬‬). 

We conclude with THE PRESENTATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 61-67).  What a sight the son beheld when his bride was presented to him by the servant!  She is chaste and pure—“prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Rev. 21:2).   What a glorious day that will be—and to know that God used humble servants like us to bring the bride home!

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” ‘ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Rev. ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬‬).

A BURDEN FOR SOULS

Spurgeon was a passionate preacher and a zealous soul-winner.  But, all God’s men should be.  What is it that fueled such a fire in Spurgeon’s heart—and might it not also do so for me and for you?  Here are his words:

Death-beds are grand schools for us. They are intended to act as tonics to brace us to our work. I have come down from the bed-chambers of the dying, and thought that everybody was mad, and myself most of all. I have grudged the earnestness which men devoted to earthly things, and half said to myself,–Why was that man driving along so hastily? Why was that woman walking out in such finery? Since they were all to die so soon, I thought nothing worth their doing but preparing to meet their God. To be often where men die will help us to teach them both to die and to live.  

M'Cheyne was wont to visit his sick or dying hearers on the Saturday afternoon, for, as he told Dr. James Hamilton, "Before preaching he liked to look over the verge."  

I pray you, moreover, measure your work in the light of God. Are you God's servant or not? If you are, how can your heart be cold? Are you sent by a dying Savior to proclaim his love and win the reward of his wounds, or are you not? If you are, how can you flag? Is the Spirit of God upon you? Has the Lord anointed you to preach glad tidings to the poor? If he has not, do not pretend to it. If he has, go in this thy might, and the Lord shall be thy strength. Yours is not a trade, or a profession. Assuredly if you measure it by the tradesman's measure it is the poorest business on the face of the earth. Consider it as a profession: who would not prefer any other, so far as golden gains or worldly honors are concerned? But if it be a divine calling, and you a miracle-worker, dwelling in the supernatural, and working not for time but for eternity, then you belong to a nobler guild, and to a higher fraternity than any that spring of earth and deal with time.  

Look at it aright, and you will own that it is a grand thing to be as poor as your Lord, if, like him, you may make many rich; you will feel that it is a glorious thing to be as unknown and despised as were your Lord's first followers, because you are making him known, whom to know is life eternal. You will be satisfied to be anything or to be nothing, and the thought of self will not enter your mind, or only cross it to be scouted as a meanness not to be tolerated by a consecrated man. There is the point.  

Measure your work as it should be measured, and I am not afraid that your earnestness will be diminished. Gaze upon it by the light of the judgment day, and in view of the eternal rewards of faithfulness. Oh, brethren, the present joy of having saved a soul is overwhelmingly delightful; you have felt it, I trust, and know it now. To save a soul from going down to perdition brings to us a little heaven below, but what must it be at the day of judgment to meet spirits redeemed by Christ, who learned the news of their redemption from our lips! We look forward to a blissful heaven in communion with our Master, but we shall also know the added joy of meeting those loved ones whom we led to Jesus by our ministry. Let us endure every cross, and despise all shame, for the joy which Jesus sets before us of winning men for him.  

One more thought may help to keep up our earnestness. Consider the great evil which will certainly come upon us and upon our hearers if we be negligent in our work. "They shall perish"–is not that a dreadful sentence? It is to me quite as awful as that which follows it,–"but their blood will I require at the watchman's hand." How shall we describe the doom of an unfaithful minister? And every unearnest minister is unfaithful.  

I would infinitely prefer to be consigned to Tophet as a murderer of men's bodies than as a destroyer of men's souls; neither do I know of any condition in which a man can perish so fatally, so infinitely, as in that of the man who preaches a gospel which he does not believe, and assumes the office of pastor over a people whose good he does not intensely desire. Let us pray to be found faithful always, and ever. God grant that the Holy Spirit may make and keep us so. (Lectures to My Students, pp. 319-320, Kindle Version)

That is my sincere prayer for myself and those preachers who read these words. Let us get alone with God and not come out until the fire of God for the perishing burns with holy zeal in our soul!  When we stand to preach, the people will know, and they will come to watch us burn.  

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Paul was a preacher. His priority in preaching was the cross, for it was and is the power of salvation to all who are saved. 

Consider, THE FOCUS OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”. He was not making baptism meaningless by his comments, but instead was maximizing the cross. The symbol of salvation is significant, but the source of salvation is supreme. Apart from salvation, the sign in baptism—like any other religious exercise—is useless. The cross is everything. 

Once we come to the cross, we will confess its power that has delivered us by “dying” to the old life of sin, “burying” it beneath the water, and “rising” to the new life in Christ. Apart from the cross, baptism is worthless. It is worse than that, it would be a hindrance to genuine salvation, as we depend on our works rather than the finished work of Christ on Calvary.  

Political parties based on the preacher who had baptized them had risen in Corinth—threatening the unity of the church, (cf. v. 10-16). Paul wanted to bring that to a screeching halt, and did so by this focus on the cross. By the way, those who wish to make baptism an essential part of salvation, need to read and re-read this. The Apostle would never make such a blunt statement about baptism, if it were necessary to save someone.

Then, weigh THE FOLLY OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…”. Gospel preaching is not dependent on oratorical eloquence and human genius. Indeed, Paul was concerned that such would only subvert the message. It might change the focus from the Savior to the preacher. 

I heard of a drunk who bumped into the evangelist, D. L. Moody, and slurred, “Don’t you know me? I am one of your converts.” Moody responded, “Well, my son, you look like one of mine—you’re surely not one of the Lord’s.”  The truth is that if I can talk someone into “converting,” someone else can talk them out. 

We dare not change the message to make it more culturally acceptable. The Gospel is folly to those who reject it. Think of it: 2000 years ago, an impoverished Jew, hanging naked on an instrument of torture, being the means by which we can be forgiven of sin and enter heaven!  It is not that the message is irrational, but transcends human reason.  It is all of grace and for Gods glory. 

This, however, is THE FORCE OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  Again, as Paul was not making the symbol of baptism trivial, neither was he saying our manner of preaching insignificant.  But, he elevates the message over all else. For the cross of Christ alone is the power of God for salvation—period, exclamation point, forever and ever, Amen!  It is not human profundity, but heavenly power that raises one dead in sin to eternal life. It is not religious ritual, but Gospel force that regenerates a sinner, transforming them into a saint. 

We must preach the Gospel—and never move beyond it. You do not graduate to something else!  Now, other doctrines connect to it; other texts support it; there are many implications from it. But, as Spurgeon said, “I have never yet found a text that had not got a road to Christ in it.”  

You see, it is not the piece of wood that saves us, but the Person on the cross that redeems. Paul would put it this way in 2 Corinthians, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” (5‬:‭21‬‬).

Man of God—preach Christ crucified! That is our mandate. 

HOW MANY FISH DID YOU CATCH?

I must confess straightway that I am not much of a fisherman. I don’t have the patience for it. If I cannot reel in one after another, I get no joy from it. That is not a knock on fishing. It is just the way I am wired.

Those of you who are fishermen are reading this and shaking your head. You love to fish. Had you been there when Peter said, “I am going fishing,” you would have responded as the other disciples and said, “We are going with you also.”

There is nothing wrong with fishing. Yet, I wonder in this instance, if the disciples had misplaced priorities. 

Think of their AUDACITY.  The disciples had been commanded by the Lord to fish—for men. Again, fishing as an industry is commendable and fishing as a hobby may be enjoyable. Yet, think of the timing of this. Jesus had only days ago been crucified. Not long before, His lifeless corpse had risen from the tomb!  The disciples had the most exciting news for sinners that could possibly be told, yet what were their priorities?  Fishing for men?  No—they had the audacity just to fish. 

Please do not miss what I am saying. Gospel workers cannot be on the job 24/7. We all need a break. God ordained one day out of seven as a needful Sabbath. Yet, if we are not cautious, we may fritter away the hours and waste opportunities on the trivial. 

How many men and women did you catch last week for Christ?  Jesus asked them if they had caught anything. If I took no time to share the Gospel last week, it is no wonder I have not caught any souls!

But, listen to Christ’s AUTHORITY. These men knew about fishing. They had failed, however. Then, the Risen Lord told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. 

What difference would that make? 

To their credit, they obeyed His authority and what a catch!  Peter immediately recognized the One speaking to them—“It is the Lord!” Ever impulsive, he dove in and swam to shore to bow before Christ. 

If we are not being productive in ministry, maybe we are not surrendered to Christ’s authority. We call Him Lord and fail to do what He says. Our time, talent, and treasure have been given to us by God. All we have and all we are belongs to Him. He has the final word. We are simply stewards. The question is, “Am I a faithful steward?”  We exhort the people to be, yet are we exemplifying the pattern for them?

The Lord can bless us ABUNDANTLY. They caught so many fish, they could not haul in the net. They had to drag it along as they struggled to row back to shore. 153 fish were in the net and thankfully the net did not break.

There will be times when we labor in fishing for souls and catch nothing. We must surrender to Christ’s sovereignty. We can cast the net, but only God can save a soul. 

Yet, if we cast the Gospel net faithfully, in His time Christ will enable us to labor fruitfully. Changing the analogy, we can claim this promise: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  (Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬‬)

There will be a harvest from our labor—a catch from our fishing—if we persevere. 

So, preacher, perhaps you have labored all week and are worn out. Today, you need a break. You might go fishing or golfing. I am not going to criticize you. Your church members do enough of that. 

All I am challenging us to consider is, “Am I being faithful and trusting God to make me fruitful?”  It is the Lord who gives that ability. What He wants from me is my availability.

Ponder the words of the old Gospel song,

Must I go, and empty handed, 
Thus my dear Redemer meet! 
Not one day of service give Him, 
Lay no trophy at His feet?

O the years in sinnng wasted, 
Could I but recall them now, 
I would give them to my Savior, 
To His will I’d gladly bow.

O ye saints, arouse, be earnest, 
Up and work while yet ’tis day; 
Ere the night of death o’ertake thee, 
Strive for souls while still you may.

Must I go, and empty handed? 
Must I meet my Savior so? 
Not one soul with which to greet Him; 

Must I empty handed go?

THE MAGNETISM OF THE MESSAGE

 

In many circles today, there is a call to focus on edifying the saints in the sermons preached on the Lord’s Day.  The thought is that if God’s people are growing, they will “go and tell,” in reaching their neighbors with the Gospel. There is no doubt that our messages are to motivate Christians to mature and carry the message of Christ to those God brings across their path. 

Yet, we dare not neglect preaching to evangelize the sinners who may be among us. Paul acknowledged in the Corinthian church that what was communicated in worship needed to be clear to those who were among them in need of regeneration, (cf. 1 Cor. 14:23-25). 

Some of our reaction against evangelistic preaching in the worship service is likely due to an overreaction to extremes in the “attractional” model of worship. In the attractional church, the likely sincere effort to reach lost souls and attract them to Christ has sometimes resulted in diluting of sound doctrine. A desire to connect with the uniformed and unbelieving makes it tempting to take the edge off truths that might offend sinners. Such churches have tended to avoid speaking about these uncomfortable texts at best or abandoning such truths at worst. 

I want to caution of letting the pendulum swing too far the other direction. Paul commanded Timothy to, “do the work of an evangelist,” (2 Tim. 4:5). While this should move the preacher out of the church building and into the harvest field, the command is set in the context of our preaching ministry. “Go and tell,” is commanded, but Scripture also beckons, “Come and see,” (Jn. 1:35-39). 

Some also decry a Gospel invitation at the end of the sermon, where people are called to respond publicly to the message. I do not want to be uncharitable, so it is important to note that solid preachers do extend a call to commitment, even if the form in which it is presented is not that which became common to evangelicalism. If you do not call people to commitment and preach the Gospel, then there needs to be some soul-searching as to the purpose of your preaching.

Again, I think this has risen from a rightful concern about “easy-believism” and emotional manipulation that has brought too many of the unconverted into the church membership. They went into the baptistery as dry sinners and came out wet ones—but still sinners!

But, while we are on the subject of water, let us not “throw out the baby with the bath water,” as the old saying goes. An evangelistic sermon with an evangelical invitation can still be effective. Just consider the Jesus model. He attracted sinners to Himself. They heard Him eagerly.  While the religious crowd was scandalized, the sinful were magnetized. 

The reality is that Jesus still draws a crowd. Sinners will be attracted by the work of the Holy Spirit through the power of the Gospel. Sinners should be invited to salvation as we go to them, but in going to them we should also invite them to come hear the Gospel message. Where the Body of Christ manifests His love and grace, sinners will be drawn.  Also, there ought to be children growing up under sound Gospel preaching that will respond to the Gospel. Likewise, the Spirit will open the eyes of unconverted church members who are yet unregenerate. 

Throughout the Scripture, multiple witnesses were required to confirm the testimony given, (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19; 2 Tim. 2:2). So, it might look like this: a man and his wife share the Gospel with their neighbor. They invite them to the worship service and hear the Gospel in music and message. As the preacher speaks the Word, they hear the, “Amen’s” from the congregation. The confirmation of the message convicts them and they respond to the Gospel invitation. At that point, the process of discipleship has only begun—but, at least, it has begun. Sadly, some will make a start who do not finish, but no one will finish who does not make a start!

Church members need to hear the Gospel with regularity and fervency also. Those who are saved dare not forget what it was like to be lost. The cross is central in our preaching, even if we think we are “preaching to the choir.”  If that were not so, then why did Jesus command the consistent observance of the Lord’s Supper?

The old Gospel song put it:

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then,
show me where you brought me from
and where I could have been,
oh remember I'm human and humans forget,
so remind me remind me dear lord.

Invite sinners to Christ. Preach Jesus. There is magnetism in that message. Call men and women to repentance with urgency!  

Stephen Olford wrote this:

“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.” – Luke 15:1 

What a grand fact! It is interesting to note how the ministry of the Lord primarily attracted the publicans and sinners. It is recorded: “The common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:37). He said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matt. 9:13). “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Paul testifies: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief ” (1 Tim. 1:15). In the light of these few verses, it is obvious that the Lord's ministry not only attracted sinners but also was primarily for them. How important to have His message and mission today!

O, that Your ministry, Lord, through mewould draw the publicans and sinners to Yourself.  (According to Your Word, p. 58, Kindle version)

GOING DEEP

 

Too often we are content to splash around in the shallows. Stephen Olford reminds us in these devotional thoughts to go deeper. How much productivity have we missed in ministry because we did not launch out by faith according to the Word of the Lord?

If you recall the story, the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing. Then Jesus commanded them to get back in the boat and go back in the water—but to go deeper this time. Simon protested initially. Perhaps he thought, “We are worn out. We have been at this all night with nothing to show for it. We just got our nets clean. I mean, we are experts at this as fishermen by trade—and You are carpenter!”  

Have we studied methodology, immersed ourselves in demographics, and made excuses for the lack of response  by pointing to the difficulties modern culture presents?  There is help that may be found and truth to acknowledge in those areas, but supremely our call is to say, “Master we have toiled…and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net,” (Lk. 5:5). 

When I get to heaven someday will the Lord show me what might have been had I only trusted in Him?

To their credit, the disciples did as Jesus said—and that faith enabled them to catch so many fish, the weight of them nearly sunk the boats!  Peter recognized the sinfulness of his unbelief and the power of Christ, falling at the Lord’s feet in repentance. The Lord let them know that this wasn’t really about catching fish, but would illustrate His call for them to catch men!

These simple fishermen in faith and obedience to the Lord changed the course of history and impacted eternity. It is said, “they forsook all and followed Him,” (Lk. 5:11b). God desires to do a deeper work in us and through us. Let us trust Him!

THE CONGREGATION OF THE COMMON

 

There were a relative handful of those who held the reins of power and abundance of possessions who followed Jesus. One thinks of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and a few women of Herod’s household. Matthew and Zaccheus had been wealthy, but surrendered their status and substance to follow Jesus. There was an occasional ruler of a synagogue and Roman centurion, but that is about it.

The vast majority of those who received Christ’s words were common people. The peasant Prophet had a receptive audience in the poor, needy, outcasts, and such. Jesus had a message of hope to those who were the dregs in the bottom of society’s cup. The common people not only heard Him, but “heard Him gladly”!

One is reminded of Paul’s words:

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”  (I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭29‬‬)

There is an uncommonly great message for the common people.  

Notice it does not say “not ANY wise…not ANY mighty, not ANY noble,” but “not many,” so we need not abandon all hope of reaching those who are scholars, successful business leaders, and in positions of power. Yet, only a handful of the “upper crust,” will respond to the Gospel. It is a sad reality.

Yet, the preacher need not despair, for he will often have a listening ear among those who are struggling to survive from day to day. In almost a half century of preaching the Gospel my experience attests to this. I have embraced it and seen people lifted from the depths of depravity and despair to the glory of being children of God!

So, stop complaining if this is the makeup of your congregation. Jesus was not “too good” to preach to such a flock, though He was the King of Glory, and only perfect Man. I can be like Jesus in serving the congregation of the common. May I be found preaching in the nursing home, the prison, the homeless shelter, and in the little brown church in the wildwood.  I do not have to speak from an elevated pulpit in a massive cathedral or on a spot-lit stage in a high-tech mega church facility.  If God calls me to such, then it is grace, but wherever—it is for His glory.

Matthew West put it this way in song lyrics:

Why You ever chose me
Has always been a mystery
All my life I've been told I belong at the end of the line
With all the other Not-Quites
With all the Never-Get-It-Rights
But it turns out they're the ones You've been looking for all this time

'Cause I'm just a nobody
Trying to tell everybody
All about Somebody who saved my soul
Ever since You rescued me
You gave my heart a song to sing
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus

Moses had stage fright
And David brought a rock to a sword fight
You picked 12 outsiders nobody would've chosen
And You changed the world
Well, the moral of the story is
Everybody's got a purpose
So when I hear that devil start talking to me, saying
"Who do you think you are"
I say...

I'm just a nobody
Trying to tell everybody
All about Somebody who saved my soul
Ever since You rescued me
You gave my heart a song to sing
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus

To this I say, “Soli Deo gloria!”

CALL FOR COMMITMENT

 

Jesus sets before His audience a call for commitment. He is moving to the conclusion of His sermon, and had laid out the terms for His kingdom followers. Now, He brings the people to this choice: there are two gates—one broad and the other narrow; two roads—one broad and the other narrow; two groups—the many and the few; two destinations—destruction or life. There is no middle ground—no third option. Everyone reading these words has made a choice.

The thing about this choice, is to be in one classification, you need do nothing except choose to remain where you are. We are all born with a depraved nature.  When we reach an age of moral responsibility, we choose to remain as we are with the crowd we belong to and bound for hell.

The preacher must do as Jesus did. He must call on people to repent. It is a call to commitment. He is to present the Gospel in such a way as to shine the light on that narrow gate. In fact, it is a singular way—a Person, Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” (John 14:6).  The Path is a Person.  It is a call to follow Jesus, and that is the Calvary Road.

That is the invitation the preacher must give—to come and die. It is Christ’s appeal, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” (Matt.16:24). Few are wanting such a life, and yet the most important thing about a road is not how many have chosen it, the ease of access, and smoothness of travel, but the destination. The way to hell has a wide access ramp, it is well marked, it is the popular way, and easy—just shift into neutral for it is all downhill. But the end of the road is a fatal, fiery crash.

The good news the preacher presents is there is another road. It is narrow and uphill all the way. Not many are on it. Yet, it ends on the mountaintop of glory!  Man of God, summon people to Christ. Give the Gospel invitation. Do not be discouraged when few respond. It is not your task to try to make the invitation easy—to broaden the appeal—to gain decisions rather than disciples. Getting someone to walk down an aisle and sign a membership card is not the same as getting them to walk to the cross and sign their life over to Jesus. Yet, because some have resorted to emotional manipulation does not mean we abandon the invitation. Just make it plain as Jesus did. You are calling them to come and die, but it is dying that we gain eternal life.

THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED

 

Matthew 5-7 contains the greatest sermon ever preached. It was preached by the greatest Preacher, the Lord Jesus, and is called the Sermon on the Mount. While we may never be elevated to the status of a great preacher, we can strive for great content—and know that the Spirit of Christ indwells the servant of Christ who has given is this subject matter. Let’s learn from Him, though we will certainly fall short of the standard the Perfect Preacher set.

He CARED FOR THE MULTITUDES, “seeing the multitides.” His message was evangelistic. Jesus never neglected the masses of humanity. They were lost in sin, and He would call them to repentance and faith. His compassion for sinners was communicated with an invitation to enter the Kingdom of God. Every preacher should have a heart to evangelize the sinner and proclaim the Gospel in each sermon.

Jesus COMMUNICATED WITH GREAT CLARITY. “He went up on a mountain.”  Whether using a mountain for a pulpit or sitting in a boat where He employed the acoustics of the lake to carry His voice—the content needed to be communicated with clarity. What He said needed to be heard and so Jesus would employ the laws of nature to amplify His voice to speak the laws of the Kingdom of heaven.  Preacher, pronounce your words and proclaim the truth with clarity. Don’t let how you say it obscure what needs to be heard.

Jesus CONCENTRATED ON HIS DISCIPLES, “His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them…”.   As previously noted, Jesus cared for the sheep wandering on the mountain, who needed to be summoned into the fold with a Gospel clarion call. Yet, He had a special concentration on the men who would be trained to be shepherds and extend His ministry after His departure back to glory. The preacher must also be a teacher. Edifying disciples must be the concentration of our communication. The Great Commission goes beyond the need to reach the world, to then teach the Word.

In these ways, we can be like the greatest Preacher who proclaimed the greatest sermon ever!

OFFERING HOPE TO THE HELL-BOUND

 

Paul told the young pastor, Timothy, “do the work of an evangelist,” (2 Timothy 4:5). The gift to the church of the pastor-teacher is not the same as the gift of the evangelist (cf. Eph.4:11). Seeking the lost may not come as freely to the pastor as shepherding the flock, and the effort in evangelism may not be as fruitful as those gifted in it, but this does not absolve us from trying.  The truth is that if the pastor-teacher does not stir a passion for evangelism by his model and equip the saints in his teaching, then few souls will be reached by the local church. God has put us here to offer hope to the hell-bound.

Consider the GRAVITY OF OUR EVANGELISM,  “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire,” (Rev.20:15).  What a dreadful day for the damned!  Hell is a reality, and those who do not receive Christ as Savior are doomed to spend eternity in the flames!  May they have to climb over us to get there!  This is an awful future, and yet an avoidable fate.  Our witness may be the only impediment to their everlasting suffering!

So, there is the URGENCY OF EVANGELISM. John records, “And the dead were judged,” (Rev.20:12c). Scripture is clear, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Heb.9:27). We do not know when that appointment is set for an individual, we only know that it is a certainty. What if it is today for someone we know or meet along the way?  God puts people in our path that we might warn them of the judgment to come and offer them hope in Jesus Christ, “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,” (Heb.9:28a).

I am ashamed at opportunities I have missed. I am alarmed at the prospect of souls I have not warned—of those hell-bound who were not told of the hope in Christ!  All I may do is grieve those missed opportunities and resolve by God’s grace to be a better watchman (cf. Ezek.3:16-19).  I am sick to my soul that as I type these words there is blood on my hands—stained from the sinners I failed to warn. May God have mercy on them, and send someone to share before it is too late, and have mercy on me for shirking soul-winning!

DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST!

THEY DID NOT REPENT

 

Surely these are some of the most horrible words we find in Scripture. To think that so many would experience such pain—judgment due to their sin—and yet refuse to repent, chills us to the bone.

How often we may have shared the Gospel as plainly and powerfully as God’s Spirit enables us, yet sinners have resisted the message and turned away. In that turning, judicial hardening comes. The stab of the Spirit’s sword in the conscience, oft resisted, tends to callous the soul and such sharp conviction is not felt in the same manner—perhaps ever again.

The preacher may feel a failure at such point. His yearning is for sinners to repent. While it may be true that a preacher does not always bring his “A” game to the pulpit, the Gospel never fails. It is the sinner who fails—they hear, but do not repent.

Let us pray for the Spirit’s conviction to painfully prick hearts. Let us preach with passion and plead for souls to surrender to Christ. Let us present Jesus as clearly and convincingly as we may, yet know that many will reject the message, harden their hearts, and go to a place where there is weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

MAINTAINING THE MISSION

 

God has given His church one mission—what we call “The Great Commission.”  Part of our duty as leaders in the church is to keep the focus and fuel the fire in the local church for world evangelization.  It is easy to be diverted into many good things, and miss the great task. 

Jesus said that before His return to earth to reign, all nations would hear the Gospel (cf. Matt.24:14). In this passage, we see the fulfillment of the promise.  With or without us, the Good News will be proclaimed, but woe to the pastor and the church who fails in commitment to this assignment!  

A church with no passion for evangelism and missions will be a church that declines and dies. The lights will be turned out and the doors locked for a final time—picturing the spiritual reality that happened long before.  Such a church closed its doors to bringing in the lost. The members did not go into the highways and hedges, inviting people to the Bible banquet (cf. Lk.14:15-24). The house of God became empty, when He desired it full!  The call came ringing over the restless waves, “Send the Light!  The Blessed Gospel Light!”  The church folk were too busy arguing about trivial matters, instead of proclaiming Jesus. The light was turned out in that church.

Preacher, you cannot do all the evangelism needed in your community, but you can be a model. Our Gospel-driven lifestyle can inspire others. In our preaching, we must continually exhort the people to obedience. You can equip them by training them and taking them with you in soul-winning. Do not allow the Great Commission to become the grave omission!

OPPORTUNITY FOR GOSPEL MINISTRY

The church at Philadelphia was a church with an open door. Every church needs to be!  By that, it is not meant that the door is open to invite people in, but to send people out. Inviting people to attend an evangelistic, Biblically grounded fellowship is a good thing. Yet, this is not what is meant. Rather, God had given the Philadelphian saints opportunity for Gospel ministry. They were sharing their faith and people were being reached. Now it seems that most churches do not go and tell or even invite people to come and see.

Pastors are not to blame—exclusively. This is not meant to make church leadership feel guilty—unless we are!  In these seven letters where Christ shows His vital interest in the affairs of the local church, it is the preacher who is first addressed. He is the angelos—“angel”—the messenger, for so the word means. His eyes will be first to read Christ’s words and his mouth will be the one to proclaim them. The saints at Philadelphia were seizing the opportunity for missions, and doubtless the pastor was leading them to do so.

Three traits enabled them to be successful in soul-winning, and we can experience these.

1.  THEIR FORCEFULNESS, “for you have a little strength.”  The power of the Spirit was the driving force behind their accomplishment.  The church’s witness began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them, with nearly 3,000 saved.  When any church is successful in reaching people there is a supernatural forcefulness possessed by pastor and people. 

2.  THEIR FAITHFULNESS, “have kept My word.”  They did not compromise the message to tickle the ears of the world. They were not driven by pragmatic reasoning to seek to reach people by stealth. When people come to genuine faith they are not manipulated by carnal methodology, but by Biblical accuracy. God has promised to bless His Word; do not be ashamed of it (cf.Rom.1:16).

3. THEIR FEARLESSNESS“have not denied My name.”  Those were days of growing hostility to the church.  As John penned this letter, he was imprisoned on an island for preaching the Gospel.  In many places in our world, following Christ is dangerous. This may soon come to America. Will we be fearless in the face of opposition?  The Devil will always oppose a missionary church. In the face of the Dragon, we must be fearless, whatever the cost.

Jesus promises reward if we are forceful, faithful, and fearless.  “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Rev.3:11).  No one can shut the door of opportunity, unless the church itself does so—and in that case we are no longer truly a church, but a country club with a steeple on top!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,”(‭3:13).‬‬

THE MAIN THING

 Repeatedly, I have preached from this text when I have been considered by a church to serve as their pastor. I wanted them to know up front, before they extended a call to me, the focus of my ministry. Keeping the main thing the main thing is a challenge. Yet, by God’s grace these must be our priorities in ministry.  

THE PRIORITY OF BUILDING, “building yourselves up on your most holy faith.”  We are to be body builders. While it is true that Jesus builds His church, we have a choice to practice the spiritual disciplines that will build our faith and that of others. It is foundational to ministry—a passion to grow the people in spiritual health and God will bring the numerical growth.

THE PRIORITY OF PRAYING, “praying in the Holy Spirit.”  All our efforts will be in vain unless energized by God’s power—and that power comes through prayer. Otherwise, we are on a religious treadmill—running hard but never getting anywhere.  The pastor must be a man of prayer and call the church to be a house of prayer.

THE PRIORITY OF LOVING, “keep yourselves in the love of God.”  To love God and our neighbor is the great commandment. We must fuel the fire of love. Recall Paul’s words, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal,” (1 Cor.13:1). Eloquence in preaching cannot mask the absence of love from a preacher’s heart.  Never compromise your convictions, but stand and speak them with compassion.

THE PRIORITY OF LOOKING, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”  All we do is meant to be in view of eternity.  We must serve as those who will give account at the consummation of the age. The precious souls in our charge are to be reminded that this world is not our home. They are more likely to be looking up and looking ahead, if we demonstrate that ourselves and declare it in our messages.

THE PRIORITY OF REACHING, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”  Some sinners we reach are broken people, open to the Gospel, and will respond to the good news eagerly. But, we must make a distinction, for others are hardened in apathy, or will even respond with hostility to the Gospel. We must prioritize the former, while not neglecting the latter.  

As they are on the precipice of a fiery hell, we must pull them out of the inferno of iniquity. Yet, as we reach out to them in their wicked environment, we must be cautious about being defiled by the same. Loving sinners means hating sin—as we see its destructive nature.  Be as sure of their true repentance and seek evidence of regeneration before bringing them into the church, lest they be wolves in sheep’s clothing and bring harm to the flock. This calls for discernment and it is our duty as shepherds.

My prayer for you:  “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”  (Jude‬ ‭1:24-25‬‬)