PREACH THE WORD

In various states in our nation, there has been no public church services for many months, and many local churches have sure upgraded their skills to go online, and this has sure been a blessing to many. Many churches have declared that even when the restrictions are lifted they will continue to have online services with the prayerful intention they will be able to touch more people through this medium.

We are hoping in our area there will be at least a lifting of some restrictions so that churches of say 50 people can meet, and maybe even larger numbers in an outdoor setting during the warmer weather.

I then asked myself the question what about the preaching and its content? There has been considerable comment on social media about the need to preach about the SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, which historically has been a popular topic during times of difficulty in the world. This has often produced great results, and this surely is a time for both Believers and unbelievers to be reminded that Jesus could break through the clouds at any time to take His Church home. Believers sure need that HOPE that John talks about in 1 John 3:2-3 N.L.T. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

I am also reminded of Paul’s words to his spiritual son Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:2 NKJV PREACH the word! Be READY in season and out of season. CONVINCE, REBUKE, EXHORT, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

N.L.T. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently CORRECT, rebuke, and ENCOURAGE your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

PASSION PROCLAIM the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in THE FULL EXPRESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT —with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people.
For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. They will close their ears to the truth and believe nothing but fables and myths.

MESSAGE so proclaim the Message with INTENSITY; keep on your watch. CHALLENGE,WARN, and URGE your people. Don’t ever quit. Just KEEP IT SIMPLE.
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.

Paul had to write this in the 1st century, how much more we need to obey Paul’s direction, as there is so little Biblical literacy in our land, we need to truly PREACH THE WORD, and “keep it simple”. My concern is these days, is that we get so caught up with a particular “school” and get more concerned about our interpretation, and for example instead of majoring on the “hope” John mentions, (1 John 3:3) we are more caught up about when the Rapture takes place? or is there a literal millenium?

Paul says our preaching must include REBUKE, many preachers are soconcerned about offending and losing people out of their congregation and consequently compromise their teaching.

I conclude by saying Paul says PREACH THE WORD, not one’s pet doctrine or idea, our preaching must be full of the Word of God, for it is by the preaching of the Word Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:21 NKJV It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

It is only through the “seed” (sperma) of the Word of God, that spiritual conception takes place 1 Peter 1:23 AMP.N.T. You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God.

For Believers who spiritual ears have been opened, God speaks through the preaching of His servants, and that “seed” can become a revelation that will cause God’s people to want to grow and change.

Let us pray much for God’s servants, that they will have the courage, and liberty and anointing to preach the unadulterated Word of God, and we believe with them that there will “signs following” their preaching, not just physical miracles, but spiritual miracles amen.