Christians, I would like you to recall that night the Holy Spirit leaned heavily upon your heart. The moment God brought you into His kingdom through His glorious Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. The overwhelming sensation of relief. The mind, body, and soul working together to expel the joy of the Lord outward. The feeling of utter bliss, and new hope for the rest of life.
That was hands down the BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. Finding the peace that transcends all understanding through the gospel of Christ. The very name of Our God shook the mountains of sin that day so that we may come crashing down onto the beautiful rock of His grace. The sound was that of a holy One, massaging our minds and hearts with the bountiful promises of salvation.
But wait.
What if that day never came? What if sitting that day in church you didn't feel the urge of God's Spirit beckoning you to the foot of the alter? Or what if that person(s) didn't speak to you of God's word that day? The biggest what if a Christian can ask themselves- WHAT IF I NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL.
It's a souring thought, exchanging joy for melancholy and uneasiness into our core. The unpreached Gospel is like having the cure for new life; but instead of proclaiming salvation, casting it to the bottom of the sea. Let's say a friend was on their deathbed, and you had the cure to their malady. Knowing that you grasp the very key to their life, you could point them to the remedy. But rather you talk about "Hey how about them packers?? The weather sure has been groggy lately. Did you see the new episode of House? It was amazing!" After all, the last thing they need to hear about is a the reversal of their condition.... Wait what?!
To think: Perishing eternally for hearing the daily weather update instead of Christ's Gospel. Audacious pastime when light is shed on such a common occurrence! What does Paul say in regards to these paramount encounters?
Well in 1 Corinthians Chapter 9 he proclaims:
"For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel" -1 Corinthians 9:16-18
"Woe to me if I don't preach the gospel!!!" Just a few words that describe woe include:
Grief, misery, affliction of pain, or great misfortune, etc... And he wishes it on himself if he fails to preach the gospel!
Paul voluntarily makes a covenant with himself to spread the gospel, not for the rewards of earth, but for the glory of God. His gift is his divinely bestowed responsibility: to preach. It is our occupation, and JOY to radiate the will of Christ. Never forget the Great Commission:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Offer the remedy. Stimulate the heart. Enrich the soul. If there is a friend out there you are deeply concerned for, pray to God to soften their calloused hearts. When God opens a door, run through it "racing towards the goal", persevering for the King of Kings. Help plant the seeds of joy and abundance, then watch our God consume another lost soul. After all, He is with you always, to the very end of time. Embrace the revealing grace of Jesus Christ, who was and is, and is to come!
The Unspoken Gospel leads to a shadowy death, but the Unveiled Truth offers Eternal Life.
God Bless,
Hank ☨
No comments:
Post a Comment