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| Subject: Pioneer Square - April 17, 2004 - Portland, OR, USA | |
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Author: Danny Howe |
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Date Posted: 13:35:08 05/15/04 Sat Last week, April 9-10, I refrained from preaching in order for one of my brothers in Christ to attempt something different in evangelistic styles. In the bonds and spirit of Christian unity and Christian submission, I accepted his request. Instead of preaching, I sang hymns and played guitar for street people, which probably ministered to their wants, but I noticed that it may not have ministered to their needs. However, I kept my opinions to myself, and allowed my Christian brothers the opportunity to minster as their conscience led them without my preaching "interfering" with their expression of Christian agape. With this development, the Lord helped establish a lession concerning the preaching of the Gospel. It may seem long, and you probably know most of what is said, but please bear with me, for I need to lay a foundation in order to get to my main point. God, during the times when Moses walked the earth, established a law for Israel to follow in order to receive the blessings of Abraham. If they continued in all the law stated, they would be blessed here on earth; but if they refused and rebelled, they would be cursed. Now, according to Romans 319 and 3:29, the Gentiles are also held under this law: their own consciences, according to Romans 2:15-16, reveals to the Gentiles how much they are under this law, since God is their God as well! However, since we have all broken God's law, we need freedom from the penalty of breaking God's commandments, provided we are shown the ends of our rebellion by the Holy Spirit and react with penitence and sorrow over disobeying the God of creation. The penalty for sin has been paid by Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, when He was scourged, mocked, blasphemed, and crucified upon the cross of Calvary. Once anyone comes to God with a broken and contrite heart, caused by the revelation of sin's destruction and how it affects God, God will show that individual the sacrifice paid by Jesus Christ for the removal of sins as sufficient enough to pay the penalty for sin and to satisfy God's wrath over that individual's sin. Because the individual's act of rebellion has been purged by faith in the complete work of God through the redemption purchased by Jesus Christ's blood shed on the cross of Calvary, that individual can now have access to God and renew a relationship with that individual's Creator. However, since Jesus Christ (who was born under the law, and did not do anything contrary to God's law, yet still suffered the penalty for sin which He did not commit) did not deserve to die, God raised Jesus Christ up from physical death, thereby disannulling the commandments which were against us and giving us liberty to worship God according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit of God, which Jesus Christ gives to all those who believe that He is risen from the dead. Now, this does not mean we are free to sin, because the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, and the word of God is truth. Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. When Jesus Christ came, He established a New Covenant, which embodied a new law. This law is called in Romans 3:27 the law of faith. In the Scriptures, there is a set of verses that can be placed together to help understand the concept of the law of faith and how it directly corresponds with the public preaching of the Gospel which was just outlined in previous paragraphs. Romans 4:23 ...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. In order to know what pleases God and what does not please Him, you need to believe what He has to say, which can be found (of course) in the Bible. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. The only way to receive salvation is by the grace of God provided by Jesus Christ through faith. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. The only way to truly please God is by faith; if you do not have faith, even if you have a law unto yourselves, it will do you no good! So, if we cannot please God without faith, if we cannot know what is right without faith, and if we cannot even be saved in the first place without faith, then how can we receive faith in the first place? Romans 10:13-17 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Very simply, faith can only come by hearing the word of God. The only way for an individual to build up faith is by hearing the public preaching of the word of God. Without the word of God, the whole creation would fall apart! 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. God may use other methods to bring forth souls into the Kingdom of Heaven, but God has specifically ordained the public proclamation of the Gospel in order to build faith in all the world. I pray God this will embolden you to go and fulfill the Great Comission and build eachother up in this most holy faith which you are called! By the mercies of Him who sits in the heavenlies, make known among the nations that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! --- Last night, I didn't preach until around 9:00 pm, but the ones who were out appreciated the word given to them. It seems when I stop preaching for a while, the kids seem to slide into their sin deeper, but when the word is preached, they seem to begin that long, narrow road of conversion. Not that they are aware that they are starting to amend their hearts before God, because most of them still retain the pride of their life and lack the pentience necessary for entrance into the Kingdom of God, but I do see the sprouts of faith within their minds and hearts. I was sick on Friday, so I didn't preach, but God be thanked and praised for His mercy and loving kindness! If anyone who reads this would like to come and help share the gospel by preaching it, please contact me at (503) 810-8827. Lord bless, and Jesus Christ is God! Love, In Christ Jesus, Danny [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |