GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 475 May 29, 2013
"PREACHING THE WORD"
"PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season; REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT with all long suffering" (2 Timothy 4:2).
While, he was writing to Timothy, Paul certainly meant for all of us to preach the word. And, to preach the word to everyone on the earth, too. That's our calling, as Missionary Baptists. Hear the words of Jesus: "Which of you convinces me of sin? And, if I say the TRUTH, why do you not believe me?" (John 8:36).Jesus spoke to those claiming to be "ABRAHAM'S SEED." Their bondage was not understood by these Jews; who were claiming NO BONDAGE, at all. Of course, they made the claim because they were descendants of Abraham. Again, in the passage of John 8, Jesus stated, "Whosoever commits in is a servant of sin." So, if we desire to be in the house of God at the Second Coming, we'd better tell people exactly what the WORD says. Amen !!What's the first message? I like to think that every man is lost, undone and considered a sinner. Thus, I want everyone to know that sin is real. Jesus fulfilled His work and removed the "ADAMIC" SIN that everyone comes under. Sin will be judged on that day. We have to take care of the problem now and trust in what Jesus did on every man's behalf. People must believe that Jesus paid their sin and it is no longer remaining on their account. (Makes me want to preach right now).But, nearly everyone that I speak to concerning Jesus and their need to be saved, actually believe that they are OKAY with God. So, I tell them that Jesus was a follower of His God and, everyone must follow God, as well. The first act after one is saved is to be baptized. I don't know how many really see their need; but, Trinity MBC teaches SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM. It's at the hands of a New Testament Church. It's the same with Jesus. He went to John, the Baptist, to receive the needed rising up and walking in the new life. While, it is clear that most know of John's baptism, they ignore following, rising up and walking within the boundary of the church.Nevertheless, if the season is here or, not: WE MUST PREACH THE WORD. We are to REBUKE and, "...EXHORT with all long suffering and DOCTRINE" (2 Tim. 4:2). If you ever get tired of preaching the word, to the point that it causes you to suffer, remember that Jesus had a very small handful of followers in His day; yet, He always preached – just read the Book of John.The word, "PREACH," has some varying meanings. And, when we learn the word, we shall become great evangelists. The Greek word, "KERUSSO" means "to proclaim, without teaching." In our thought process, we simply have to preach that Jesus came to die for every man. The other Greek word is EUANGELIZO." And, like the first work there seems to be a misunderstanding. "Euangelizo" is an "announcement a JOYFUL MESSAGE" not, a sad one. Wow! Just think about it. JESUS DIED FOR ME AND, I get to follow and walk with Him, today and when He returns.I have learned, from preaching, that the first coming of Jesus is, indeed, JOYFUL. However, because I am a preacher (and, I guess) that makes me love doctrine. Doctrine BRINGS the heart to have 'longsuffering.' It comes right along with JOY; AS WE KNOW THE TRUTH. Find the truth and preach it, Brother. What else is better? (NOTHING).