Be ready to speak in
season and out of season
Who among us is called to preach? Certainly, God
specifically calls some to stand at a pulpit exhorting His Word, leading a
family of believers, shepherding a people for Christ’s sake. Yet, we are all disciples and evangelists of Jesus Christ,
therefore being charged to preach the good news to the world. In (Matthew
28:18) Jesus came to the disciples saying, “All
authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have
commanded you, and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.”
Amen.
Jesus spoke these words, commonly called “The Great
Commission,” to those whom He called to follow Him. As He did, He stressed the
role of the believer in evangelism, discipleship, teaching, worship, and for
missions. In the early church, and now once more becoming popular, believers
would meet together in people’s homes to worship God, read the Scriptures, and
pray together. Small prayer groups like these permit a relaxed, informal
atmosphere for worship and can allow for more spontaneous participation in
Bible study. An important part of
evangelism is caring for each other’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs,
and to encourage each other in spiritual growth.
You and I, as believers in Christ Jesus, are His church and our mission is to
evangelize and make disciples for Jesus Christ. We are to preach the good news
of God’s salvation, help bring others to Christ, and encourage other Christians
in their spiritual growth. We are not to become islands unto ourselves ceasing to go to church, but remain
connected to the Bible-based church of our choosing all the while tending to
our own responsibility of witnessing for Christ.
Will you preach?