Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
So what does the word preach mean? Well obviously it’s proclaiming the gospel through a sermon. But how bout a little deeper. Preaching is also imparting good tidings. Also to advocate religious or moral truth in speech or writing, to give earnest advice. Truth is friends, to preach, does it mean perfection? Absolutely not, it simply means persistence, purposefully persevering with the word and will of God.
I like to think of preaching this way. To have a joy in sharing and shining the light of Jesus so all will see a better way, a brighter hope, and a bigger reason for living greater than earthly life as we await and prepare for something even greater with someone greater guiding us. I’ve become curious over the years, how the verb preach is somehow lifted to a standard where, only certain people can do it.
Do you think the disciples, ordinary people felt they were properly equipped to preach? I think not. But Jesus still says, you guys are it in this world, I’ve done my part, now it’s up to you.
And so friends our call today from Jesus is remarkably similar. He’s set out the course, but it’s now up to us to take it from here. We often say at funerals what a great legacy someone left behind, and now it’s up to us to allow that person’s mark to matter even more as we embody just a bit of who they were by how we live. As Jesus has gone before and preached before, so we preach with the life we live. We go out and share in word and action as best we can. a truth of Jesus which means being kinder, more loving, more helpful than others might. It might mean serving a stranger or the poor, it might mean helping pessimistic people to see a light of something more optimistically. It might even mean going out on a limb for people you’re not sure are worth it, but who you know God has somehow anointed and blessed.
There are all sorts of ways to preach. As Brethren, we of course say all our ministers. All must and do have the invitation to go and preach the gospel to all creation. And maybe, just maybe, by that brighter smile, that greater love, that deeper joy, someone will ask you, why are you so happy?
Truth is when we preach many times, others may see it as blind faith or foolish. And in my mind, praise God. We’re still there for them whether they believe or not. What a joy God allows us to be with those people, making their world better, bringing a sense of home and happiness, of peace and pleasure, of grace and glory to their hearts by the way we react and interact with them. Maybe it means loving them when they simply won’t be loving or helpful or forgiving or kind.
Friends when we preach, Jesus tells us what will happen. We will make a difference. SO preach, don’t be afraid. Smile, love, laugh, forgive, share, shine, and most of all, believe. Carry the word and will of God in your heart, live the gospel, and by God’s grace, you might not be perfect, but rest assured you will preach, and others will be changed for the better. And through you and I, Jesus’ mark in this world will matter and be refreshing as ever!
To God be the glory in Jesus name. Pastor Brandon
Morning Worship at 10:15 am
with Pastor Brandon,
enjoy the feeling of home and family.
All are Welcome.