Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Proclamation of the Good News
Shannon Thomas
Long Island MTC, NY
11 They shall speak of the glory of your
kingdom, and tell of your power, 12 to make known to all people your
mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Bill Hybels, the founding pastor of Willow Creek Community Church as well as acclaimed author once said, “the local church is the hope of the world because it stewards the only message that can impact a person’s eternal destiny.” In his book “Courageous Leadership,” Hybels discusses the power behind the local church and the capability the church has to change the world around us. As believers, we are the church, and our God-given responsibility extends far beyond the local parish we attend.
In Psalm 145, David exalts God as King and praises Him for who He is and His mighty works. David writes to show that God is not indifferent or callous to the things that happen on this earth; rather He is faithful, compassionate, sovereign, and just. As David praises God throughout the psalm, we learn something important: the goodness of God was meant to be shared with others. We see that we have an obligation to tell others about who God is and what He has done. For example, Psalm 145:4 reads: “one generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” As Pastor John Piper puts it, “it is a biblical duty for an older generation to see to it that a younger generation hears about the mighty works of God.” Our duty to spread the Word, however, doesn’t just stop at teaching younger ones; our calling is to live out the Gospel.
In John 4, we see Jesus breaking every social barrier by talking to a Samaritan woman. After Jesus reveals to her who He is and tells her about the living water, she goes back to her town, leaving her water jar behind, and tells people what had happened. Following her return to the town, we see in verse 39 that “many of the Samaritans from the town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…” and because of Jesus’ words “many more became believers.” Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman were so profound and powerful that the woman could not remain silent about this incredible encounter she had just had. Like David, the Samaritan woman, and even the apostles of the Bible- do we have the same passion to disseminate the Gospel and tell others about the sanctifying work of Christ?
We live in a day and age where it’s easy to focus on ourselves. However, we also live in a day and age where people, whether they are a fellow co-worker, student, family member, or friend, are in desperate need of the Gospel and need to hear the hope that Jesus brings in this deteriorating world. As believers, we should be living a life out of radical obedience and love that points others to Christ.
Bill Hybels, the founding pastor of Willow Creek Community Church as well as acclaimed author once said, “the local church is the hope of the world because it stewards the only message that can impact a person’s eternal destiny.” In his book “Courageous Leadership,” Hybels discusses the power behind the local church and the capability the church has to change the world around us. As believers, we are the church, and our God-given responsibility extends far beyond the local parish we attend.
In Psalm 145, David exalts God as King and praises Him for who He is and His mighty works. David writes to show that God is not indifferent or callous to the things that happen on this earth; rather He is faithful, compassionate, sovereign, and just. As David praises God throughout the psalm, we learn something important: the goodness of God was meant to be shared with others. We see that we have an obligation to tell others about who God is and what He has done. For example, Psalm 145:4 reads: “one generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” As Pastor John Piper puts it, “it is a biblical duty for an older generation to see to it that a younger generation hears about the mighty works of God.” Our duty to spread the Word, however, doesn’t just stop at teaching younger ones; our calling is to live out the Gospel.
In John 4, we see Jesus breaking every social barrier by talking to a Samaritan woman. After Jesus reveals to her who He is and tells her about the living water, she goes back to her town, leaving her water jar behind, and tells people what had happened. Following her return to the town, we see in verse 39 that “many of the Samaritans from the town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…” and because of Jesus’ words “many more became believers.” Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman were so profound and powerful that the woman could not remain silent about this incredible encounter she had just had. Like David, the Samaritan woman, and even the apostles of the Bible- do we have the same passion to disseminate the Gospel and tell others about the sanctifying work of Christ?
We live in a day and age where it’s easy to focus on ourselves. However, we also live in a day and age where people, whether they are a fellow co-worker, student, family member, or friend, are in desperate need of the Gospel and need to hear the hope that Jesus brings in this deteriorating world. As believers, we should be living a life out of radical obedience and love that points others to Christ.
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