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UNION GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST, CLEVELAND TN. |
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GOD STILL SAYS, "PREACH THE WORD"
2 Timothy 4:2 – How many times have we heard it quoted and mentioned in public lessons? Its clear message reads, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." What word is it that God wants His servants to preach? It is the message of the holy scriptures (3:15), the inspired message of God’s word (3:16). Despite the Lord’s charge to "preach the word," and despite the command to "preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15), men are often not pleased with such an idea. Some who are listeners do not desire to hear the pure word of God. And, some that preach do not really desire to preach the word of God. Be that as it may, God still says, "Preach the word." Man prefers to hear a "more modern" message, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man longs to hear a message that makes him feel good, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man thinks that just any religious message is good enough to save the soul, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man cries for a message that’s more entertaining, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man despises the word of God that rebukes his sin, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man wants to hear jokes and funny stories, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man thinks that drama would be more moving, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man says that the Bible’s message offends people, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man thinks the Bible’s message is dry and boring, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man loves to hear stories about people’s so-called "experiences," but God still says, "Preach the word." Man says that if we would preach a message that was more appealing to the masses, we would grow more, but God still says, "Preach the word." Man says if we don’t water down the message, we will never attract people from the community, but God still says, "Preach the word." God’s way is always right. God says, "Preach the word." Since that is what the Lord wants, then that, my friends, is just what we must do! Preaching the word is what the world needs in order to be saved. Preaching the word is also what the church needs in order be strong spiritually and prepared to meet the devices of the devil. Yes, man may say a lot of things, but God still says, "Preach the word." -- Roger D. Campbell |
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