Go. Preach. Sing.

 

We call it “Thanksgiving Sunday,” which is a misnomer because every Sunday is a reason for giving thanks, but the second Sunday before Thanksgiving our church celebrates and gives thanks with preaching, singing, fellowship, food, and fun. It is a joyful day filled with thanksgiving for God’s love for His creation.

This past Sunday everything, including the weather, worked together beautifully to complete all of our plans. We had a guest family who sang for us. You can find more about the Johnson family by stopping by their website: Go Preach Sing. "Resurrection Power” was one of many songs they blessed us with their talent.  Their enthusiam was obvious as they loudly (and – unlike me - on key) sang “I don’t serve a dead Savior. I don’t have a dead faith. He’s alive and so am I.” That's what the gospel - the good news - is all about. The graphic today is the back of the Johnson family prayer card. 

The best sermons given are about that good news. I remember hearing one man's testimony where he told of being asked about when he was saved. In response he mentioned the sermon that day. He was asked what it was about. He replied that he doesn't remember the sermon, just that it was about Jesus, and it matched what the Bible said about Him.

That good news tells us that God is holy: (I'll use the scriptures from the graphic above) Isaiah 6:3. We are all sinners: Romans 3:23. Sin must have justice: Romans 6:23. Jesus Christ died for us: Romans 5:8. Jesus rose from the grave: I Corinthians 15:3-4. Salvation is by faith: Ephesians 2:8-9. Call on Jesus now: Romans 10:13.

The list is short, and seems easy, but the believing - the faith part - is hard. Believing that Jesus lived and His legacy is part of the Bible which people preach is very easy. You can see churches filled on Sundays (well, not in 2020, but we are getting back there!) So easy that the Bible tells us:

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19-20 KJV)

Absolutely. Faith in Jesus' message requires acceptance that God expects us to do specific things when we become believers. Our example is to be a reflection of Jesus to our world. To find out what He did when he started His ministry, we must read the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then move on to what happened after Jesus' resurrection in Acts. After that, spend time with Paul's letters to specific churches, they remain good examples for us today and should be studied.

For Christians reading this, does your life speak of Christ to the point others know you are a Christian? Would people point you out as an example of doing what Christ told us to do? Not all of us are called to be preachers, but we are all called to be teachers, telling all we meet how Christ has impacted our lives.

If Christ has not had an impact on your life, I would hope you can face the answers when I ask: Why hasn't Christ had an impact on your life? I've attended church with several people who can explain exactly how Christ changed their lives - when they made the decision to follow His example. That is one of the best ways to share the gospel, show it as we live every day with people we know.

For non-Christians who have read this far, please find a Christian friend to discuss Jesus' mission on this earth. If that person doesn't reach for their Bible, please find someone who does. Someone willing to take John 3:16 and work through why belief in Jesus changes lives. It will become easier for you to recognize those who follow God's most important commandments:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)