Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Word of Christ


"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."- Romans 10:17

I'll go to my grave with this verse on my lips. This verse means everything and without its implications we have no reason to live before or after conversion. It tells us the only means to eternal life- the Word of Christ- the Gospel.

Most of the Evangelical church today preaches all kinds of messages to people in regards to Christianity and living the Christian life. They'll tell you how to live, how to treat one another, what to do, what not to do, what's right, what's wrong and they'll tell it to you with "legitimate" Bible talk which sounds very Christian and, in many cases, is biblically sound. However, the gospel sadly is missing from the modern pulpits of America and, therefore, renders their messages powerless and useless.

What reason does anyone have to live a right life before God without the message of the gospel? What reason does anyone have to treat others as they would have others treat them without the power of the gospel behind it? What motivation does anyone have to do what is right before God without the gospel in full view? What power does anyone have to resist evil without the example and testimony of the gospel working in their heart and mind? What reason do we have to live other than sheer pride and arrogance without the gospel reigning supreme in our lives?

Are these hard questions? I'll give you an easy answer- none. When faced with our Almighty and Holy God who is just and must punish sin juxtaposed with us who have sinned and come short of His glory, what hope do we have to do anything right or good enough to bring meaning to our lives and honor to God? Christ is the only answer. He is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. He has preeminence over all things and through Him all things have come into being. He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life and through Him our lives have meaning. Everything we do unto Him and for His glory is all that matters and all that lasts.

Our message to all people must begin and end with Christ crucified. It must begin and end with the offer of free grace alone from God alone through faith alone. Any message which instructs people in the ways of life and faith is nonsense without it. May God have mercy on the modern Evangelical church and on me. May I and all people decrease so that Christ may increase. I lift Him up today like the firey serpent and look to Him to live and have life. To God be all the glory. Amen.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Brett,
There is a great sermon by Charles Leiter on the words of Christ. I strongly recommend it. You can find it on the Uncommonly Powerful Preaching podcast.

The Hawker said...

I have enjoyed the YouTube videos I have watched so far. I enjoy the way you explain yourself and not alienate those who may disagree with you. I myself love the doctrines of grace, and totally believe in an experimental application of the truth of God to the heart. I agree with you on the point about "free will". I believe that we need rely on God alone to fulfill His desires for our lives.


Keep up the good work!

In Christ,

Kevin.