Romans 1:16 - For I am
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
It seems as if we are living in a day where conferences,
seminars, forums, sessions, etcetera are given more weight than the simple New
Testament pattern of worship. It is not my intention to delve into the
potential shortcomings of such. I simply want to highlight the truth that God
provided a far more superior means for us to navigate the manifold challenges
of everyday life. Let us not be ashamed of what our Lord has provided.
The word ‘salvation’ in the context of Romans 1:16 is
defined as a deliverance or preservation. We can think of the gospel
as a life preserver for the born again child of God when the winds and waves of
the world would overwhelm him. We need this daily deliverance at work, in our
homes, as we strive to be responsible citizens, and in our personal devotion to
God!
God in his mercy established the local church as the
assembly in which this is to occur. To
be effective, the ministry and congregants must both apply themselves to the
study of the word. There should also be prayers that God would bless the
messages to be scriptural and applicable to the needs of the local flock. When
these things occur, no better instruction can be found!
Are you zealously supporting and cultivating these qualities in your local congregation?
This design has been effective for over two thousand years. Lord
help us to recognize, appreciate, and encourage the preaching of the gospel in
accordance with God’s simple pattern!
Blessings,
Michael D. Green, Jr.
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