Preach the Word | Ray Moore Live | 10.23.18
Description
We are living in perilous times. We may not be outwardly “persecuted” yet, but we are seeing some disturbing things in our culture. We’re going to look at the remedy on today’s show.
Preaching & teaching are what we need to do. 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, tell us how we are to live decently and in order. Many of these verses address the elders and deacons of the Church. These verses, however, apply to everyone in the Church. We are to support, care for, pray for our leaders, our pastors, and elders. We are to hold them up and hold them accountable.
A survey by Ligonier Ministries, started by R.C. Sproul (1939-2017), recently held a survey finding that many Christians do not know their theology. The survey finds that 53% of Christians believe that people sin but most are “good” by nature. Christianity is in decline. RC Sproul wrote “Holiness in God” and many other books. He was a reformation theology scholar, who helped pastors teach reformed theology in the Church.
This Ligonier study shows that 52% of American Christians believe that human life in the womb is sacred. Yet, only 44% of Christians believe in the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality in Scripture.
Many believe that there is more than one way to God and heaven. Even though Scripture is clear that Jesus is the only way, many people are not adhering to that truth. Millions of people do not understand the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the one true way to God through Jesus Christ.
Paul, the apostle, was the great theologian of the New Testament. He wrote 13 of the 27 books before he was executed in 63 AD. He handed off his ministry to young Timothy in his final years. His final charge is to Timothy and the Church of Jesus Christ.
PREACH THE WORD! is what needs to happen. The pastor of a church has many responsibilities including pastoral care over the families, but very importantly his duty is to preach the Word.
Paul “charges” or commands Timothy as his final instruction, to PREACH (herald, proclaim, evangelize, including anointed teaching) THE WORD! Also, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching.
Greek – kērýssō to herald or proclaim. We are also to reprove, rebuke and exhort.
Sometimes, people will not accept the Word. But we are still to preach it, whether it’s in season or out of season. Even though it seems like perilous times now, we could come into a time of awakenings. History goes in cycles, and we are in a perilous time right now. We could also see a time of revival, as we pray and ask God to awaken the souls of men. Recently, our President met with Pastor Brunson, who was liberated by our president. Pastor Brunson prayed with our President. God can use Christian leaders, today, to influence powerful politicians.
Mordecai Ham preached the Word, and Billy Graham got saved. Preaching God’s Word can have long-lasting effects. Make sure our interpretation is the correct one, not man made “tickle the ears” theology. Pastors, be watchful in all things. Fulfill your mission from God.