Friday, July 31, 2009

Christian Preachers Preach Christ

2 Tim. 1:8-14 (ESV)
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, [9] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, [10] and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, [11] for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, [12] which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. [13] Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [14] By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

“Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher, and apostle, and teacher. “ Now we have justification for the pastoral office, or preaching office. It flows out of the apostolic office. I find this telling, Paul sees himself appointed preacher, even before apostle. Christian preachers, pastors, are to preach the Gospel. We are not to be ashamed of it. We can learn from Paul even to suffer for it. Paul instructs Timothy to follow the pattern of the sound words that he has heard from him. Christian Pastors cannot afford to ignore Paul, to do so is to lose our way. But by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, we are to guard the good deposit entrusted to us, the gospel, the forgiveness of sins.

3 comments:

Steve Martin said...

If a preacher doesn't preach Christ and the cross...he is pretty much useless as a preacher.

No...worse than that. He is harmful.

Bror Erickson said...

Isn't that the truth. See ya in a day or two Steve.

Steve Martin said...

Have a safe trip, you guys!