"The Missing Message"

  Paul made certain that Timothy the preacher understood the direction the Lord wanted things to be done in the church. In fact, the charge was so serious that Paul called Timothy in the presence of God and Jesus Christ the judge of the living and dead to make sure this was heeded. "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word..." (II Tim. 4:1-2)  God's word is so easy to quote but it's difficult to preach! It takes pain-staking effort to wrestle with the context of the verses and make proper application. Too many opinions fly rather than God's word. Many have found if they sprinkle a little of God's word on whatever subject they are dealing with, it's preaching the word and the people are happy.

  It has become sad to me that many congregations of the Lord has turned from "preaching the word" as the Lord intended to an entertaining art of communication. The result is the church shifts from believing in the God who charges us into a people of activities with countless programs and committees going to and fro satisfying their own personal desires. "Look around and see what we have to offer!" is our calling card. Busy, busy, busy. And for what? What is accomplished? Are we preaching the word or preaching our word?

  Far too many are becoming religious consumers. They look to the church to meet their needs and when those needs aren't met, they look elsewhere. The emphasis is no longer on preaching the word of God, or seeking God and His Christ but rather on "me, myself and mine." The question arises: what does the church have to offer me and my family? That's what many are looking for.

  In our society truth has vanished. Each person is left to do as they please in their own eyes. It reminds me a lot of what happened in Israel when they lost spiritual leadership. "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." That's how the book of Judges ends. Lying is common place and not blinked at. Deception is at it's height. The moral character is so low that hardly anything is looked upon as sinful. From killing babies, to shacking up with one another, to babies out of wedlock, to families destroyed because of sin, to alcohol consumption and drug abuse all of which go against the word of the Lord. It reaches in the church and you can see it in attitudes and laziness while calling themselves "Christian." People bicker and fight, being hateful to one another and little concern for the welfare of brothers and sisters. If anyone will be saved it will be because God has placed a standard before us and we uphold that standard. If the church is going to be Christ's body as Christ intended, it will be from taking His calling seriously. It's called PREACH THE WORD !