THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED
Romans 1: 16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes…
I feel it necessary to write this brief message, to not only the members of First Baptist, but also to all those who are led to our humble website
There is strength in good doctrine. It would seem very evident in scripture that our understanding of doctrine begins with understanding why we exist. I believe a good systematic study of scripture would clearly show that we, the church, exist to please God in worship. Our justification (salvation), our sanctification (growing in holiness), and our glorification, (eventual perfection) are all to the glory of God. All things working together for good… being conformed to His image. The greatest good being the fulfillment of our existence, to please God in worship. (Revelations chapters 4 and 5 serve to support these statements)
Our ability to please God is subject to our faith in God.
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God…
We must receive the grace of faith to please God. Why do I say, the grace of faith? Paul says in Romans chapter 7 that in his flesh (our flesh also) dwells NO good thing. We cannot self generate faith. God grants faith, yet we have a responsibility to adhere to scripture. Romans chapter 10 tells us that Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. If you will study the preceding scriptures, you will clearly see that this "Word" is in fact the preaching of the gospel.
Listen closely to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:16.
For though I preach the gospel I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe unto me, if I preach not the gospel.
The preaching of the gospel is not only the power of God unto salvation. The preaching of the gospel allows for the grace of faith to be planted and nurtured to perfection. We will FOREVER be searching out the unsearchable riches of Christ. We need the gospel.
Many Christians today are ignorant of the gospel, I was for so many years. The gospel says that God is sovereign in all things, that man is helpless in sin, and that God has redeemed us through Christ. Those few words could be written about from now through eternity and never be comprehended. The preaching of God's sovereignty alone is unimaginable. Then we add the helplessness of man in sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. What a great gospel!
The preaching of the gospel saves and builds faith. Our faith allows us to begin to do the very thing God has intended us to do: please Him in worship. Hebrews chapter 11 teaches us that faith is the thing that brings substance to God. In other words, faith makes God real to us, and that changes things in a great way. For when God is real to us we worship, and pray, and serve Him in a very passionate manner.
Therefore, at the First Baptist Church of Gray's Prairie, the necessity has been laid upon us to PREACH THE GOSPEL. Woe unto us if we fail to preach the gospel to the church, from the youngest to the oldest… THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED!
In God's Grace,
Pastor Jack