It's not that I don't have an opinion, but I have chosen to be quiet over some of the issues making popular news for a reason. I suppose the presidential election began this noticeable, non-response, from me - at least last year - and following this has come one juicy temptation after another to speak, write, or wax, you know, ...blah-blah-blah... 'eloquent' concerning all. Things like the economic prognosis of woe and dread, the fiscal cliff, the mass shooting in Newtown CT., and now the heated debate over gun control. Yes, some really 'good' stuff all. But... from me? Seemingly nothing!
Now before you worry over me losing 'my salt,' take notice of my company! A close look will likely reveal the same from many pulpits and pens of other's who grace my call. Not that we're not tempted, I assure you. Or, that we don't oft-times fail. For who doesn't love preaching to the choir? Or, put another way, who's not desirous to seek some 'amens,' or that craved 'atta-boy preacher,' especially if one's church is experiencing few, if any, converts, meaningful life-change and/or other such 'kingdom of God' stuff. Mmmm???
But then upon answering my "God" call I realize there is something begging for my preaching, and, thereupon am reminded why - why I might 'appear' silent, at times. Of course 'sin in the camp' will bring a strong and instructive word from me - I think most know this. But... sin outside? Well, that will yield another message from me altogether.
Paul once wrote to a godless city, Corinth, and its church, this, "I determined to nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" 1 Corinthians 2:2 and I am earnest to remind us that this man was not lacking in knowledge, unaware of culture, nor in any way afraid! He was just absolutely focused! Focused on Christ and the gospel - the good news that holds the power to set people free and, as such, also free them from their miss-spent compulsion to make ANY thing secondary the main. No, Paul understood his world as lost and unredeemed, and that efforts towards improvement outside of a relationship with Christ were futile.
Oh, be sure this pastor does believe we are losing ground in our time and place (the US and the 'west' - western world) for heart-change toward, instead of away, from God - but I believe the problem in winning this battle may well lie with us messengers (the church) and not the world. We as Christ's church are conquerors called to storm the 'gates of hell' with the gospel - literally tearing them down, as it were, in order to set those in Satan's grasp free! Yet, alas, we too often pick up the wrong weapons. And, most assuredly, I will not be silent about THAT!
For...
I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 1: 15-17
For more faith, then... both to live, to love and to preach,
Pastor Sam
