“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, ESV)
In the realm of evangelism, a sacred duty beckons – a divine task handed down through time (2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Corinthians 1:21). It’s a work of eternal significance, marked by a prescribed approach that’s both inspired and guided by the Word (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 4:29-31; 28:31). Yet, as we strive to fulfill this calling, let us remember Christ Himself stands as the epitome of preaching perfection (Hebrews 1:1, 2; 4:14, 15), revealing a standard to which we, though imperfect, aspire.
Crafting a sermon is akin to handling precious gems; it must be free from falsehoods (John 17:17; 8:32), leaving no essential stone unturned (Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount, remains unchallenged). Christ’s unmatched ability to discern audiences (John 2:25) and His unwavering dedication to saving souls (Luke 9:10; 1 Timothy 4:16) illuminate a path we should tread.
The Divine Message: A Symphony of Faithful Delivery
“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.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)
In faith’s orchestra, we must wield our instruments with unwavering fidelity. Following the footsteps of Christ (John 8:29) and the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:4), our words must mirror the sacred text, embracing the scriptural mandate to preach “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Jonah’s obedience (Jonah 3:2) and the apostles’ boldness (Acts 4:20) are harmonies to echo.
The alluring pull of acceptance (Luke 6:26) and the perilous precipice of compromise (Matthew 12:30) beckon us, yet steadfastness in the face of criticism echoes through Paul’s resolute heart (2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 4:16). Aiming to avoid the snares of complexity and empty eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), we forge ahead.
The Unveiling of Truth: Mastering the Word’s Rich Tapestry
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Unveiling the entirety of God’s Word demands our utmost diligence, lest we inadvertently omit crucial ideas (2 Timothy 3:16). In this vast scriptural landscape, we tread cautiously, discerning the balance between the texts, for every scripture offers profit (2 Timothy 3:16). Hence, our journey of ceaseless study continues (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:13).
God, Christ, Holy Spirit, the church, sin, discipline, holiness, consecration, family, marriage, forgiveness, judgment, heaven, hell – this litany forms the rich tapestry of our message (Hebrews 5:11-14). As the adept weaver, we serve “meat” and “milk” for spiritual nourishment.
The Passionate Delivery: Proclaiming with Conviction
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27, ESV)
With power granted from above (1 Corinthians 2:5), our task extends beyond imparting information; it’s about effecting transformation. As heralds of the New Testament, we must wield words that cut to the heart (Acts 2:37; 5:33; 7:54), igniting change in belief, status, and life. This personal connection to salvation’s urgency (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12) propels us to confront complacency head-on.
Our earnest and fervent preaching resembles a boiling cauldron (2 Corinthians 5:20, 21; Romans 12:11), brimming with the urgency of a lone messenger. As we recognize the stakes at play (Hebrews 10:31; 12:29), our enthusiasm burns brighter, for this privilege surpasses the mundane (Ephesians 3:8). The message, a lifeboat for souls, demands passionate delivery.
Unflinching Boldness: A Fearless Proclamation
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8, ESV)
The peril of pleasing people, a pitfall King Saul succumbed to (1 Samuel 15:24), beckons us towards cowardice. Faithful heralds, however, march forward, knowing the cost but unfazed by the pelting stones of dissent.
As we survey the landscape of our evangelistic call, the scarcity of faithful preachers looms large, a challenge we must urgently address. Like Paul, who marveled at the beauty of messengers bearing good news (Romans 10:15), we are called to a mission transcending earthly allurements. Let Paul’s earnest cry, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16), resound within us as we embark on this sacred journey.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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