WHO AM I ?

1 Cor 1:17-19 "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent'."

1. Our Message. We are preachers committed to the gospel... simple, clear and wonderfully powerful. The gospel has the power to change lives, to redeem souls for eternity, to make us children of the most high God. Paul says over and over, I have been entrusted with the gospel of Christ. What a sacred calling. What a privilege to be bearers of the greatest message the world has ever heard or seen. We are ambassadors of Christ! Sent by the king with all his marks of authority and dominion over darkness, demons, death and despair. It is the power of the Gospel alone that changes lives.

We have become distracted today with another gospel. There is the gospel of social change, the gospel of humanitarian aid, the gospel of political influence! Then there is the gospel of prosperity, the gospel of faith, you name it....many other gospels. Paul said, "I know nothing among you but Christ crucified". Paul clearly outlined the biblical gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-2 "I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." The true gospel is the message of Christ and Christ crucified, risen and coming again!

2. Our Methods. Methods of dispersing the gospel are secondary to the message. Paul said, 1 Cor 9:21-22 "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." If you , like me, are passionate about getting the message of the gospel out, we will endure many things. So often hardships are part of the price we pray. Our real reward is seeing those whose eyes are dark with despair come to the joy of Christ. Every time someone receives the message of hope and they confess Christ, I become overjoyed. My reward is knowing that another soul has entered into life with Christ. I employ every means of sharing Christ with them. I Iet the Holy Spirit guide me, give me the right words to say.

3. The Messenger. We have been chosen. We have been called. We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Yet, I often feel inadequate, unprepared, unqualified. But I must not look at myself! It is not about me. It is about Jesus Christ. God uses the foolish things to confound the wise. My feeble attempts can be changed into His glory. He comes and shows Himself strong when I am weak. He has sent His Holy Spirit to do the work. "It is not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit says the Lord"

This frees me! It allows me to make mistakes, try again, and trust His power. I will do everything I can to prepare myself, present myself and preach the gospel. But in the end, It is His power in me that will change their lives. I will keep myself pure and holy for the gospel sake. I thank Jesus everyday for entrusting me to be one of the bearers of His "Good News".

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