Reading with M'Cheyne

November 19: James 1

2010-11-19T14:25:16Z

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jam. 1:27).

In a sermon preached in 1999, John Piper took this text (James 1:27) to address the issue of abortion. In a powerful application, he made the following point: "If God wants us to care about the orphan whose life is endangered because his parents are dead, he would want all the more that we care about the child whose life is endangered because his parents choose to make him dead." His point is both moving and powerful: if we are to care for widows and orphans, we must care for women who are contemplating or have committed abortion.

In an essay reflecting on John Piper's testimony to the silent holocaust of abortion, Justin Taylor writes:

"When we talk about abortion, we are talking about not just destructive ideas but a deadly practice, resulting in real people who are being killed every day. We are not just talking about sin, but talking to sinners--those who support the right to abortion, those who promote the practice of abortion, those who have aborted their own children, or those who have sat silently through the holocaust of the unborn."

But to these the gospel is offered:

[Citing Piper in a sermon preached in 1989] "No one is cut off from Christ because of past sin--any past sin. What cuts a person off from Christ and the fellowship of his people is the endorsement of past sin. For the repentant there is forgiveness and cleansing and hope."

[See Piper's sermon entitled, "Visiting orphans in a world of AIDS and Abortion," James 1:26-27 (January 24, 1999) @ http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/visiting-orphans-in-a-world-of-aids-and-abortion. Justin Taylor's essay can be found in For the Fame of God's Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper (Wheaton, Il: Crossway, 2010), 328-350).

November 18: Hebrews 13

2010-11-18T14:17:40Z

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (Heb. 13:16)

"... that which is pleasing in his sight" (Heb. 13:21)

Hebrews 13 alludes to two passages in which Christians are urged to please God. Actually, this emphasis is to be found in many New Testament passages (1 Cor. 7:32, 34; Eph. 5:10; Phil. 2:13; 4:18; Col. 1:10; 3;20; 1 Thess. 4:1; 1 Tim. 2:3; 5:4 etc.). Pleasing God is seen as a motivation for obedience - for sanctification, and is in no way viewed as contradicting the doctrine that we are justified by faith alone in Christ alone apart from any consideration of obedience or pleasing God. The mark of true justification is a life given over in gratitude to the grace of God and lived in a manner so as to please God. Paul exhorts us to "try and discern what is pleasing to the Lord" (Eph. 5:10).

What kind of things are said to please God? Consider carefully the following, each of which is said to "please God": One specific item mentioned in the New Testament is praying for civil authorities:

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

Imagine that! Praying for the President of the United Sates (whoever he may be) pleases God. Christ is able to produce within us good works that pleases our heavenly Father.

November 17: Hebrews 12

2010-11-17T20:17:58Z

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Heb 12:1)

This is one the greatest exhortations in the New Testament perseverance. Employing an athletic metaphor, the author of Hebrews urges us to run "with endurance... the race." It is important to observe that we are not just bidden to "run harder," or "do better" - that would turn the gospel on its head. Hebrews insists that we observe the motivation and resources of our perseverance in the gospel. The temptation is to turn to our own resources, to say: "You're saved by grace, but you're on your own in perseverance." To say, (as I have found myself saying), "the entrance fee is nothing at all, but the annual dues is everything you've got!"

No! That's not it at all. The context makes it very clear: the race is "set for us" (12:1). The course has been plotted out for us. And someone - Someone - has gone ahead, faced the challenges, established stations of rest and provision to enable us to run in his footsteps. Jesus goes before us. He knows the way. Every inch of this race is marked by his footprints. We run "looking to Jesus (12:2). It is the way you came to faith in the first place and it is the way we continue in faith.

Have you lost sight of what brought you into the kingdom of God in the first place? It was not your efforts or promises. It was the grace of God. Now, as children of God - continue in that path, looking to Jesus for help and provision every step of the way. Do not look down at the waves for you will sink like a stone (as Peter discovered). The way to run the race is not to look at your feet to see how fast you're going; it is to look to Jesus every step of the way.

November 16: Hebrews 11

2010-11-16T22:25:47Z

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1)

We are of "those who have faith" (Heb. 10:39).

Faith is the Christian's distinguishing mark. But what is faith? Hebrews 11 answers it: "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). This faith is demonstrated in a variety of individuals - indeed, Hebrews 11 is the National Portrait Gallery of the Old Testament in which a variety of individuals exemplify what faith is. Three exemplars stand out at the very beginning of the chapter.

First, Abel demonstrates faith in relation to his brother Cain. Abel brought a meat offering and Cain a vegetable one. Though we are not told the exact occasion when one offering was preferred to another (perhaps Gen. 3:21 when God slaughtered an animal to provide a covering for man's shame), one way or another the Lord had made it plain to them (or was doing so now on this occasion) which offering would prove acceptable and Abel believed God's word. Faith is precisely that: resting on the revealed word of God. Whatever God says, faith believes it to be true.

Second, Enoch was "moved on" (Hebrew) by God. He walked and walked until he found himself in another world. He walked with God for over 300 years and then, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Gen. 5:24). Enoch "walked" in fellowship, keeping step with God for three hundred years. And the author of Hebrews cites the Greek translation of Geneses 5 in which it interpreted Enoch's walk in such a way that God was delighted with Enoch's walk: "he was commended as having pleased God" (Heb. 11:5). Faith is maintaining sweet fellowship with God.

Third, there's Noah. He built an ark, 450 feet long, 75 feet across, 45 feet high! He believed a judgment was coming. Noah's faith showed itself in obedience to the word of God: "warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household" (Heb. 11:7).

Faith takes God at his word and proves itself by obedience to whatever God says. Do you have this kind of faith?

November 15: Hebrews 10

2010-11-15T20:54:35Z

McCheyne blog

"But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12)

When Christ ascended into heaven, he sat down. This indicates more than one idea:

First, it demonstrates that the atonement had been accomplished. It is a testimony to the certification of his victory. The work of redemption was "finished" (Jn. 19:30). In contrast to the ongoing nature of Levitical sacrifices (offered morning and evening continuously), Jesus offered himself once (Gk. hapax, Heb. 7:27; 9:12, 28). Written over all covenant of redemption are words "DONE." There is no more for Christ to do. Everything that is necessary for our redemption has already been accomplished by our Savior. There is no need for a perpetual, re-celebration of Calvary. Indeed, any such suggestion demeans the value of Calvary and calls into question the effectiveness of what Christ has accomplished.

Second, Old Testament priests always stood in the performance of their duties. The temple had no chairs upon which they could sit. The entire Levitical order - the Old Testament/covenant economy has been brought to completion in the cross-work of Christ. As our Great High Priest (Heb. 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1, 5, 10 etc.), Jesus now intercedes on our behalf - making the finished work effective in those for whom he died. Old Testament saints were saved by Christ too, anticipating what was promised in Scripture. But for us who live on the other side of Calvary, it is not mere anticipation but reality.

Third, a comment needs to be made concerning what is found in Acts 7 where, at the death of Stephen, Jesus is said to stand rather than sit (v.55). "It was as if the sympathizing Lord had risen up to draw near to His suffering servant," wrote C. H. Spurgeon, "eager both to sustain him and to receive him when the conflict was over. Jesus rose from the Throne to gaze upon Himself suffering, again, in the person of one of His beloved members."

November 12: Hebrews 7

2010-11-12T16:57:49Z

This chapter stands at the beginning of the central theological argument of Hebrews: that Jesus is the great high priest who is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him. In this chapter, the writer to the Hebrews wants to persuade us that Jesus is a superior priest because "he always lives to make intercession" for his people (7:25).

In order to do this, he draws a comparison with Melchizedek, an Old Testament character who is only mentioned twice, in Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:1. The writer uses Melchizedek to argue his significance in three ways: he was significant because he was both a king and a priest; because he was both a king of righteousness and peace; and because he is a forever priest--in literary terms, he holds his priestly role "forever."

In addition, Melchizedek was superior to the Old Testament Aaronic priests because he was honored by and honored Abraham; in fact, Levi--the forefather of all Old Testament priests, paid tithes to Melchizedek in a figurative way through Abraham. But he was particularly superior because "he lives" (7:8); in a literary way, he is a forever priest.

And yet, all that Melchizedek pointed toward and shadowed forth found its fulfillment in Jesus. In a more real way that Melchizedek, Jesus is superior because he lives. Whereas Melchizedek's eternal life was a literary feature, Jesus eternal life is an historical fact: because Jesus was raised from the dead bodily on the third day, he serves as a priest "by the power of an indestructible life" (7:16).

And so our hopes are centered on the fact that Jesus is our forever priest. Because he continues forever and always lives, he is able to make intercession for us continually. He is able to plead with the Father for our forgiveness because he lives forever. But even more, he is able to plead with the Father because he presents his own blood to the Father--he pleads on our behalf and we go free.

Learn the glorious Gospel truth of these familiar words from Charles Wesley: "Five bleeding wounds he bears, received on Calvary. They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me: 'Forgive him, O forgive,' they cry, 'Nor let that ransomed sinner die!'" Thank God for our forever priest!

November 5: Philemon

2010-11-11T16:22:45Z

"I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment."-Philemon 10

Why would a personal, even private, letter like this be included in the Bible? What was the Holy Spirit doing when he caused this work to be inspired and circulated with the rest of Scripture for the edification of his people in all times and places?

We cannot know the mind of the LORD in all things of course, but evidently it is to show the power of God to transform lives. Philemon was a friend of Paul's who had been converted and returned to his home in Colossae to host a church there. One of his household servants, a slave named Onesimus, had stolen from him and run away. This man had gone to Rome, and somehow had been introduced to Paul and led to Christ there- perhaps while they both were in prison. Now Onesimus was a free man, but as a free man in Christ he was sent back to his master Philemon to make amends. Paul sent him carrying this letter in order to bring about reconciliation between the Christian master and the Christian slave.

Can you imagine that meeting? Philemon had been wronged, and had every right to make an example of Onesimus by punishing him to the full extent of the law. Onesimus must have feared for his life, knowing that Philemon could have him put to death - even death on a cross. It is an astonishing act of obedience to his new Master that Onesimus would return to his earthly master and submit to his will. Following Jesus meant willing to be crucified. Sound familiar?

We have no Scripture to tell us the effectiveness of Paul's intercession, but it is not hard to imagine the difficult, but deliberate, steps to reconciliation taken that day. Jesus and the apostles took no public stand against the practice of slavery, but the gospel set into motion forces that would eventually overthrow the whole system of human bondage. The story of Philemon and Onesimus shows us how the Lord used changed lives - one at a time - to bring spiritual and physical freedom to the world.

November 11: Hebrews 6

2010-11-11T16:22:01Z

One of our favorite family movies was "Up," the wonderful Pixar film that came out a couple of years ago. One of the key moments in the movie came early: after the child Carl meets Ellie, she comes to his room with her adventure book. She made him swear not to tell another person about it: "Cross your heart! Do it!" We smile because we know what this is about. Our promises are confirmed by an oath that invites the other person confidence to trust our word.

That's what we find in Hebrews 6:13-20. If we have been shaken by the stern warning of Hebrews 5:11-6:12, God graciously comes to us and tells us that our hope is not built on such unstable stuff as our own faithfulness, feelings, or good works. Rather, our hope, our soul anchor, is found in the fact that God has said, "Cross my heart!" Not only does God promise to save all those who come to him through Jesus, but also he has confirmed it with a glorious oath that Jesus will be a priest forever for his people.

In order to help us to understand how God tells us, "Cross my heart," the writer to the Hebrews points to an unfaltering example, Abraham. But really, the emphasis is not on the patriarch at all, but on God himself: "When God made a promise to Abraham." It is God's action that is most important--and here the promise is the glorious promise of Genesis 12:1-3 that God would give him a land and an offspring through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed.

By Genesis 15, Abraham began to wonder whether God would keep his promise. So, God commanded Abraham to bring a heifer, goat, ram, turtledove and pigeon; he told him to cut all but the birds in half. After a deep sleep fell upon Abraham, God reiterated his promise about the land and offspring with more details. And then, God himself walked between the cut up animals--in doing so, God was basically saying that "if I don't keep my word, then let me be like these dead animals--let me die!" God was saying, "Cross my heart!" These promises will come true.

As glorious as God promise to Abraham was, his covenant promises to his people to save them in Jesus Christ is an even more glorious one because it fills full what was promised to Abraham. But the wonder of the Gospel is that in keeping his promise to his people and to Abraham, God himself did die! In Jesus Christ, we have a high priest who was the once-for-all, decisive, bloody sacrifice for sins. Thanks be to God!

And so, when we struggle, falter, and fail, wondering whether God will really save us in the end, we must run to the cross. Because there we see the Triune God shout to the world, "All those who come to me will be saved to the uttermost! Cross my heart!"

November 10: Hebrews 5

2010-11-10T20:07:19Z

While the end of Hebrews 4 points us to our great high priest Jesus, we learn in the first ten verses of Hebrews 5 that the greatness of Jesus is that he was a priest who cried out. And he cried out not simply because of the pain of his suffering; he cried out because of the problem of his people: our sin. That is the fundamental problem we all face, the source of our entire struggle, all the brokenness of our world, all the breaking down of our bodies. And Jesus came as our great high priest, suffered and cried out on the cross, bearing all that our sin has done, in order to deal with sin once for all.

In this regard, Jesus is superior to the weak priests of the Old Testament Aaronic order. While these priests were called and cared for God's people, they had significant limitations over which they cried: these priests were clothed with human weakness, but also they were sinners. No matter how holy the Old Testament priest was, he had to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for others. He could not save others because he could not save himself.

But the good news of the Gospel is that we don't rely upon human priests or pastors. Rather, we run to Jesus, the weeping priest who was called and cared, but even more suffered, shed his blood, and died so that he might become the source of eternal salvation for us. Jesus was the son who was appointed a priest and the priest who was appointed to suffer.

And so, let us run to Jesus as the sympathetic high priest for which our hearts long. But even more let us run to him because he is the source of eternal salvation for us able to deal with our sinful actions and our inward bent toward sinning. This one who "was made perfect" through his suffering is the one who is a complete Savior--Jesus the Crucified. Let us run to this weeping priest and find that his joy might become ours!

November 9: Hebrews 4

2010-11-10T20:05:31Z

Most Protestants are not used to thinking about priests and especially about what makes a good or superior priest. And yet, the language of priesthood is all through this letter to the Hebrews to this point (1:3; 2:17-18; 3:1) and will dominate chapters 7-9. The reason we need a priest before God is found in 4:12-13: God's Word and God's eye will search us, will hold us accountable, will test the intention of our hearts. Our professions will not fool God; in the last day, he will look at our hearts.

Because this is the case, we need someone who will stand before God on our behalf, representing us to the Father and serving the Father's cause for us. The good news of Hebrews 4:14-16 is that we have such a "great high priest": his name is Jesus. He is the supreme priest--that is the point of the double superlative, "great high priest." One would think that the high priest is already the supreme priest; he is the head of the hierarchy, serving before God for that given time.

But the text tells us that Jesus is "great" and "supreme." And his greatness and supremacy is found in the fact that he offers a better sacrifice: himself. While the priests of old offered the blood of bulls and goats, which could not purge the conscience clean, Jesus offered himself once for all.

In addition, his supremacy is demonstrated in the fact that "he has passed through the heavens." He has presented his blood to the Father in the heavenly sanctuary/throne room; his sacrifice has been received as satisfying God's wrath and the elect's debt; and he has been exalted to the highest place, the right hand of God where he now sits and rules (1:3, 8; 2:8).

And yet, this supreme, great high priest is also sympathetic: "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness." Because he has entered into the human condition and known the reality of trial and temptation, he is able to have real empathy, compassion, and feeling for you and me in our struggle.

Here is a pastor who is able to demonstrate real compassion; but this is compassion with a difference. Because the power of Jesus the high priest is found in the fact that he was tempted in all points as we have been "yet without sin." And his compassion and power meet to be able to deliver you and me out of every trial. Let us draw near to him and hold fast to him, this Jesus who is our "great high priest!"

November 8: Hebrews 3

2010-11-08T22:15:49Z

In the first six verses of this chapter, the writer to the Hebrews urges us to fix our attention on Jesus--to keep him in our eye and to hold and cling to him. One reason why we should "consider Jesus," why we should fix our attention on him is because of his character displayed in his office. He is both apostle and high priest of our confession: he is the "sent one" who declares God's Word to us and he is the "mediator" who stands before God for us. As both prophet and priest, he does God's work on our behalf.

But not only should we fix our attention on Jesus because of his offices, but we should also fix our attention on him because of his faithfulness: "Consider Jesus...who was faithful to him who appointed him." That picks up the language of Hebrews 2:17; Jesus is a "merciful and faithful high priest." But lest we think this is a small thing, we must remember what a chief characteristic of every other human being is: unfaithfulness. Whether spouse, co-worker, politician, friend, or even minister: every human being will falter, fail, and prove faithless at some point. Only Jesus is completely and absolutely faithful in his ministry to his people.

And this is seen especially in comparison to Moses. He was Israel's great deliverer, prophet, and originator of Israel's religion. And yet, Jesus is more worthy of glory than Moses, more worthy of attention, because he was even more faithful. While Moses was "faithful in all my house" (cf. Numbers 12:6-8), Jesus is more faithful as the builder of God's house and as the fulfiller of all that Moses promised. As the Son of God, he rules over God's people and serves them well.

No wonder we are called by God to "turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace!"

November 4: Psalm 130

2010-11-04T14:50:10Z

"O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption."-Psalm 130:7

What is "plentiful redemption"? This is a rich and full expression, and one used nowhere else in Scripture. As the climax of a penitential prayer, the phrase sums up the teaching of the entire psalm.

Verses 1- 2 bring to mind the desperation of the awakened sinner. "Out of the depths" is the cry of a person drowning in sin and guilt. Like the terror experienced by the Chilean miners recently trapped beneath the earth, so is the fear of the sinner in the hands of an angry God. Screams for help, "pleas for mercy" (verse 2), ascend to God. Plentiful redemption includes the answer to this cry.

The next two verses speak of the vast extent of our sin. If God should punish every sin of thought, word, and deed; every sin of omission and commission; every sin against God and against man; every sin from childhood to old age- O Lord, who could stand? The mere thought of my accumulated guilt is crushing. But there is forgiveness with God. God's forgiveness does not bring presumption, but greater fear. Having sinned and been forgiven, I never want to sin again. This too is part of plentiful redemption.

Waiting on the LORD for his "steadfast love" (verse 7) is another aspect of plentiful redemption. God's covenant love and faithfulness are promises in which we can "hope" (verse 5). This lifts us out of the pit of our despair as we realize that God's character rather than our need is the ultimate basis of our standing with God.

Plentiful redemption is complete when we realize that God in fact will forgive all the sins of all his people through the full redemption of his Son. The psalmist only saw this by faith, but we now know the glorious truth of Christ's death upon the cross to actually pay the price for our salvation. Every sin has been punished, all God's wrath has been turned aside from those who are in Christ Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for your "plentiful redemption"!

November 3: Titus 2

2010-11-04T14:48:30Z

"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine."- Titus 2:1

Sound doctrine is that which is healthy, whole, balanced. It does not only inform the mind but enflames the heart. It leads to right living (orthopraxy), as well as right thinking (orthodoxy). It is displayed in the following instructions given by Paul to Titus in his leadership of the church in Crete.

Specific counsel for older men, older women, young women, young men, and even slaves shows the gospel in practical living. Notice how this (negatively) prevents the gospel from being slandered (verse 5) and (positively) adorns or beautifies the doctrine of God (verse 10). Faithful Christian living by the whole church provides a foundation upon which the truth can be proclaimed to the world.

The "grace of God"(verse 11) is anything but a license to sin, but rather a call to holiness. It brings salvation, trains us to turn from sin, and empowers us to live a life distinct from the world in its self-control, uprightness, and godliness. It also brings us a forward perspective in which we anticipate the return of Christ and the final victory of God over sin.

Don't miss the heart of sound doctrine- Jesus Christ. Here he is described as fully divine - "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (verse 13). His work as well as his person is set forth - to redeem us from sin and to purify us for himself. Again the emphasis is on practical holiness as the result of God's redemptive purpose.

"Zealous for good works" is a common refrain in this letter. Good works do not save us, as 3:5 makes clear - "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy". But they are the necessary fruit of our obedience as seen in 1:16 ("unfit for any good work"), 3:1 ("Remind them to be...ready for every good work"), 3:8 ("so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works"), and 3:14 ("let our people learn to devote themselves to good works").

How "sound" is your doctrine?

November 2: Hosea 8

2010-11-02T13:02:08Z

"For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."- Hosea 8:7

Hosea prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel during its closing decades. He witnessed the decline and fall of a once strong nation. Assyria became the rod of God's wrath against his people in its destruction in 722 BC. Yet the book of Hosea reveals the loving heart of God for his unfaithful people. Chapter eight describes the symptoms of their disobedience to the LORD.

Israel had mocked God by discarding his covenant with them (verses 1-3). Having rejected life, death is now their portion.

Idolatry is openly practiced in Israel (verses 4-6). In the northern city of Dan and the southern city of Bethel, King Jeroboam had erected golden calves to distract his people from the true worship of the LORD. This deliberate "sowing of the wind" will surely lead to the "reaping of the whirlwind". In other words this open disobedience ("sowing") will certainly bring on God's judgment ("reaping"). Nothing causes God's anger to burn against us (verse 5) like robbing God of his glory through idolatry.

Trust in man (rather than trust in God) is another evidence of unbelief (verses 8-10). Israel sought to make alliances with the godless nations around it rather than depend upon the LORD for its security. Assyria (verse 9) and Egypt (verse 13) were the superpowers to the north and south upon which Israel leaned for political refuge rather than on God.

Finally , insincere and improper worship provoke God (verses 11-14). Israel multiplied altars and sacrifices to the LORD, but they did so in vain because their hearts were far from him.

Is this not a catalogue of our national sins? Defiance of God's law, open idolatry, trust in men rather than trust in the LORD, worship which feeds our pride rather than glorifies God. No modern nation stands in the position of God's ancient people, but the same moral transgressions condemn us. May the Lord grant us to turn from sowing the wind, lest we reap the whirlwind!

November 1: 2 Tim 4

2010-11-01T19:48:09Z

"Preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season: reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching"- II Timothy 4:2

Last Monday I got together with several other men with whom I went to seminary thirty years ago. It was an informal reunion built around the visit of Peter, a Korean student in our class. I expected a laid-back evening of reminiscing, but instead I was deeply moved by Peter's testimony. He had returned to America for the first time after all these years, sent by the church that he had founded and still led, in order to thank the Americans who had helped him so much. Peter's zeal was evident, and he questioned us: "Do you remember when the faculty hosted our class for a graduation dinner?" Most of us vaguely remembered the occasion. "Do you remember what our homiletics professor said that evening?" Blank stares met his fiery eyes. Then Peter mimicked Mr. Harding's walk and voice: "PREACH THE WORD!" After all the other speeches of the evening, just three words: "PREACH THE WORD!"

For thirty years these words of Paul had rung in Peter's ears. Second Timothy is the final impassioned plea of the aging apostle to his child in the faith. From the depths of prison and the gates of eternity Paul pours out his heart to young Timothy. And the most urgent command was this- Preach the Word! If the gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto all who believe, then the most important work of the Christian servant is to declare it to all. Period. Nothing else is more important, especially for a pastor.

I drove home that night thinking about the last thirty years. What have I done? In the endless round of committee meetings, church activities, programs and visits, have I preached the Word? Have I done "the work of the evangelist" (verse 5)?

And how about you? In whatever your calling, you are to participate in the spreading of the gospel, in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.. What have you done today to preach the Word?