July 10, 2025
“A true follower of Jesus never becomes accustomed to the sound of footsteps headed for hell.”
Two weeks ago, I began a series here in the Epistle sharing the qualities of a Christ Follower. The first week we looked at the mind and its biblical focus as Christ Follower. The second week we looked at the heart which worships God out of love. This week we look at the mouth of the Christ Follower as the mouthpiece of the Gospel.
Romans 10:14-15a forms the basis for our topic today. God’s Word reads:
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching [proclaiming] to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?”
I didn’t plan for this week’s topic to fall between this past Sunday’s message and next Sunday’s message, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. Having looked at Andrew and Phillip’s examples of simply sharing about Jesus and inviting their contact to come see / hear Jesus for themselves, this is highly appropriate.
Deadly flooding in Texas July 4th has prompted some to cast allegations that the Weather Service was too slow or not even competent to put out warnings of possible flooding. I leave that discussion for another time. But what is definitely evident is that the Weather Service would have been derelict in their duties had they not put out any warning. When we read the inspired words of Apostle Paul in the text above, we must ask ourselves, “Am I being derelict in my responsibility to be a witness to Jesus, especially to those who haven’t heard the ‘warning’?”
God makes it clear in Ezekiel that if he preaches (proclaims) God’s message, he is freed from accountability before God. Whether his audience responds positively or negatively is on the hearers. But if Ezekiel does not bear witness to God and His will, then his hearer’s blood is on him. (Ezekiel 3:16-21) This is a hard message, but a good message for us for every Christ Follower is commanded to be a witness to Jesus. (Matthew 28:19; Acs 1:8)
Ours is not to bring a theological or philosophical treatise but simply to share our experience of the Person of Jesus. Our mouths as Christ Followers are to bear witness of what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. If we think we have nothing to share, it is either for a lack of awareness (which is problematic enough) or we are in sore need of examining the state of our souls and relationship with Christ.
One of the saddest comments made to me about a year or so ago was this, “We haven’t been taught how to make disciples.” What a sad commentary, and very possibly a terrible judgment on decades of pastors, teachers, and members who have served and been part of this congregation’s history. Well, I have been trying and am continuing to try to remedy that. This coming Sunday we’re going to look at a very familiar text in John 4. Jesus Himself shows us some key points about how to connect with people and bear witness to our faith and relationship with God in a winsome way.
I look forward to seeing you and sharing how we can Love ,Follow, and Serve Jesus and seek to Thrive in ’25!!
Loving you in Jesus!
Pastor Brian
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