Midweek Inspiration

I am so glad to be back from Kenya. This Sunday I will share some of the experiences to encourage the Church. But I missed you all and look forward to seeing everyone again. Thank you for all your prayers for they were felt and experienced while we ministered the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

However, allow me to encourage you with what you know to be true. There is no greater endeavor, no greater calling, and no greater purpose in life than proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the good news that Jesus came, lived, died, rose again, and now calls all people to repentance and faith in Him.

At the heart of all true preaching is this one aim. Point people to Jesus.

Jesus is the pinnacle of life. He is the treasure of heaven, the hope of sinners, the Savior of the world, and the King of all creation. Everything we say and everything we do as believers should somehow bear witness to Him.

But for many Christians, when they hear the phrase “preach the gospel,” their minds immediately go to a Sunday morning service. They picture someone standing behind a pulpit, speaking to a crowd, opening the Bible, and delivering a sermon. And yes, that is certainly one form of preaching. It is a sacred and necessary part of the life of the church.

But that is not the only way the gospel is preached.

Preaching can happen in a one on one conversation. It can happen in a small group discussion. It can happen at your workplace, at the grocery store, at the gas station, at the dinner table, or during a family gathering. It can happen when you are encouraging someone who is broken, praying with someone who is hurting, or sharing your testimony with someone who is searching.

The point is this, preaching can happen anywhere. God designed it this way.

The gospel was never meant to be locked inside the four walls of a building. It was never meant to be heard only from a microphone or a pulpit. The gospel is to be carried by the people of God into everyday life. Wherever the people of God go, the message of Jesus goes with them.

This is especially important because most people are not simply walking into church buildings anymore. Many have negative assumptions about the church. Some have been hurt. Some are skeptical. Some believe church is irrelevant. Others have never truly heard the gospel clearly explained.

But as I will always say, “You are the church”!

The church is not merely a place we attend. The church is the people of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, filled with the Spirit, and sent into the world as witnesses. When you go to work, the church is present. When you sit with your family, the church is present. When you speak with your neighbor, the church is present. When you show compassion, speak truth, pray boldly, and testify of Jesus, the church is present.

This means that every believer has a role in proclaiming Christ.

You may never stand behind a pulpit, but you can still preach. You may never hold a microphone, but you can still testify. You may never speak to a large crowd, but you can still point one soul to Jesus. And heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.

So do not underestimate the power of your everyday witness. Do not think your conversations are small. Do not believe your testimony is insignificant. The same gospel preached on Sunday is the same gospel that can be shared over coffee, in a break room, on a sidewalk, or in a living room.

Child of God, the world needs Jesus. Your family needs Jesus. Your neighborhood needs Jesus. Your coworkers need Jesus. And God, in His wisdom, has placed you exactly where you are to be a witness for His name.

So, preach Christ!

Preach Him with your words. Preach Him with your life. Preach Him with humility, love, boldness, and truth.

Because the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

And you, beloved, are the church!

In humility and love,

Pastor Lu