Friday, September 28, 2012
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
THE BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY OF MISSION-WORK
Every Christian is asked to utter the Word of God. Such talking is necessary because this news of Jesus Christ is the way -- the only way -- in which faith is created and preserved. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
A person could desire and crave peace with God, but such peace cannot be achieved by studying the wonders of creation or using some hallucinogenic drug or by having an extraordinary amount of guilt. None of those things will connect you to your Lord. Faith comes by the hearing of the word of God. This is why it is so worrisome when people get out of the habit of being involved in God's Word either by not attending church or not reading the Bible at home. We have our work cut out for us. There is are so many faith-destroying features out there, faith is always at a premium and in danger.
Yet God connects the dots for us and the beautiful simplicity of mission work and evangelism -- open your mouth. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15). If people do not hear about God, how will they know where there is salvation?
The answer then is obvious. We need to send out those to preach the word. We ourselves need to go through the open doors that God gives us personally, as a congregation, and as a church body. Think of those in your life who are hurting. Think of those who are unsure of what is going to happen to them after they die. Think of those who have misplaced priorities. Give them healing in your knowledge of Christ.
