Romans 10: 16-17
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)
- The Fullness of God’s Message:
We looked at this last week (part 1). - The Father of God’s Message:
God Himself speaking through the Gospel to His creatures in gatherings of people organized by Elders and Deacons. God works every day to make the message heard.
God draws His people to places where they hear His Word.
God is the Shepherd of His sheep. Moses had a concern that the congregation should not be like sheep that have no shepherd (Num. 27:16-17).
Pastors are called to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Preachers are ambassadors for Christ, God speaking through them (2 Cor. 5:20).
A call to build on the Foundation (Christ) in humility (1 Cor. 3:11-17) – to feed the sheep, not entertain the goats. - The Faithful to God’s Message:
The Gospel minister is a servant to God’s people – not to rule over them – called to be an example and facilitator, their friend and counselor.
When the Church was scattered, the believers kept on proclaiming the Gospel wherever they went.
We must also fulfill the Name of the Lord and proclaim Him everywhere we go – defending and heralding His Name in all we do.
We all have a ministry to fulfill (Rom 12:5-8), having the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel.
Ministers have the task to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-13).