Something more
by Pastor Mike Novotny
How do you respond when someone questions the Bible because of all the translations?
At the seminary that I attended, there is a Greek phrase in big letters over the doors of the chapel where future pastors gather for worship: κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον. That first word means “Preach!” It’s a message that comes with authority and not merely personal opinion, like messengers sent from the king to notify the citizens of the kingdom. The last phrase means “the gospel.” The good news. The declaration that our God did a very good thing for very bad people, sending his Son to save sinners for eternal life.
Some people cringe over words like preach and doctrine. Not me. We need forgiveness that is more than a human invention or a friend’s opinion. No, we need a message that comes with authority and power, one that originated at the throne of the God who will judge the living and the dead. Only something that big could calm our troubled hearts and assure us that we will, without a doubt, see the face of God.
“Preach the gospel,” Jesus commanded to his church (Mark 16:15). Give them good doctrine, a message of love from the God of power, grace declared with authority.
Please don’t get suckered into the shallow doctrine of 21st-century America, which idolizes human emotion and opinion and “my truth.” Your soul needs something more. Listen to gospel preaching. Submit to the Bible’s authority. The result is that the good news of Jesus will get the final word over your soul. And his truth will set you free.
Time of Grace is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation.
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