[2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, [4] and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. [5] But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2 -5 (NASB)
This last week I was privileged to preach the Word in the nation of Peru. God is touching many lives in that land, and it was a joy to encourage and instruct pastors and church leaders. One thing that was striking to me was the unceasing effort these pastors are making to reach their nation and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was also very grateful for my home church in Tucson and my pastors who are so supportive of these efforts to take the word to the world. In fact, I’m convinced that a local church without a heart for the world is missing something (The point, maybe?).
Paul instructed Pastor Timothy to preach the Word to the saints, even if they don’t like it! Don’t just scratch their itch, challenge their hearts. He also encouraged Timothy to be prepared to sacrifice in the service of the Gospel and to be sure to reach the lost with the Message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. That is the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-9) They can’t believe what they don’t hear, and the prize is worth the price. As we go to church today, let’s be mindful of the world around us and beyond us, and be grateful for a Pastor and a church that have the world in their hearts. If you don’t have a church like that, you need to find one.
pastorvirgil.com 