Preaching and Teaching

If you're a Christian, you must preach the Gospel.

Romans 15:16 says "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

The Lord wants us to spread the Word.  We must offer our time in some way, shape, or form ministering to others.  Jesus loved everyone and prayed for everyone the same.  Even when he was on the cross he prayed for His enemies that they may receive the Word and heed to it.

Some Christians are called to be ministers on television, others in an ordinary church, and others to a small group of people.  We are all put somewhere for a reason.  There is a voice inside of us all that we must heed to and listen for so we may know where our duties must be fulfilled.

Stan

Yesterday I had a conversation with a bus driver at Rutgers named Stan.  He is a minister and student at Rutgers in addition to driving the LX bus back and forth all day from College Avenue to Livingston Campus.  Students either love him or can't stand him. I've spoken to people that aren't Christians that say he is an inspiration to them and that the preaching he does on the bus during his daily routes is motivation to them.  I've also heard testimonies of others that say he makes them feel uncomfortable and anxious to leave the bus.  Those that know the Lord and have a willing spirit will listen and find Stan's preaching comforting.  Those that have not received God and need ministering are the ones looking to leave the bus.

That doesn't stop Stan from being friendly with everyone and preaching the Word of God.  He relates it to their lives as students and keeps an upbeat attitude no matter how he is treated by students.  His persistence is Christ-like and I believe we must all strive to follow Jesus just like Stan has chosen to do.  The New Testament tells us many stories of how people were persecuted for their beliefs and preaching but it also tells us how we will have our reward.

Mark 8:35 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."

Jesus tells us in Mark 8:35 that if we try to save our reputation, our job, our grade, our friends, our earthly lives, we will lose our reward in Heaven.  However, Jesus also tells that if we lose those things (not necessarily our physical lives) such as our possessions, our accolades, and earthly reputation for the sake of preaching the Word, we shall inherited life everlasting.  This is a beautiful thing.

Let me tell you friend, from my experience, it is much better to do away with our old ways and receive the Lord.  If you have faith and trust in God to provide all your needs (refer to Psalm 23), you will not want any good thing this world (a secular life) has to offer.  Love God and preach the Word.  Right now, I feel my calling is to write about God and blog as a tool.  You will find your calling too.  Selah.