By Ronald J. Kwenda
The passage of time has seen a growing indifference of men towards the Existence of a living God and dimming recognition of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross that re-opened the door for men to be reconciled to the one, true, living God. Though it is apparent that judgment and eternal separation from God awaits those who are not Reconciled to God by faith in Jesus and the surrender of their lives to His leading, today’s Christian, who should understand the urgency of this, remains consumed with himself and seldom lifts a figure to reach out to those who will soon plunge into eternal condemnation, dying without having known Jesus as Lord and savior.
The call to preach the Gospel is more than a church programme to “add numbers” to the local church, but must extend to reaching out even if “our church” does not directly receive any direct benefit. It must flow from understanding why Jesus came into the world.
Why Did Jesus Come?
The term “Christian” in itself refers to “Christ-likeness”. This would imply that anyone ascribing to this must carry the same Objectives and Heart as Jesus Christ Himself carried. I hear many preaching/saying that Jesus came so that the Christian may have access to all that they desire/want, which mindset has, unfortunately crept to the centre of the purpose of why Jesus came. God is faithful to meet our needs, but can our Christian walk be centred on the meeting of our needs and us having what we desire? What does Scripture say about Jesus’s purpose of coming? Paul makes a staggering remark as he writes to Timothy in 1 Tim 1:15-16 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.” This is amplified by a number of scriptures, for example: John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 12:47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. Mark 2:16-17 “When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?’” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This makes it clear that the prime purpose for Jesus’ coming was to save sinners, which mission any committed co-workers must prioritise.
Jesus’ “Final” Instruction To His Disciples?
As I was growing up, when accompanying my mother to the bus as she was travelling out of town, I always knew something would happen without fail. The most important instruction would be given as the Bus was driving off! I see the same at death beds, as a loved one is about to pass, the very last words are treasured and considered important. I was considering this, and looked at some of Jesus’ last words before ascending to heaven.
In Acts 1:8-9 it says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Again in Mark 16:15-16, He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Also in Luke 24:45-49, “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” Finally, in Matt 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I found it interesting he didn’t talk about many things preachers/Christians spend over 90% of their time preaching about, praying about and pursuing. Yes, we need to talk about other things related to the Christian walk, but there must not be any disillusion when it comes to what the thrust of the most important message/sermon that a Christian can ever carry and deliver.
(This series will continue next time in part two as The Call to preach the Gospel)
About Ronald J. Kwenda
Ronald Kwenda is a Professional Engineer of over 15yrs and Managing Consultant leading a Civil/ Structural Engineering firm. He also has a keen interest in mentorship, both in Business and Professional fields and Christian ministry. Having given his life to the Lord more than 21years ago, he is convinced that every Christian of any age, if they make themselves available, can be used by Lord and be a blessing in the body of Christ. You can reach him at [email protected].
