In recent weeks, President George W. Bush has
been heard using the statement, "I approve this message!"
in his political ads. May I suggest that, as we preach the gospel,
we can use these words regarding the message of salvation which
the Lord Jesus Christ has authorized. When we preach the truth,
the Lord is approving the message. It is so important that we
preach "sound doctrine" as the apostle Paul urged Timothy
to do. 2 Timothy 1:13.
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in
heaven." Psalm 1:13. We are challenged to preach the word.
2 Timothy 4:2. Following Jesus' baptism, God said, "This
is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17.
Likewise, on the mount of transfiguration, God, again, spoke from
heaven and declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased; hear ye him." Matthew 17:5.
The Lord has been endorsed by the Heavenly Father.
His word is final. Thus, when we faithfully preach the gospel,
it is approved by God and His Son Jesus. Oh, how important it
is that we contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 3. Jesus said in John 12:48, "... the word that I have
spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." If we
fail to speak the truth, we will be condemned. Galatians 1:8-9.
Let us use the greatest care in handling the word of God. "But
watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry ..." 2 Timothy
4:5.
What a wonderful feeling to know that, as we preach
God's message, we do it with His approval. As Isaiah said, "It
will not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which
I please." Isaiah 55:11.
Many today are departing from the truth. Some
are of the persuasion to change the name of the church no longer
referring to the church as the church of Christ. Some are teaching
that baptism isn't essential to save the soul. Some are adding
instrumental music to the worship. I ask, "Where will it
all end?"
The apostle Peter stated this truth in 1 Peter
1:25, "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this
is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." The
gospel is God's power to save. Romans 1:16.
Is the message I preach from God? If so, He will
say, "I approve this message."
Let us examine what we hear in the light of the
Bible. Is it from God or men? Read Galatians 1:10-12. P.O. Box
427, Elizabeth, WV 26143.