THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:23-31
“He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31)
The hope of God’s better world, as seen in the life and love of Jesus.
This is the message of Paul, and it is the message I want to preach too.
Notice, nothing about Christianity or the Church… these are not the good news.
I am increasingly convinced that the message of the church has gotten off track.
Our gospel is too cloaked in trappings of church and christianity.
Our gospel is too narrowly defined as personal forgiveness and a future home in heaven.
We speak more about moral issues and politics than about Jesus, and the way of Jesus.
We are known more for what we are against, not what we are for.
The church in the west is slowly dying; the Lord is growing the gospel elsewhere (v.28).
What the church needs is more of Jesus, more of the kingdom of God.
Not just the doctrines but the radical, practical life transformation they point to.
I remain confident in the kingdom of God, and in Jesus Christ as Lord.
But the church needs to recenter itself on the radical, gracious, humble Jesus.
May we show and share this Jesus “with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, light the fire in our hearts for KNOWING You and SHOWING You. Set us free from the chains of religion and tradition and culture, and release us in the power of Your Spirit, for You and Your kingdom!