08/24/21 WOE IS UNTO ME, IF I PREACH NOT... BECAUSE I AM DEBTOR TO ALL MEN

08/24/21 WOE IS UNTO ME, IF I PREACH NOT... BECAUSE I AM DEBTOR TO ALL MEN

As a preacher, I can say with Paul, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel of Christ." (If I do not declare the good news). Though it could be because of a resistant heart, instead this is not said in fear of God for failing to obey a command of God, but rather, I must preach the gospel because I embrace the call of God to preach. Preaching is part of who I am. Preaching is as essential to my being as breathing. As with King David and Jeremiah, I must speak, I have to speak; God's word burns within me and I cannot keep it to myself.

1 Corinthians 9:16
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.

Every Christian should have a, "Woe is unto me..." reality in his/her life. Whatever the issue is, it is connected to the broadcasting (proclaiming) of God's good news.

There are believers who sense the need, the desire to serve God in their giving, their ministry to others, their abilities, their skills, their gifts, their talents. It isn't because they have an over abundance of energy or money or time or opportunity, but because they realize that God has given them something to be passed on, to be communicated to others and they cannot be at peace until they fulfill their God given mission.

Yes, your mission is also to share the gospel. The Bible says we are debtors to others, and because God has given us something to give to others, we are indebted until we pay that debt.

Romans 1:14-15
14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.

Sometimes the burden upon us, the drive within us is intricately related to others, even the entire local church to which we belong.
Sometimes the mission is bigger than an individual or a select few individuals.
Sometimes the mission employs the commitment, the sacrifice, the attention, the action of an entire local church.

Believers should be part of a local church with a great vision, a great mission from God.
Believers should share the great vision, the great mission of their local church.
Believers should engage in the great vision, the great mission of their local church.

The concerted cry of a local church should be, "Woe is unto me, if I don't spend myself in the good news effort of my local church."

Why do I emphasize the importance of the local church?
Because the local church is God's idea, God's plan, God's appointed system.
If we separate ourselves from God's people in the local church, we are usurping the plan, purpose and power of God.
If we choose a Lone Wolf Christianity, we are subverting the will of God.