Responsibility of Each Preacher In Carrying the Gospel to the Whole Creation

Responsibility of Each Preacher In Carrying the Gospel to the Whole Creation

Responsibility of Each Preacher in Carrying the Gospel to the Whole Creation
J. Emmett Wainwright
Tor Boulevard Church of Christ, Los Angeles, Calif.

INTRODUCTION
The Great Commission of our Saviour is universal in reach, “all the world,” and cosmopolitan in import, “every creature.” Christ put “mission” in the commission and human beings should he afraid and ashamed to remove or mutilate. The vision of some may have been blurred by geographical and national lines. We rejoice to know, however, that many maintain an eye “single” for the commission as given by our Redeemer. Let us hope and pray for the recovery ol those afflicted, and humbly endeavor to preclude future blindness. Commendation for those who prepared the present program is in order. Our general theme is the living message of our Lord; and the assigned subjects are momentous. May the blessings of heaven be added to our humble efforts.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
(1) Preacher: One who proclaims, without fear or favor, the un-adulterated gospel of Christ. In evaluating pulpit
requisites character must not be overlooked: “Be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner
of life, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12.)
(2) Gospel: Heaven’s message of redemption for a lost and ruined world. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4.)
(3) Whole Creation: Responsible individuals capable of believing and obeying.
(4) Responsibility: The noun “response” and the verb “respond” come from two words meaning “promise again.”
The word for our consideration is defined: (a) State of being responsible or accountable; (b) That for which
one is answerable—duty or trust; (c) Ability to meet obligations. A “GOOD MINISTER”
All who aspire to preach the gospel of Christ should sincerely determine to be nothing short of a “good minister.” (1 Timothy 4:6.) In fact, honest persons would be ashamed of being any other kind. To be worthy of this encomium one should memorise the entire chapter (1 Timothy 4) and study every requirement carefully and prayerfully. The continuity of this busy program is summed up in verse 16: “Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.” Removing and precluding the partisan spirit is a solemn duty discharged by every soul-winner who believes the Lord’s prayer for unity. (John 17.) The courageous Paul set a worthy precedent in his rebuke to the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 1:10.) He did not single out the groups preferring other preachers; he challenged those who would have made him a “ring-leader” of one schism among many schisms: “Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptised into the name of Paul?” Love and courage are required to imitate. Who will qualify?

AVENUES OF ACTIVITY
There is a continual demand for “trail-blazers” of the Pauline type; and a constant need of “home-makers” of the James type. The “little world” of every congregation should be thoroughly developed. Three sub-headings have been suggested for our consideration: (1) The conversion of sinners; (2) Education of Christians as to individual responsibilities and liabilities; (3) Congregational instructions designed to maintain an active program. Pioneer gospel preachers were living demonstrations, and early Christians were “walking advertisements” for the Lord. They set a record for all time in leading others to Christ by personal efforts. The community life of pioneer converts was filled with interest and concern one for another; they were encouraged to seek for the things which would edify. (Romans 14:19.) The grave demand of this age is a revival of the apostolic spirit.

CONVERSION OF SINNERS
The world-wide and age-lasting commission of our Lord calls for Christian activity as long as humanity stands in need of salvation from sin. Had Christ demanded the “conversion of every creature” his disciples would have been burdened with an impossible task. The Lord’s requirements are within the pale of human possibility: Go ye into all the world; preach the gospel; disciple the nations; baptize believers; and, teach the new converts to observe—fulfill all things commanded. (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24.)

Inventory: The preacher must do considerable introspecting; and, then strive to acquire and classify righteous information. One must anticipate many groups of unbelievers: atheists, infidels, agnostics, doubters, skeptics, and the uninformed; some are honest, some otherwise. Christian evidences should be ready for use “in season and out of season.” Blessed is the individual who sees and admits religious problems; more blessed is the person who is capable of offering a solution; while the most blessed is the qualified individual who actually solves the problems. Unbelievers entertain question marks about divinity and inspiration; the preacher’s humble duty is to try to transform into an exclamation mark!

Confession of Faith: Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:16) was not tne result of coercion, nor the product of mechanical rote. He saw and heard enough to he convinced that Jesus was the Christ of Cod; from the abundance of his heart eame the. noble confession. Doubting Thomas (John 20:28-29) was honest enough to accept the demanded evidence and confess: “My lord and my God.” For the benefit of those who are denied a physical demonstration, Christ pronounced a beatitude: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” The sinner is not required to come knowing (physically) God, but he “must come believing.” This transcends the plane of guess-work.

Genuine repentance: The necessity of this theme will be in demand as long as frail humanity (saint and sinner) is susceptible to temptation. One may define and be able to quote many passages requiring repentance and not be induced to actually repent. An inspired penman (Romans 2:4) affirmed that the “goodness of God” leads to repentance. A general lamentation because of a. lack of compunction may be turned to rejoicing by giving more attention to God’s goodness. For baptised (?) persons to continue in sin is most shameful (Romans 6.) Fearless preachers of the New Testament impressed hearers with the importance of bringing forth “fruit worthy of repentance.”

Baptismal demarcation: One may possess a correct understanding of the form and mode of baptism and fail miserably to “obey from the heart Sincere hearts must be impressed with the importance of bemg saved from s1n and the love of sin; the putting off of the old man and the putting on of the new man; that the service of unrighteousness has given place for service of righteousness. The grave significance of baptism's retrospection (Romans 6:1-4), and prospection (1 Cor. U :28), should not be overlooked Have you ever witnessed a baptised believer kneeling in silent prayer? Have yrou ever witnessed a mature, person lift his eyes and thank God for redemption immediately after being baptised? What do you think about the statement “calling on his name” as commanded bv Ananias of Saul? (Acts 22:16.)

EDUCATION OF CHRISTIANS
Christian progress has been seriously impaired by three groups: The untaught; the. mistaught, and the mdfferent. The word educate suggests two important duties: Lead converts out of darkness into light; and, arouse from a state of lethargy to the plane of Christian service. To create and maintain interest, is a sacred responsibility recognised by earnest soul-winners. Reckless preaching has brought about horrible deformity, and the task of reformation is most difficult. Receptive hearts of new converts should be impressed with fundamental principles of Christianity and thus preclude hobbyism and political factions. Designing individuals should not aspire to occupy pulpits; and those afflicted should evacuate for the safe construction of characters.

Fundamental: Instrumental music is but a symptom of the funda-mental ailment of human hearts. The same is true regarding all innovations and inner-organimations. Lack of respect for divine authority in all matters religious is the unfortunate disease. It is possible to eliminate all innovations and demolish human organisations and still suffer from this fundamental defect! The new born babe believes in the personality of God; his faith must be enlarged to embrace unbounded confidence in divine authority The heart that is filled with love divine finds such a vast field of operation that little time is wasted seeking for the specific danger sign: “Thou shalt not.” The limit is readily recognised with the liberty.

Organization and government: Leaders and followers are always in demand. To speak of the need of leaders without recognising the need of true followers does not coincide with Sacred Writ. Qualified overseers presuppose the need of some being overseen. Scriptural rulers would be empty handed without the respect and esteem of the obedients. Potential material should be observed and developed to function in some capacity, be it ever so humble. Havoc has been wrought by neglecting the apostolic practice of leaving efficient ministers with new groups for the purpose of “setting in order the things wanting” and “ordaining elders.” In these last days, the order has been reversed: Hasty appointment of unqualified material has resulted in throwing things into disorder. When qualified elders and deacons function scripturally, and all the members realise that God’s will is being done among men, an active interest in every good work is certain to follow. Result: A living organism.

CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITY
Is the preacher responsible for certain definite instructions designed to maintain congregational activity? Some one has insisted that the “local” preacher should be “sent out” each Lord’s day so the “insistent one” might occupy the home pulpit regularly. Another brother denounced, to the bitter end, the “located preacher.” It seemed that he wanted to make annual circuits with plenty empty and inviting pulpits! The non-partisan and self-forgetful student of the apostolic practices does not find fault with the “trail-blaming” and “home-making” demonstrations of the pioneer preachers. The record of Acts is self-explanatory. No apology is offered for “job-seekers” and “position-promoters” with self-centered interests. (2 Corinthians 4:2.)

Objective: The divine system provides for a definite objective for every group of Christians, (a) The reformation of deformed characters; (b) The correct formation of immature characters; (c) The community life of sharing, jointly, joys and sorrows; (d) Sympathetic interest of general welfare of other congregations; (e) Willingness to hear every worthy appeal and the alertness to investigate to prevent ungodly impositions; (f) Substantial fellowship, as tai as humanly possible, in every good work. (Php_4:14-17 )

Educational program: Daily additions (Acts 2:47) among the early disciples is better understood when certain passages are considered: “And every day, at the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:42.) The first persecution was overruled for good: “They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4.) Alter years of theory and practice of advertising methods, one concludes that the precedent set by these early disciples is the best. Individual evangelism must be prefaced by a healthy teaching schedule, (a) Every member should learn how to worship in spirit and truth; (b) The development of youth for future service; (c) Teachers training class; (d) Critical study of every phase of the Lords government as revealed; (e) The plan of die ages should keep hearts overflowing with love for God and man.

Apostolic example: A few congregations boast of having existed seventy-five or one hundred years; nothing has been accomplished worth while to mention. Far better to be spiritually alive and righteously active during a very short existence among men. Some one has called the church at Anuoch (Syria) the “Second capital of the Christian world.’ The sacred record is a challenge:

(a) Establishment. Out of the Jerusalem persecution came a blessing; dispersed disciples travelled as far as Antioch preaching Jesus, first to the Jews then to the Gentiles. The Lord was with them: “a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” When the good news reached the remaining Jerusalem saints, the leaders were generous enough to send one of their ablest preachers, Barnabas. This man of God exhorted the new converts that with “purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Congregations should plan their work; and then work their plans! As a result of the gospel in sermon and service "much people was added unto the Lord.” Barnabas did not cater to the reputation of “building up the biggest church among us”; he quietly visited Tarsus seeking Saul to assist him.

(b) Efficiency. The continued efforts of Barnabas and Saul brought forth fruit, and soon three other capable teachers were assisting in the great work: Simeon, Lucius and Manaen. If such a monster as so -called preacher jealousy ever existed it must have been unknown among these godly men. The adage “the more we are taught the more we will do” was true with this congregation. They soon became alert to, and active in, every good work.

(c) Charity. When informed by the prophet Agabus that a famine was to sweep the country, they were self-forgetful—thinking of others. Every one determined, according to ability, to send relief to the Judean brethren. (Acts 11:29-30 )

(d) Missionary. These gospel preachers evidently remained true to the mission which Christ placed in the great commission. Interest in the salvation of other nations was manifest in sending and cncour' aging capable preachers; repeated trips were made, and joyous reports followed. (Acts 13 and 14.)

Human ingenuity has been unable to “devise means’" of surpassing this wonderful record. Negative preaching will never encourage con gregations to equal. What group is really worthy of the name Christians? (Acts 11:26.)

CONCLUSION
Finally, my fellowdaborers in the vineyard of the Lord, I would be an ungrateful wretch to ignore the inspiration received from godly gospel preachers, directly and indirectly. The privilege of sitting at the feet of able and sacrificing preachers and teachers in the Christian colleges has not been mine to enjoy; my limited training came other' wise. However, the Sacred Volume brought to me the best sermons from the best preachers; and scores of volumes from the pens of scholarly brethren presented a “secondary” opportunity. In spite of physical disabilities and circumscribed opportunities no blame can be placed upon God or man for my inefficiency. My heart and hand are extended the excellent group of voung men who aspire to carry on gospel preaching for the purpose of saving souls from sin and constructing characters for this life and that to come. Do not hesitate to command me for service at any time. Resolve to “walk worthily of the vocation” and do not prostitute the pulpit. Do your best, but do not expect to be a “cure'all”; each generation brings forth some “born in the objective case, fussative mood, and kickative gender.” Some word or deed might start a revolution of righteous thought and action; you may be the “starter.” Use pen and pulpit; radio and reason; tongue and tract. Preach the gospel in song, sermon and service. There is joy in service now, and a crown after while.

Father, may our hearts be opened to receive and understand thy will. May our eyes be enlarged to see the many opportunities on every hand; and, may we have sufficient courage to enter therein, to the extent of our ability.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Clearly define the terms in the subject of this lecture.
2. What are the qualifications or characteristics of a good minister?
3. Show the grave responsibility of the preacher toward the sinner.
4. Just how may the preacher meet this responsibility?
5. Why should the preacher continue to teach those who have been baptized?
6. Why must there be followers as well as leaders in a congregation? How should the leader be selected?
7. What should be the regular work of every local congregation? What part should the preacher play in this?
8. Describe the work of preachers in the congregation at Antioch.