“My Identity is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” I heard this statement just the other day and it got me wondering. What does this mean to me as a Christian Leader?
Let me give you some context. I was meeting with some leaders and they were discussing the pros and cons of modern preaching. The debate seemed to be about the over use of modern psychological sound bites and argument, and then claiming that these things are Godly opinion and that every Christian should be following. After all if it’s taught by a Christian and preached by a Christian and lived by a Christian, then it stands to reason that it is Christian and based on sound Biblical and Christian principles.
In my opinion there is far too much modern, ideological, influencer generated claptrap being preached from our pulpits today, the bible says in Proverbs;
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Prov 14:12 ESV).
Christian Leaders know that they have to do three things;
1)They have to live the Christian life, it needs to be part of their cultural make-up.
“And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.” (Philemon 1:6 NLT)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life. (Heb 13:7 NIV)
2)They have to lead their flock; they have to take that congregation in the direction that they feel God is taking them.
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Phil 1:27 NLT)
3)Lastly they have to feed their flocks, they have to ensure that what they feed is biblical and scriptural, and after all the scripture is food for the soul.
We are not like the many Con artist Tele Evangelists who preach for personal profit. “We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.” (2Cor2:17 NLT).
I think when it come to preaching, it should start with scripture and end with the gospel of Christ Jesus that good news to all people, this way our identities are truly found in Christ.