New year starts with hopes, expectations for improvements
Scripture reading: Luke 4:14-19. Text: “He (that is Jesus) went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me TO PREACH GOOD NEWS to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.'” Luke 4:16-19. We enter each new year with the expectation that the trend will turn around, namely, instead of just hanging on, we will get ahead. We hope and pray that the church will grow spiritually, numerically and socially. We wish to become a motivating, stabilizing and reconciling force in the world.
How can we reach this goal? There are several ways to do it; however, one of our first and most important obligations is to preach the gospel. The word “gospel” means good news in the original Greek language. We feel that the world is “hungry” for the “good news” but the problem is, the good news the Bible offers and what people expect to hear, are not the same. How wonderful would it be if we could preach that “good news” that Jesus had done in the synagogue? Please see our text. We should call the people to repent, turn around, follow our Lord and become believers, that is have faith. Let us remember one of the most important requirements: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.
WHAT ARE THE ROLES OR DUTIES OF THE CHURCH TO HELP PEOPLE TO BECOME FAITHFUL?
HELPING PEOPLE TO OBTAIN FAITH. For this there are the sermons, religious literature and broadcast, as well as to witness personally. Apostle Paul had made it clear: “Consequently, FAITH COMES FROM HEARING the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17. Also the same apostle had encouraged Timothy in this way: “I give you this charge: Preach the Word . . .” 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Apostle Peter had the same to say: “He (Jesus) commanded us (the disciples) to PREACH TO THE PEOPLE and to testify that he (Christ) is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts of Apostles 10:42.
NUTURING AND STRENGTHENING THE FAITH. Even the apostles had asked the Master: “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘INCREASE our faith!'” Luke 17:5. The Savior had charged Peter: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, STRENGHTEN your brothers.” Luke 22:32. It was recorded about Paul and Barnabas: “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, STRENGTHENING the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts of Apostles 14:21-22.
PROTECTING THE FAITH. Please read the story how Apostle Paul had spoken against idols and false gods, as recorded in Acts of Apostles 17:16-34. It starts in this way: “While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. SO HE REASONED in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.” 16-17 verses. The other good example is the defensive speech of Stephen, who had become the first martyr, please read Acts of Apostles 7:1-53. The branch of science in theology that protects our faith is called apologetics, which is the systematic, logical defense of our teachings.
PROPAGATING OUR FAITH. Our Lord had charged his disciples: “. . . go and MAKE DISCIPES OF ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, . . .” Matthew 28:19, and He did the same before He had ascended into heaven: “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of Apostles 1:8.
During this coming year, what will make us kneel down and turn to God: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE or TROUBLE, TRAUMA and TRAGEDY? Do we still remember how many came to church suddenly after Sept. 11, 2001? What will direct our attention heavenward, smile on our face or teardrops in our eyes? Lord, have mercy on us again.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.