Following on from the thought that all believers may be anointed to minister reconciliation and communicate by the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to say that it is important for us to use appropriate means in order to fulfil the Great Commission - to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Jesus told us to preach the gospel to all Creation. The mass media stands out to me as being one of the most culturally relevant and cost effective tools for doing just this.
We are being conditioned to believe that if we want to reach a lot of people for Christ, we need to stand behind some kind of church pulpit. But this is nonsense. What we really need to do is get into places in society where we will truly "be heard". The issue is not whether you yourself are called to be a public speaker, or writer, but whether you are truly part of a team that IS involved in getting the message of God across to as many people as possible in a credible way.
As the people of God we need to be heard, otherwise we cannot discharge our responsibility before God.
Jesus did not limit his ministry to the synagogues of the Jews. He was able to preach in those places, but many times He preached outside the religious meeting places, by the lake or from a hilltop where people gathered to hear Him. I used to desire intensely to preach in the open air and do the works of Jesus, and for a while there I was doing something like this, in Romania actually. We used to preach in the food markets, call people to repentance and then lay hands on the sick. I tell you, many were healed in this way, and it created quite a stir.
But as time went on Romania became more sophisticated and hardened. While we preached on the streets and saw Jesus heal the sick, the Orthodox priests were on T.V. every night telling the people that anyone with a Bible who was not one of them was a kind of cultist and heretic (sectant is the Romanian word they used). They told people that it was the unforgivable sin to change your religion. The common people of Romania are biblically illiterate, and trust their priests very much. Orthodox priests believe it is not the business of the laity to understand theology, and that people's salvation depends on them receiving the sacraments at THEIR hands. If the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is correct, we had the truth - but the Orthodox priests had the medi
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Thank you Michael for all
Thank you Michael for all you do in the kingdom of God. A few years ago I asked you for permission to use some of your material in our bible institute, I still use it and again .... thanks!
A note for Anthony: sounds like God has you in the right place. Saudi Arabia is your harvest field. Winning the lost in your own neighborhood is vital so start knocking on doors.
pastor lupe
I think your insight on
I think your insight on using the media and technology at large is THE WAY TO GO.
I myself constantly think about it as I know the impact it will have on many peoples lives. I am a technician at the sole TV/Radio broadcasting station in Zimbabwe and most of all a devoted 'baby' christian. I owe part of my being saved and some of my guidance to Christian Satellite TV which is why I see the need for us Christians to TAKE CONTROL of the majority of the media through Jesus Christ who strengthens us (Phillipians 4:13)
My biggest dream is to be of service to The Lord through one of these Christian Satellite channels in any way He pleases.
Be Blessed, and remember to move towards TAKING CONTROL OF THE MEDIA.
If you don't believe that we
If you don't believe that we should use inventions of men to spread the gospel, then I suggest you review whether you should use the internet, a microphone or even a ball-point pen. All these are inventions of men.
Gutenberg I think it was invented the printing press and it facilitated the spread of the Word of God and helped the church move out of the dark ages.
More people are won to the Lord in Saudi Arabia through Satellite TV than any other method. If you believe strictly in preaching it flesh and blood in Saudi, tell us how it goes - I believe you will not last too long in the country.
The Word of God can be taught as well as preached through books, tapes and audio-visual media. I never met Derek Prince in person but his audio tapes and books changed my life.
There is nothing unholy about technology. What is unholy is when we let the devil be the only one who uses it. Satan has produced great sinners by means of the media, is God unable or unwilling to produce great saints by means of the media? This is not to say that we do not need to gather together in local churches. But sometimes local churches are cold and far from God. We cannot restrict God to a box.
Saints, Peace be to you all
Saints,
Peace be to you all !
The Eternal One is ever existing.
HE is !
Much before the inventions of men. All inventions !
Yet, this ETERNAL GOD spoke to His people through HIS prophets,
obedient men, Holy men that separated themselves for GOD, the men of GOD.
GOD could have " F L A S H E D " the GOOD NEWS all across the sky for all men to see and believe. HE did not do this. The GOSPEL is to be preached Etc. through men who are willing to go out there in the HARVEST
which is ready.
Physically travel to the parts of the World as the Spirit of GOD leads them.
Joyfully share the love of GOD in CHRIST as ambassadors of CHRIST, willingly and rejoicingly. This is pleasing to GOD. Every persecution and discrimination is received with thanks-giving to do the will of GOD. Saints, delight in doing this now, for you may not have such opportuniy in future.
Preaching the Gospel through the modern inventions will produce only Christians and NOT SAINTS. Saints, that are CHRIST LIKE and that are CHRIST MINDED.
These Christians will be on the list of several Christian Organisations, Christian Institutes, Christian Ministries, Etc. but they are NOT A PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST - CHURCH.
They do not build themselves up as living stones in to a spiritual house whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ. They have no spiritual sacrifices to offer to GOD which are acceptable to HIM through His Son. In fact, these do not know what are these "SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES".
The Spirit of GOD abides in the BODY of the Saint who has his being in Christ Jesus and so is not condemned. This Saint when preaches in person (flesh and blood) and under the influence of the Holy Spirit boldly
and wisely is pleasing to GOD. Being present geographically is of great importance. God has always sent HIS men personally with HIS message to the TARGET country.
Sitting in the studio, how does the speaker know the FORCES of DARKNESS that he is contending with in the TARGET AREA for the Glorious Gospel ?
I write this reply from Saudi Arabia. People here are against the Gospel.
Let all those that are in Christ Jesus be moved to go out there inspired by HIS SPIRIT, who leads them to share Jesus Christ, as their will remain crucified on the cross and then they are MORE THEN CONQUERORS.
Glory to GOD !
AMEN.
Very enlightning and helps
Very enlightning and helps motivate the direction of my prayers
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