Sermon Snippet – Putting the Fun into Fundamentalism – Part VIII
INTRODUCTION –We continue in our consideration of some of the essentials of the Christian life – the fundamentals – and the fact that we are blessed by our Savior God in each of these areas of life. Life with Jesus is eternal, meaningful, and inherently good – all of which sound fun to me. Today, let us think a bit about the central subject of communication.
1. GOD IS THE ULTIMATE COMMUNICATOR
John 1:1 says of God the Son, Jesus Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “Word” here means not only expressed language but also the thought behind the expression. Complete communication is what is conveyed in this verse. Verse 18 explains the necessity of this divine revelation: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, [Who] is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him” – that is, made Him known, known to each of us.
2. THE BIBLE, THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD, CONTINUES THIS COMMUNICATION
Romans 10:13-15 makes it clear that the preaching of the Gospel message of eternal salvation through faith in Jesus is paramount. We all need Jesus as Savior, and we all need Him as Savior right now. Biblical preaching cannot be replaced by pep talks: “But speak thou the things which become [are appropriate to] sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).
3. PRAYER IS, AT ITS CORE, COMMUNICATION WITH GOD
Earlier in the service, we recited the Lord’s Prayer; together, we were speaking directly to our Lord. Prayer is not exclusively about answers, although we do receive them. It is also worship, and it is also a major source of God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
4. OUR COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS MATTERS
Colossians 4:5-6 is a convicting passage. Contrast it with much social media and violent political rhetoric, and see the difference between God and mere man. May we stand with God. Ephesians 4:25-32 is a searing and searching passage that calls for sober self-evaluation, particularly in our closest relationships.
CONCLUSION – A while ago, I was visiting with an older lady in a nursing home. We talked about the future (both the immediate and the eternal), the present (her health, our families, current events), and the past. We told stories and laughed together. As I was leaving, she said, “People don’t just talk like this anymore.” As Christians, let us value the gift of communication, let us bless others in our conversations, and let us enjoy the opportunities to talk to others.