October 19th, 2025
by James Drake
by James Drake
In a world filled with endless messages competing for our attention, it can be difficult to know what's truly real and worth building our lives upon. From AI-generated content to constantly shifting cultural values, we live in an age where "seeing is no longer believing." Yet there is one message that has stood the test of time for over 2,000 years: Christ is Lord.
What Does It Mean That Christ Is Our Message?
When we say "Jesus is our message," we're declaring something profound about the nature of Christianity. This isn't about religion or following a set of rules - it's about relationship. It's not about what we can do for God, but about what Christ has already done for us.
The apostle Paul understood this deeply. In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, he describes his ministry as one of mercy from God. Paul, who had once persecuted the church, recognized that he didn't deserve to be on God's team. Yet God transformed his life completely, turning him from someone who tried to destroy the church into someone who helped build it.
Why Paul Called It a "Ministry of Mercy"
Paul's transformation illustrates an important truth: none of us deserve God's calling on our lives. Whether you're in full-time ministry or working as an accountant, teacher, or athlete, whatever God has called you to do is a gift of His mercy. We haven't been called to be successful - we've been called to be faithful.
This applies to all believers, not just pastors. The Bible teaches about the "priesthood of all believers," meaning that whatever we do - whether in business, education, healthcare, or any other field - we can do it for God's glory. Every legitimate calling is sacred when done in service to Christ.
How Do We Know Jesus Is the True Message? The Problem of Counterfeits
Paul warns us about counterfeits that try to distract from the true gospel. The first temptation is to water down or tamper with God's word, giving people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. This wasn't just Paul's battle - it's our battle today too.
Throughout history, people have tried to profit from spiritual hunger by creating alternative gospels or compromising the truth. But the original disciples, ten of whom died as martyrs according to church history, gave everything because they believed this message was true and worth spreading to the ends of the earth.
The Veil That Blinds
Paul also describes how Satan, "the god of this world," blinds the minds of unbelievers. Through distractions and half-truths, he pulls people away from the ultimate truth that can set them free. But Satan's power is powerless when confronted by the power of the Gospel in Christ our Lord.
What Makes Jesus Different from Other Religious Leaders? Christ as Lord, Not Just Teacher
When Paul declares "we preach Christ as Lord," he's making a radical claim. In Paul's day, Caesar was considered lord - either a god himself or a semi-god worthy of worship. But Christians couldn't bend their knee to Caesar because they had seen the risen Lord Jesus.
The term "Lord" (Kurios in Greek) was used in the Septuagint to translate God's name (Yahweh) from Hebrew. This means Christ isn't just a good teacher - He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega. When we declare Christ as Lord, we're saying our ultimate allegiance is to Him, not to any earthly authority.
The New Covenant vs. The Old Covenant
Paul contrasts the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of the Spirit. The old covenant, written on stone tablets, was temporary and pointed to our need for a Savior. The new covenant, established through Christ's blood, writes God's law on our hearts and gives us the power to live according to His will.
Unlike Moses' face, which faded in glory after encountering God, Jesus' face never fades in glory - it gets brighter and brighter until the very end.
How Does Christ Transform Lives Today? Personal Transformation
When Christ's light comes into our hearts, it doesn't just remove darkness - it replaces it with light that shines through us to others. This transformation is real and lasting. It changes not just our eternal destination, but our daily direction.
The gospel message is hard to hear because it tells us we are sinners, separated from God, unable to save ourselves. But it's also the most hopeful message because it declares that Christ has done what we cannot do - He has paid the price for our sin and offers us forgiveness and new life.
The Ripple Effect
When someone genuinely encounters Christ, the change is noticeable to others. Family members who once questioned the reality of faith begin to see authentic transformation over time. This isn't about perfection, but about a genuine change of heart that produces lasting fruit.
Why Should We Share This Message?
We weren't just saved from hell - we were saved for eternity with our Savior. This means we have both the privilege and responsibility to share this good news with others. Sometimes this requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who don't yet know Christ.
The key is to step into others' worlds, experience what they experience, and build genuine relationships. Whether it's at work, school, the gym, or in our neighborhoods, God wants to use us as lights in the darkness.
Life Application
This week, consider how you can let Christ's light shine through you in your daily interactions. Look for opportunities to step into someone else's world and build a genuine relationship. This might mean joining a community activity, having lunch with a coworker, or simply being more intentional about the conversations you have with neighbors and acquaintances.
Ask yourself these questions:
What Does It Mean That Christ Is Our Message?
When we say "Jesus is our message," we're declaring something profound about the nature of Christianity. This isn't about religion or following a set of rules - it's about relationship. It's not about what we can do for God, but about what Christ has already done for us.
The apostle Paul understood this deeply. In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, he describes his ministry as one of mercy from God. Paul, who had once persecuted the church, recognized that he didn't deserve to be on God's team. Yet God transformed his life completely, turning him from someone who tried to destroy the church into someone who helped build it.
Why Paul Called It a "Ministry of Mercy"
Paul's transformation illustrates an important truth: none of us deserve God's calling on our lives. Whether you're in full-time ministry or working as an accountant, teacher, or athlete, whatever God has called you to do is a gift of His mercy. We haven't been called to be successful - we've been called to be faithful.
This applies to all believers, not just pastors. The Bible teaches about the "priesthood of all believers," meaning that whatever we do - whether in business, education, healthcare, or any other field - we can do it for God's glory. Every legitimate calling is sacred when done in service to Christ.
How Do We Know Jesus Is the True Message? The Problem of Counterfeits
Paul warns us about counterfeits that try to distract from the true gospel. The first temptation is to water down or tamper with God's word, giving people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. This wasn't just Paul's battle - it's our battle today too.
Throughout history, people have tried to profit from spiritual hunger by creating alternative gospels or compromising the truth. But the original disciples, ten of whom died as martyrs according to church history, gave everything because they believed this message was true and worth spreading to the ends of the earth.
The Veil That Blinds
Paul also describes how Satan, "the god of this world," blinds the minds of unbelievers. Through distractions and half-truths, he pulls people away from the ultimate truth that can set them free. But Satan's power is powerless when confronted by the power of the Gospel in Christ our Lord.
What Makes Jesus Different from Other Religious Leaders? Christ as Lord, Not Just Teacher
When Paul declares "we preach Christ as Lord," he's making a radical claim. In Paul's day, Caesar was considered lord - either a god himself or a semi-god worthy of worship. But Christians couldn't bend their knee to Caesar because they had seen the risen Lord Jesus.
The term "Lord" (Kurios in Greek) was used in the Septuagint to translate God's name (Yahweh) from Hebrew. This means Christ isn't just a good teacher - He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega. When we declare Christ as Lord, we're saying our ultimate allegiance is to Him, not to any earthly authority.
The New Covenant vs. The Old Covenant
Paul contrasts the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of the Spirit. The old covenant, written on stone tablets, was temporary and pointed to our need for a Savior. The new covenant, established through Christ's blood, writes God's law on our hearts and gives us the power to live according to His will.
Unlike Moses' face, which faded in glory after encountering God, Jesus' face never fades in glory - it gets brighter and brighter until the very end.
How Does Christ Transform Lives Today? Personal Transformation
When Christ's light comes into our hearts, it doesn't just remove darkness - it replaces it with light that shines through us to others. This transformation is real and lasting. It changes not just our eternal destination, but our daily direction.
The gospel message is hard to hear because it tells us we are sinners, separated from God, unable to save ourselves. But it's also the most hopeful message because it declares that Christ has done what we cannot do - He has paid the price for our sin and offers us forgiveness and new life.
The Ripple Effect
When someone genuinely encounters Christ, the change is noticeable to others. Family members who once questioned the reality of faith begin to see authentic transformation over time. This isn't about perfection, but about a genuine change of heart that produces lasting fruit.
Why Should We Share This Message?
We weren't just saved from hell - we were saved for eternity with our Savior. This means we have both the privilege and responsibility to share this good news with others. Sometimes this requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who don't yet know Christ.
The key is to step into others' worlds, experience what they experience, and build genuine relationships. Whether it's at work, school, the gym, or in our neighborhoods, God wants to use us as lights in the darkness.
Life Application
This week, consider how you can let Christ's light shine through you in your daily interactions. Look for opportunities to step into someone else's world and build a genuine relationship. This might mean joining a community activity, having lunch with a coworker, or simply being more intentional about the conversations you have with neighbors and acquaintances.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I living as though Christ is truly Lord of my life, or am I just treating Him as a helpful addition to my plans?
- Where is God calling me to be a light in the darkness this week?
- Who in my sphere of influence needs to hear about the hope found in Christ?
- How can I step out of my comfort zone to build relationships with people who don't yet know Jesus?
Recent
Mission Must Be Our Mindset: Living as Ambassadors for Christ
November 2nd, 2025
The Good Shepherd Who Pursues the Lost
October 26th, 2025
Jesus Is Our Message: Why We Preach Christ as Lord
October 19th, 2025
Top Ten Ways the Reformation Changed the World
October 17th, 2025
Halloween
October 13th, 2025
No Comments