Are you telling others what matters most?

Theology matters. I say again, theology matters. I’m fairly confident I’ve repeated that frequently enough from the pulpit that the members of MHBC have grown weary of hearing it. Nonetheless, theology matters. Doctrine matters. What you believe matters. It matters deeply.

As a Christian and as someone who has studied the Bible for the better part of four decades, it is my conviction that Baptist theology most closely aligns with Biblical theology. I know several of you reading this article would disagree, and that’s okay. I have close friends right here in town who feel the same way about Lutheran, Presbyterian or Methodist doctrine. But ultimately, we are all accountable to the Lord, not others. Therefore, conscience constrains me to preach and promote what I believe to be true, which is Baptistic teachings. By God’s grace, I hope to devote my life contending for the body of truth that (I believe) was once delivered to the saints. Yet however deep-rooted my convictions may be, and though we may strongly disagree on any number of theological beliefs, if you are a Christian, you are my brother or sister in Christ; not my enemy. Yes, our doctrinal differences may compel us to draw some ecclesiological lines. So much so, I may not feel comfortable inviting you into the pulpit where I pastor, but if you have committed your life to following after Christ, we are on the same side. We love the same Lord. We have been saved by the same Gospel. We have been washed in the same blood. We are kept by the same Holy Spirit. And we will live in the same heaven forever. If indeed you have been born-again, we are Christian family and I love and value you.

Having said all that, allow me in my feeble way to encourage you to make sure you are rightly and consistently proclaiming the Gospel message. Whether you are a pastor, an elder, a Sunday School teacher or simply someone who loves Jesus and wants others to know Him … I want to challenge you to make sure you are intentional about sharing the Gospel.

Someone, somewhere at some time said something incredibly silly and unfortunately it has stuck around. “Preach the Gospel, and if you have to, use words.” Or the quote is also repeated like this, “Preach the gospel at all times; Use words if necessary.” Now I will concede that sounds really pious and shrewdly spiritual – but the truth is, it’s only a half truth (at best). Of course, those of us who claim to be Christians should live like Christians. It should be the aim of every believer to live a life consistent with Christian conduct so that others take note that we have been changed by the Word of God. Yes, we ought to have a witness to a watching world that we are followers of Christ. However, being a Godly example is not enough to win someone to Christ. It may indeed cause others to ask questions, and we hope it does. But if or when asked what makes the Christian different, how do we reply? The answer is – we share the Gospel. It is the good news that Jesus Christ came into this world to do for us what we could not, and would not, do for ourselves! Yes, we ought to live holy and consecrated lives reflecting the light of Christ before a lost world shrouded in darkness, but we must also vocally convey the Gospel to others. Dear follower of Christ, be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you (1 Peter 3:15). Confessing believer, live like a Christian – but you must also communicate the Gospel in more than actions, but in word.

As a Baptist pastor, I would love to see more people filling Baptist churches. However, as a Christian, I would prefer to see more people come to know Christ! This happens when God’s redeemed people, regardless of denomination or affiliation, speak the Glorious Gospel of Christ to those God has put in their path. It grieves me that I do not more willingly share this good news more frequently than I do. I think most every Christian feels this way. I want to challenge every reader to make sure they are communicating the Gospel and that the church they support is faithful to proclaim the Gospel. Unfortunately, I have heard numerous sermons in which the Good News of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone was never even communicated. Church attendee, be a good listener and make sure the preacher is proclaiming a Gospel-centered sermon.

Nothing is more important than being clear about how lost sinners can be made right with a Holy God. Simply put, someone can be wrong about many Bible doctrines and still go to heaven, but the Gospel is the one truth everyone must get right. We might disagree on how much water it takes to properly baptize someone. We can debate the proper method of interpreting prophecies and parables. Furthermore, we might strongly disagree on when the church started and which denomination most rightly represents apostolic doctrine, etc. etc. While these issues are all weighty, and many of us have strong convictions about them, you can be mistaken on these truths and still go to heaven. However, you cannot be wrong about the Gospel and truly be a Christian.

In 1st Corinthians 15:1-3 the Apostle Paul adamantly declares the Gospel is the supreme doctrine in human history. Theology matters and I will not suffer anyone who says otherwise. Yet, not everything the Bible teaches bears the same weight of eternal consequence. The principal doctrine in Christianity is the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the behalf of sinners! While there are numerous important doctrines in the Bible, the Gospel is of greater value than them all.

Have you trusted in the finished work of God’s Son as your only hope for heaven? If so, are you telling others this matters most?

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