Preach Christ, Crucified

Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus, name above all names.

The season of lent has been described as “Spring Training” for the Christian. I like the descriptive symbolism in that comparison. In baseball, spring training is the time to focus and work on the fundamentals of the game. It is a time of preparation, and in a particular sense, a time to recommit to the priorities of the game. I have found the lenten season to be a vital time of refocus in both my personal devotional life and in my ministry.

In general, lent is a time to concentrate on walking humbly with our God and living the life of repentance. We do this through seasons of fasting and prayer and other spiritual disciplines to prioritize our walk with Him. Particularly though, it is a time to make sure that we are faithfully Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. And to consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest [we] be wearied and faint in [our] minds (Hebrews 12:2-3).

The command of Scripture to the preacher is to preach Christ, crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). The priority of our preaching ministry must center around the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior. In preaching that message, we eloquently declare the grave evil of man’s sin and the amazing grace of our Savior God. The Passion and Easter season is approaching rapidly, may this season of lent be a time when you may truly know nothing... save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). And may it be that in this season you will be recommitted to declaring that holy message the whole year through!

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen (Jude 1:24-25).

In Our Savior’s Service Together!
Rev. Dan Gilmore