Lets Restore the Word of Christ

"What? Trying to spread the gospel message without quoting from the New Testament? Impossible!" That may be your first reaction, but just think about it. Scholars tell us that the first New Testament book, either Galatians or First Thessalonians, was written in about 50 CE, nearly 20 years after that glorious Pentecost when Christ crucified was first proclaimed as the only possible remedy for sinners. The last New Testament books, probably the letters of John or Revelation, were likely written in the 90s, close to three generations after the Resurrection. The New Testament as a unit was probably unavailable until the mid-second century. And yet Christianity experienced some of its most dynamic growth during this period when its Bible consisted only of the Old Testament.

How did those earliest Christians do it? The Book of Acts is clear: The apostles said, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (4:20). It wasn't long before they were told, "you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching" (5:28). The early Christians "preached the word wherever they went" (8:4). They "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6 ASV). They were convinced that "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17).

What is this "word of Christ"? At the time Paul wrote Romans it could not have been the written Word, because such did not exist. It had to be the spoken Word, translated to each human heart through the life-experience of a living, breathing Christian.

It is this oral Word of God that we must restore to modern Christianity. Not that we should throw away our New Testaments--far from it! Let's read more and feed more. But let's also seed more and lead more. Speaking for Jesus in our world, to our FRAN (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, and Neighbors) is the key to a revival of dynamic evangelism. Let's commit ourselves to sow continually; that God may bless abundantly; and then let's reap unceasingly.

* * *

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

The Lost and Found

When we think in terms of what it means for... Read More

Undoing a Catholic and an Orthodox Christian Feud

There's an anecdote about twins still in their mother's womb.... Read More

The Oldest Concept in History

I find it funny that one of the oldest concepts... Read More

Facing Our Fears

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.... Read More

Preachers In America Will Cause Americas Demise

American Preachers Are At The Forefront Of The Travesties Committed... Read More

Satan is Let Loose One More Time

After the 1000 years are up in the Millennium Kingdom,... Read More

White Sun - Tao of Heaven. Showers of Wisdom ( Part 1 of 3 )

'Showers of Wisdom' is taught by JiGong, the Heavenly teacher... Read More

The Wealth of the Wealthy

Some may ask, why can't I have a lot of... Read More

Church Building and Church Buildings

Church building is a term used to designate both the... Read More

Bible and Kabbalah: The Hardening of Pharoahs Heart

There is continuous creation, out of the new ideas discovered... Read More

Religious Tolerance and the Internet

The internet is a great resource of information on all... Read More

3 Clues To Know Where You Fit In Ministry Part 1

Clue Number 1: You Have TalentYou were born with at... Read More

The Snake Charmers - Part 1

2 Kings 9:30-9:36. How many her today believe in the... Read More

War in Heaven

This next event, a war in heaven, will not be... Read More

Balancing the Apple Cart

About forty women squatted in small clusters on the floor... Read More

Muhammad

FAITH THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS:The Way of the Peaceful Warrior is... Read More

Resurrection Faith (Part 2)

Christ died. This is a historical fact not to be... Read More

British B. S.

CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE: -MacDari was a Mason but his Masonry deplored... Read More

The Kabbalah Kraze!

I remember hearing a minister years ago as he quoted... Read More

Smile! God Loves You!

There is a greater sin than not obeying Jesus; it... Read More

Religion Versus Science: The Truth

I find myself amazed and appalled that such strong antipathy... Read More

Jesus is Lord: Lets Stop Usurping His Roles

In five words Paul enunciates the basic principle of the... Read More

Great Seats

And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit... Read More

Catholics Need To Take a Second Look at Morality

According to CNN, Catholics voted for President Bush over Senator... Read More

Whats A Single Christian To Do?

It's Saturday night. You're sitting at home. Your phone has... Read More

Prophetic Ministry: Affirmations From Scripture to Teach Us Who We Are In Christ

To learn who you are in Christ, you must know... Read More

The Dark Side of The Pope

If you look at just the man/women after he/she has... Read More

Anointed versus Talented: Whats the Difference?

Talent is defined as: "Natural endowment or ability of a... Read More

Why Christian and Atheist Libertarians Get Along

I'm the most religious guy in the Libertarian Party. At... Read More

Why Me

Why MeAs a Christian I feel the need to say... Read More

An Encouraging Moment / Pomes for the Heart

Here are a few pomes, that I hope, may encourage... Read More

A Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams

Matthew 19:17-19:23A Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams Have you... Read More

Gods Armorbearer & The Ministry of Details

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,... Read More