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."

---

Surely Not ALL Evils!

Surely, Not All Evils!(circa 2000)St. Paul wrote a letter to... Read More

While the World is on Fire - Part Two

Luke 19:49-19:46 This world is a tender box, of political,... Read More

The Athiests Enigma

As an ancient African-American gospel song laments, life is filled... Read More

Armor-bearer Coach: Step Into the Ministry of Assisting

I am with you heart and mind..."Do all that you... Read More

Are You Doing the Good Part?

Just compare yourself to these two sisters.Even though they were... Read More

End Time Events - The Miscellaneous Signs

Per the miscellaneous signs listed in my previous article, Jesus... Read More

Christian Book Stores are a Great Indicator of the Popularity of the Religion in Demography

Have you ever wondered how exactly would someone find out... Read More

How To Avoid Deception!

GREAT PROPHECY TIPSHOW TO UNMASK DECEPTION"To the law and to... Read More

Tsunami: Where was God?

The powerful tsunami that on Dec. 26, 2004, hit the... Read More

Why More Priests Need To Train As Fighters (And Why We Dont See Many Boxers In Church)

"Therefore I do not run like a man... Read More

Majesty Works

Webster's dictionary explains majesty meaning a title used to speaking... Read More

Spiritual Healing or Spiritual Malpractice?

Christians with chronic illness need to know there is a... Read More

The Rise And Fall Of Babylon

According to the Book of Revelations, the city of Babylon... Read More

A Common Sense Approach to Religious Freedom

Down through the centuries and all over the world, the... Read More

The Power of Thankfulness and Vice Versa

We are soon to celebrate once again the National Holiday... Read More

In the Wake of Katrina: For Mature Christians Only!

One reason the rescue and relief effort regarding Katrina has... Read More

Fundamental Church Failures

Every great human movement toward freedom, whether commercial, political or... Read More

Truth, Justice and the American Way to Boil a Frog

Using a good tool over and over doesn't make it... Read More

Have You Neglected This Righteous Cause Of God?

As believers, we have a responsibility to care for those... Read More

String of Pearls -- A Call for Intercessors

My wife had a vision recently of a string of... 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

Heads I Win, Tails You Lose

In a time when public scrutiny is becoming tighter and... Read More

Church Building and Church Buildings

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

Building a Church and Church Building Designs

Building a church is a large project that is more... Read More

Why Me

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

The Apocalypse

Revelation 6:2-6:8.I will bring thee down, saith the LORD. ... Read More

Thank Catholic Schools For Faith in Every Student

Their high achievement comes as they spend half the money... Read More

Signs and Symbols

In the year 2005, the American Constitution has put into... Read More

How the Christian Right is Blowing It

I am not a particularly pious person and I certainly... Read More

The Word: What has it Changed in You Lately?

In Matthew 13 Jesus relates a paprable to His disciples.... Read More

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

Everything one does in his life, irrespective of whether he... Read More

The Story of Joshua and Caleb

The story of Joshua and Caleb is one of the... Read More

Connect These Dots: Unilateral Withdrawal, Egypt, Collapse of the South Wall, Raised Taxes and the..

There is a prophetic mosaic that few have attempted to... Read More