May 5th, 2025
by Pastor Reid McAteer
by Pastor Reid McAteer
In a world that's constantly evolving, how do we as Christians stay true to our mission of sharing the gospel? This question becomes increasingly relevant as we witness rapid changes in our communities, technology, and society at large. The challenge before us is clear: How do we effectively reach people with the timeless message of Jesus Christ in a way that resonates with today's generation?
The heart of this matter lies in understanding that while our methods may need to adapt, our core message remains unchanged. We are called to be "all things to all people" so that we might save some, as the Apostle Paul eloquently put it in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. This doesn't mean compromising our beliefs or blending in with the world, but rather finding relevant ways to connect and communicate the gospel.
Consider the stark reality we face: In many places, even in traditionally religious areas, biblical literacy is declining. A poignant example shared was of high school students in a Bible Belt town who were largely unfamiliar with the story of Noah - a tale many of us consider fundamental. This isn't just about religious education; it's a wake-up call for us to recognize the urgent need to bridge the gap between our faith and the world around us.
The apostle Paul provides us with a powerful model for this approach. He writes, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." Paul understood that reaching people meant meeting them where they were, adapting his approach without altering the core message of salvation through Christ.
This mindset requires a shift in our perspective. Instead of seeing the world as "us against them," we need to adopt a "me for them" mentality. This means looking at every person - regardless of their background, beliefs, or lifestyle - as someone Christ died for and someone we are called to reach with His love.
Jesus Himself exemplified this approach. He often used parables and examples from everyday life to explain profound spiritual truths. He met people in their context, whether it was a Samaritan woman at a well or fishermen by the sea. Jesus made the eternal accessible and understandable to those around Him.
Embracing this approach may require us to step out of our comfort zones. It might mean reevaluating our church programs, our communication styles, or even our personal habits. The key is to always keep our eyes on the eternal goal - seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel.
This doesn't mean abandoning our traditions or core beliefs. Rather, it's about finding fresh ways to present the unchanging truth of God's Word. It's about being willing to say, "God, help me feel the burden and the personal responsibility to see this community go to heaven."
Consider the example of Jesus Himself, who left the glories of heaven to become human, to reach us where we were. Hebrews 2:9 tells us that Jesus "was made lower than the angels for a little while" so that by God's grace He might taste death for everyone. If Christ was willing to go to such lengths to reach us, how can we not be willing to adapt and stretch ourselves to reach others?
This call to expansion - to seek relevant methods to proclaim an unchanging message to an ever-changing society - is not just about church growth or numbers. It's about eternal impact. It's about seeing our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members not just sitting beside us in church, but also in eternity.
Practically, this might look like:
1. Praying for fresh vision and ideas to reach our community.
2. Being willing to change our approach if it means reaching someone new with the gospel.
3. Investing time and resources into understanding the needs and culture of those around us.
4. Prioritizing relationships and genuine connections over programs.
5. Being open to new methods of outreach and communication, especially in reaching younger generations.
The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. We live in a time where people are searching for meaning, purpose, and hope. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers exactly what they're looking for, but it's up to us to present it in a way they can understand and relate to.
As we move forward, let's commit to being a people who are constantly seeking God's guidance on how to best reach our changing world. Let's be willing to say, like Paul, "I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
Remember, the methods were never meant to be our master. Our master is Christ, and our mission is clear. Let's be a people who are known for our love, our adaptability, and our unwavering commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus in ways that connect with the hearts of those around us.
As we go about our daily lives, whether at work, in our neighborhoods, or with our families, let's carry this perspective with us. Let's see every interaction as an opportunity to show Christ's love and share His message in a way that resonates. For in doing so, we fulfill our calling and participate in God's grand plan of redemption for the world.
The world is changing, but our God remains the same. His love is constant, His message is eternal, and His power to transform lives is as strong as ever. May we be faithful in carrying this message to all who need to hear it, in ways they can understand and embrace.
The heart of this matter lies in understanding that while our methods may need to adapt, our core message remains unchanged. We are called to be "all things to all people" so that we might save some, as the Apostle Paul eloquently put it in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. This doesn't mean compromising our beliefs or blending in with the world, but rather finding relevant ways to connect and communicate the gospel.
Consider the stark reality we face: In many places, even in traditionally religious areas, biblical literacy is declining. A poignant example shared was of high school students in a Bible Belt town who were largely unfamiliar with the story of Noah - a tale many of us consider fundamental. This isn't just about religious education; it's a wake-up call for us to recognize the urgent need to bridge the gap between our faith and the world around us.
The apostle Paul provides us with a powerful model for this approach. He writes, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." Paul understood that reaching people meant meeting them where they were, adapting his approach without altering the core message of salvation through Christ.
This mindset requires a shift in our perspective. Instead of seeing the world as "us against them," we need to adopt a "me for them" mentality. This means looking at every person - regardless of their background, beliefs, or lifestyle - as someone Christ died for and someone we are called to reach with His love.
Jesus Himself exemplified this approach. He often used parables and examples from everyday life to explain profound spiritual truths. He met people in their context, whether it was a Samaritan woman at a well or fishermen by the sea. Jesus made the eternal accessible and understandable to those around Him.
Embracing this approach may require us to step out of our comfort zones. It might mean reevaluating our church programs, our communication styles, or even our personal habits. The key is to always keep our eyes on the eternal goal - seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel.
This doesn't mean abandoning our traditions or core beliefs. Rather, it's about finding fresh ways to present the unchanging truth of God's Word. It's about being willing to say, "God, help me feel the burden and the personal responsibility to see this community go to heaven."
Consider the example of Jesus Himself, who left the glories of heaven to become human, to reach us where we were. Hebrews 2:9 tells us that Jesus "was made lower than the angels for a little while" so that by God's grace He might taste death for everyone. If Christ was willing to go to such lengths to reach us, how can we not be willing to adapt and stretch ourselves to reach others?
This call to expansion - to seek relevant methods to proclaim an unchanging message to an ever-changing society - is not just about church growth or numbers. It's about eternal impact. It's about seeing our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members not just sitting beside us in church, but also in eternity.
Practically, this might look like:
1. Praying for fresh vision and ideas to reach our community.
2. Being willing to change our approach if it means reaching someone new with the gospel.
3. Investing time and resources into understanding the needs and culture of those around us.
4. Prioritizing relationships and genuine connections over programs.
5. Being open to new methods of outreach and communication, especially in reaching younger generations.
The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. We live in a time where people are searching for meaning, purpose, and hope. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers exactly what they're looking for, but it's up to us to present it in a way they can understand and relate to.
As we move forward, let's commit to being a people who are constantly seeking God's guidance on how to best reach our changing world. Let's be willing to say, like Paul, "I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
Remember, the methods were never meant to be our master. Our master is Christ, and our mission is clear. Let's be a people who are known for our love, our adaptability, and our unwavering commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus in ways that connect with the hearts of those around us.
As we go about our daily lives, whether at work, in our neighborhoods, or with our families, let's carry this perspective with us. Let's see every interaction as an opportunity to show Christ's love and share His message in a way that resonates. For in doing so, we fulfill our calling and participate in God's grand plan of redemption for the world.
The world is changing, but our God remains the same. His love is constant, His message is eternal, and His power to transform lives is as strong as ever. May we be faithful in carrying this message to all who need to hear it, in ways they can understand and embrace.
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