|
Preaching the Light of Christ |
|
When first generation Quakers in Christ preached the Gospel at meeting for worship, their concern was to bring people - all people - to Jesus's ministry so they would - inwardly speaking - hear and eventually do the work of the Lord. Their ministry, in other words, was intended to introduce Jesus to their listeners for Him to prevail. Is it any wonder then that Friends frequently cited scripture in their various verbal offerings. When the prophets as well as the disciples, along with the disciples preached in the Lord, they were not only hearing but expressing God's everlasting words along with His instructions to His people who embraced Him. The apostle John, as a result of his listening revealed "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. . ." (John 1-1) To put it in slightly different words, John, thru God's revelation, understood that Christ is indeed God's word who teaches us, consoles us in addition to ruling us, if we are an obedient people This same Christ still teaches today when we open our hearts to His grace. For that reason, we do not need hirelings to speak to us. Christ reveals His words in silent waiting and chooses the minister to express His utterings when He requires vocal ministry He ministers to individuals on other occasions also. Let us always be prepared to receive His Word.
Arthur Berk |