“Preach To The People”
Ronald Reagan was the Great Communicator, not because he hired good speech writers; not because he was trained as an actor; not because his policies were relevant and sound; not because of political achievement. He was a Great Communicator because he talked to people.
Mr. Reagan wrote and broadcast his own radio essays in the 1970’s. In one of them he offered his misgivings about modern translations of the Bible, the “Good News” version in particular. One opinion he expressed in the essay was, instead of changing the language of the text and diminishing the beauty and richness of the English language (cultural accommodation), we should take “the people to religion” by “lifting them with the beauty of language that has outlived the centuries.” (Reagan, In His Own Hand: p.#410).
Likewise, our task is to take people to the gospel; to connect with people by using the Word to show them their need and God’s answer. Throughout the New Testament, this communication to people is given priority. This is the work of evangelism. Are you a participant?
“Pursue peace with all people,” (Heb. 12:24).
“…having favor with all the people,” (Acts 2:47).
“…they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead,” (Acts 4:2).
“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life,” (Acts 5:20).
“And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead,” (Acts 10:42).
“So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” (Acts 11:26).
“Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on,” (Acts 13:15).
“Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” (Acts 19:4,5).
