Relevance ...

 "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:1, 2

How often are we, who enter the pulpit from week to week, pressed to speak on contemporary issues? In addition, as the years pass, must we deal with changing times that are overrun with shifting social mores and conduct? Our congregations are made up of such a wide variety of people and cultures that complexity undercuts every effort to keep focused on the basics. Is it possible, in such a roller coaster world to maintain relevance?

After Paul very aptly addressed issues and problems to the max, he finally focused on a timeless and stabilizing truth in this latter chapter of his epistle to the cosmopolitan church at Corinth. As noted, he had previously been very faithful to preach the gospel to this church. Yet, as with all great life changing truth, repetition was critical. He was not only concerned with the positive reception of the gospel, but he also wanted to be sure the church would "hold fast" to the word preached. In a changing world, the gospel preached will always be most relevant.

How often do you give simple gospel messages from your pulpit my brother? Are you passionate about "reminding" your flock of that which has saved them? Is there a clarion call in your messages to "hold fast" to the basics? As your services come to an end, do you make a path to Calvary and the empty tomb? Charles Spurgeon, that well know preacher of days gone by once noted, "The seasons change, and you change, but your Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His Love are as deep, as broad, and as full as ever".  A regular reminder of the basic unchanging gospel will always be relevant.

~ PJVS