It was time to put the ham in the oven, and the boy watched his mother take it out of the refrigerator and place it in the center of the cutting board. She carefully carved slits in the ham with a sharp butcher’s knife to prepare it for the glaze and cloves. Next, she opened the drawer and took out a cleaver, and with a mighty whack, she chopped off one end of the ham.
The little boy was startled by the sound and asked, “Mama, why did you do that?” She replied, “I don’t know, but my mama always did that, so I do it too. I think it makes the ham taste better.” The boy went back into the living room and sat on the sofa in deep thought. The boy’s grandfather came in and, upon seeing the confused boy, asked him about his thoughts.
“Papa, why did grandma chop off the end of the ham before she cooked it? Mama said it makes it taste better?” he asked. The old man laughed and told the boy, “Your grandma had to chop it off because a ham wouldn’t fit in our tiny stove.”
Sometimes we must rethink our actions because what hindered us in the past may no longer be necessary. We should look again with fresh eyes or an informed perspective to keep us from doing the same thing we’ve always done, expecting different results. Indeed, you will never fix a problem with the same mindset as when you created
Christ’s Mission is to see “whosoever” come to repentance and saving faith so that no one will suffer eternal punishment for want of a Savior. This idea is central to the Christian faith and message, but why isn’t this central to more of today’s Christian messengers? We agree that the Gospel has not lost its power or application. So, what’s the problem? Why is the Christian Church in America struggling?
When an apple falls to the ground, it begins to turn brown. We might say the fruit is rotten and describe it as death. However, in its demise, the apple’s flesh falls away, and we are left with a concentration of potential—the seed. In that seed is the DNA of the entire tree and the mysterious energy that produces another tree. Perhaps in decline, we find what matters; because at the core is all the hope we need for renewal.
The Gospel is an inspired and infallible message to the world of the ultimate hope, but does our presentation need a tune-up? Let me be clear, the Gospel is sufficient in every way, but I’m not so confident in our ability to preach it effectively. Maybe it’s time we polish our mirrors so we can reflect the Christian light of life and truth more clearly.
For me, to share the Gospel is to share those infallible truths about Christ. I know the message is a promise, a future, and a blessed hope. I believe it is sufficient to convince the incredulous and comfort the afflicted. I, along with every one of you, celebrate the cross and rejoice in the vacant grave. It is certainly all these things for those who are without Christ. What does the Christian Gospel say to those who have already responded to the offer of grace and mercy?
The Gospel isn’t only a message of a promise, but it is the assurance of divine presence. It gives me unswerving hope for the future but also steadfast hope for the present. It’s not just a hope, but for all who are “in Christ,” it is power! I know I will live eternally in heaven one day, but I must remember that Christ is risen today! The risen Christ should be enkindled in the hearts of believers today. The resurrection is the central point of the message, but it must be realized in the hearts of transformed believers.
The world needs to hear about a rolled-away stone by a carried-away fellowship of Spirit-led believers. Friends, we are today’s evidence of the resurrection of Christ by our transformation into faithful disciples, and that is the message for today’s audiences.
Perhaps the best way out of this mess isn’t by legislation or programs but by asking better questions. May I suggest starting with—why?
