Pondering PROCLAIM 2

Today, I could go on and on about how: we arrived at the place (Delaware Outdoor Adventure Center), the van almost got lost (we missed a turn at some point, but we recovered quickly :)); Eric [sp*] found the stick that he hid during the last retreat (at least I think it was Eric*)…and he unintentionally broke it – in his excitement I think; when we had dinner I was the first person to go because I was the only one who had not been to the Delaware Outdoor Adventure Center before, which really is why I almost successfully came out the “In” door when I went to get a drink (excuses, excuses); I heard about someone* who had tripped multiple times on the steps (which are marked by bright yellow paint) by the doors to the kitchen; I enjoyed the musical worship we had, etc. Yet I think it’s best for me/us to just focus on that main session we had on Friday evening, which I believe, called attention to why we were really out there in the outdoor adventure place.

Ben taught, and I believe very lucidly (and in a challenging manner) with regards to evangelism. I remember that one of the things that he mentioned right at the beginning was that the proper perspective and practice of evangelism comes about when we have a “perpetual vision of the glories of Christ”. During this conference, we were going to learn, not things that would force us to evangelize out of guilt, but the biblical ‘motivation’ and ‘power’ for evangelism. The primary passage of Scripture we were learning from was 1 Peter 2:9,10.

The proclaiming mentioned in those verses denotes an outward statement and the statement is the gospel of Jesus Christ. On this night, we learned the reasons (6 of them) why we proclaim [the excellencies of God]:

We [Christians] are a chosen race
In referring to Isaiah 43:21, we can see people chosen by God…to proclaim. We are appointed to serve God.

We are a royal priesthood
Remember the Old Testament priesthood (Exodus 19:6). They served God [in the tabernacle/temple, the place of worship] day and night. That is also what we are appointed to do. We are chosen to worship [God]. And we are a royal priesthood because we are appointed by King Jesus.

We are a holy nation
“Holy” denotes being “set apart”. And when we think of the word ‘holy’, we ought to think of it always as derived from God Himself. Think about the thrice holy God. What does that invoke in us? Worship! We worship God because of His infinite worth-ship…the only worthy One, the one worthy of our worship. Surely, think of His WORTH – SHIP.

We are a people for God’s own possession
Think 1 Peter 1:18-21. This describes redemption.

We have been called by Him out of darkness into His marvelous light
This is amazing. Acts 26:14-18 can help you to understand that…particularly verse 18.

We have received mercy
That denotes compassion, pity, love, affection, etc

Isn’t that all amazing? Doesn’t that give you the right perspective as a Christian? Surely this is true biblical motivation, even for evangelism.
The next ‘pondering PROCLAIM’ post should be packed…action packed…with the other events of that Friday evening (sharpen your memories and see how well and how much we can reminisce). Yet I’ll actually hold off for a little while and just encourage you for right now to pause and ponder this most pertinent part of PROCLAIM [the message from God’s word]…and participate [in the comments section; questions, comments, etc]…and pray about these things [in your personal prayer time and with others]…that you may grow in grasping these truths and glorifying God.