In Matthew 4, we see the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus begins to preach a message. He was not preaching in church buildings, but rather in places where people were gathering. How many people want to have a platform instead of ministering to people where they are located? Preaching is telling others about Jesus! We can preach anywhere, from work and school to the gym and even the store. We need to look for opportunities to share Jesus with people who are lost without Him!
What was Jesus’ message? What was Jesus preaching? Matthew 4:17 – “From then on, Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Today in the church, we want to hear messages of self-help, blessings, faith, love, and feel-good messages. But Jesus preached about repenting of our sins! Repentance is not an option, but it is the primary thing that starts us on the journey of following Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 shows us: “The Lord is to slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
I am thankful that God is patient with us, and He does not want us to perish in our sin, but that we would repent of our sins and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior!
Lord, help our message today be that Jesus loves people and wants them to repent and come to Him. Start preaching to people that Jesus loves them and wants them to repent and turn to Him!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and significant emotional life experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. His daily devotional appears in this publication.
