Speak Up and Say Something!
Thursday, January 18, 2024
“If you cannot speak with trumpet tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit must not be your tribune, if the press may not carry on its wings your words, yet say with Peter and John, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.’” – C.H. Spurgeon
Last week, I preached on Ephesians 1:7-14. My message was titled, “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,” borrowed from Stevie Wonder’s 1970 R&B hit song.
My sermon outline had four basic points: we are redeemed, we are forgiven, we have a heavenly inheritance, and we are sealed. Most of my time was spent on the first point and the four different Greek words that Paul used to describe the various aspects of redemption.
First was apolutrosis, which means to ransom in full. Next was exagorazo, which is translated “to buy up, ransom, or redeem.” Third was lutroo, which also means “to ransom or redeem”… and last was agorazo, a word that refers to going to the market to make a purchase.
After highlighting the different ways to describe our redemption from sin and death, I focused on our response as believers. Psalm 107:2 puts it well… “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
And this is how Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” elaborated on the subject…
“If you cannot preach a sermon on the mountain; utter the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not in the public square; in your own household, if you cannot in the great family of man. From the hidden springs within, let sweetly flowing streams of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passerby. Hide not your talent; trade with it, and you shall bring in good interest to your Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honoring to the Savior.”
My friend, there are no excuses for not telling others about how God redeemed your soul and how He desperately wants to do the same for them. Speak up and say – or do – something!
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
