One and the Same Message

From Genesis to Revelation, we find many stories, characters, events, teachings and prophecies. Subjects that seem different, but are connected by one and the same message: God dwelling with human beings.

Jesus announced the Kingdom of God. The evangelists narrated his life and his teachings. Paul wrote long letters to the churches, addressing countless subjects, but revealing the mystery that had been hidden for centuries and generations:

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The Word that brought light to the darkness, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, is now revealed in the mystery of Christ in us.

Jesus said that the seed is the Word of God. The sower sows, the seed sprouts and grows, without him knowing how. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

James speaks of the Word implanted in us, powerful to save us. And, through Isaiah, God declares that his Word will not return empty, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.

The seed is cast, the Word is received and God gives the growth.

The new covenant announces that God would write his law on our minds and on our hearts. Jesus promised that the Spirit of truth would guide us into the truth. And he declared that eternal life is to know the Father and Jesus Christ, whom he sent.

All will be taught by God.

Over the centuries, we have developed methods of preaching, and we have divided the Scriptures into chapters, verses and subjects. Precious resources for study, but ones that can also make us lose sight of the unity of the message.

The Sermon on the Mount itself covers many subjects, but Jesus concludes it by speaking of those who hear his words and put them into practice.

Father Antônio Vieira used to say that, to speak to the heart, works are necessary.

And Paul sums it up:

“Faith working through love.”

Maybe the great question of preaching is not how many subjects we cover, how long we speak or how many stories we tell.

But whether we are announcing the essence of the gospel.

Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Until Christ is formed in us.