More of the story: Preaching the gospel

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. ~ Acts 6:8-10
I'm responsible for what (the people in my church) hear. And hearing the gospel - the good news of who God is - slowly forms us over time. ~ Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber
Preach the d*** Gospel. ~ Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert.
The Word of God won't be contained.

 Stephen became the first great leader of the church who came after the resurrection. Even before Saul was Paul, Stephen was out doing his thing.

 He was the first deacon. And the first leader who, though he hadn't met the living Jesus, preached the gospel as if he knew it couldn't be contained. As it it was ingrained on his soul.

 My Lutheran confessions professor, Dr. Timothy Wengert summed up our responsibility as teachers and preachers of the church with the above quote.

 That's it. No fluff. No pithy quips. No condemnations.

 Preach - and teach - the d*** gospel. 

 He was pretty emphatic about that.

 Because when you do, the gospel will do its work.

 The good news of Christ won't be contained.

 Lives will be changed. Love will be born. Folks will be fed. Community will develop.

 And the world won't be the same.

 It's as true for us today as it was for Stephen.

 Imagine what that gospel can do for you and with you!
Prayer: Go to work on me, Lord. Let the gospel message roll and change the world. Amen. 

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