In what ways can we ensure Christ is "clearly portrayed" in our communities? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.” (Galatians 3:1) Why “Clearly Portrayed” Matters • Paul’s language pictures Christ’s cross as a public billboard—unmistakable, unavoidable, unforgettable. • When a church loses that focus, it drifts into moralism, ritualism, or mere activism. The antidote is constant, vivid presentation of the crucified and risen Lord. Guarding the Message: Pure Gospel Communication • Preach Scripture, not speculation (2 Timothy 4:2). • Keep the cross central: “For I decided to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) • Explain grace plainly—no mixture of law-keeping for justification (Galatians 2:16). • Use everyday language that the unchurched understand, but never dilute truth (Colossians 4:4-6). Living a Cross-Centered Life Before Others • Personal holiness: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) • Visible love: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • Servant-hearted leadership that mirrors Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5-8). • Sacrificial generosity: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ… though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Spirit-Empowered Community Practices • Corporate worship that exalts Christ’s person and work (Revelation 5:9-10). • Consistent prayer, depending on the Spirit to reveal Jesus (John 16:14). • Mutual fellowship marked by truth and tenderness, “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). • Regular observance of the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Displaying Christ in Deeds • Mercy ministries that echo the Gospel—healing, feeding, welcoming (Matthew 25:35-40). • Public integrity at work and school so people “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) • Verbal witness: “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23) Practical Takeaways for Today • Assess every program: Does it spotlight Jesus or merely ourselves? • Saturate teaching with Scripture; let every lesson trace a line to the cross. • Model repentance and faith publicly; testimonies keep the Gospel tangible. • Link compassion projects to clear Gospel explanation. • Maintain unity; divisions blur Christ’s image (John 17:21). When Christ is openly, repeatedly, and lovingly portrayed as crucified and risen, communities see Him—some for the first time, others with renewed wonder—and He draws people to Himself. |
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