CHANGE

In leaning over to speak to the modern world, I fear we may have fallen in.

It is a strange assumption for Americans to feel they already have the equipment necessary to comprehend the gospel without any modification of lifestyle, without any struggle -- in short, without being born again. The point is not to speak to the culture. The point is to change it. God's appointed means of producing change is called "church"; and God's typical way of producing church is called "preaching."

-- William H. Willimon, in CHRISTIANITY TODAY, May 19, 1997.

And let us consider  how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some... (Hebrews 10:24).

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are  they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? ...so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:13-17).

A hymn to read, sing, play, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: Safely through Another Week (John Newton. 1774).