The week before last, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the author of a new commentary, Genuine Christianity. Justin Miller, the author, is Lead Pastor of his church in Puxico, Missouri. He also trains pastors to go out into the world and plant and revitalize churches. What I didn’t know at the time of signing up to interview him was that his book focused on Paul’s letter to Titus. And if you know me, Titus is my absolute favorite book of the Bible. Short, yes. But, it is also a great directive on how the Church should operate. Not to mention, how the Church can make disciples and grow the kingdom.
Justin Miller and Genuine Christianity
While Justin is now currently the Lead Pastor of his church, his story of how he got there is amazing. Justin told me when he was eleven, he asked someone to buy him a Bible. The next year or so later, he was baptized, but never truly understood what grace or salvation was. Justin was one of those kids that thought God was just ready to judge him and condemn him for every little thing. I’m sure we, ourselves, can relate. But, we also know that God is good and He doesn’t do that. Salvation- true salvation– is a great thing, friend!
When Justin was in his early twenties, it was then that he came to know Christ and truly repented. Now, as a pastor, when he teaches or preaches, he says he likes to look at the Bible book by book and verse by verse to see what God is actually saying to the Church.
Which, friend, is exactly what he does in Genuine Christianity. Sure, Titus is only three chapters long. Three, short chapters at that. But, it’s the wisdom and understanding of the scriptures that Justin shares that makes this a great topical commentary. And it was something he said on the phone when I was chatting with him about it that left me thinking.
Make Disciples. Grow the Kingdom.
If you take an afternoon or so to read through Genuine Christianity, it’ll become clear to you reaaaaal quick that Justin advocates for equipping the church members so they, too, will go out and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Side note: According to Justin, Genuine Christianity, is a look at what Christianity is and what it isn’t. He touches on more topics in this book other than what I’m about to discuss here. Seriously, read his book. You won’t regret it.)
Now, you might be thinking, “But, it’s the preacher’s job to share the Word, Cassie.” And while that is part of the preacher’s job description, it’s also our (the non-preachers) job, too. When I spoke with Justin about this, he told me that it’s necessary “ [to] feed the sheep, so they will go out in their work places and their families and be funnels to share the Gospel, to make disciples, to encourage those in the assembly lines or in their cubicles.” Yep, y’all. That’s a direct quote from the author himself.You, my friend, are a vessel God can use to enlighten a darkened heart or soften a hardened one. Click To Tweet
Think about it. Think about the people in your work place. The ones that maybe don’t go to church or haven’t met Christ. Consider the people that you see in the store when you go shopping for blizzard food before a snow storm. Maybe even just think about members of your own family and friends.
You, my friend, are a vessel God can use to enlighten a darkened heart or soften a hardened one. Maybe you might say something that touches a heart. Or maybe, just acting in love will do it.
Consider these Scriptures
I keep going back to that familiar quote that says something like “you are the only Bible some people will read.” Friend, that quote, while sometimes over used, is absolutely true. Some people may never step into a church house and hear the word of God, that is, until they meet you (and see Jesus through you).
Each of us, no matter what our job may be within the church, has a job to do outside the church walls. Maybe you’re not in a foreign country spreading the message of Christ. But, I guarantee you’re shedding light on the Gospel to your friends and neighbors right in your own neighborhood. And that, friend, is as much as a mission field as any.
Mark 16:15 tell us, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.“
Then there’s 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 which says, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.“
And let’s not forget what 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 tells us, too. You know how the Church is called the “Body of Christ”? Well, it takes every member of the Body to grow the kingdom. 1 Corinthians 12:14, particularly, tells us “For the body is not one member, but many.“
Which means, friend, your work for the Kingdom is important, too. No matter how small you think it is. You work for the Kingdom matters.
Shine bright, my friend.
P.S. None of these links are affiliate links!
Really excellent article Cassie! 💕Timely message.
Thank you, Rachel! I had a lot of fun with this one!
Love these ideas!!! Looks like a good one 🙂
It is! I HIGHLY recommend Miller’s commentary! Thanks for stopping by!
Great post, Cassie. Another verse that stays with me is that we ALL have the ministry of reconciliation. That is, to share the gospel (as instructed in the the Great Commission) and to bring others to the place in their walk where they are reconciled to God. Jesus said, no man comes to me except the Father draws him. So, in the drawing of others, God uses regular folk, not just pastors. So, ya, I totally get what Justin says, even though I haven’t read his book.
Stopping by via BHG.
Have a blessed day and keep on writing for Father! <3
Cindy, you are so right. It brings me back to what I’ve been saying as of late, once you receive salvation, your life is no longer about you. It’s about serving others and sharing the Good News of Christ.
Such an important topic and one that is close to my heart. We must all be about our Father’s business. Thanks for sharing!
Amen, Lisa! You are right! Thanks for stopping by!