SOUNDING THE SHOFAR
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
"We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:2
🔎Reflection: The apostolic witness was rooted in overt clarity rather than cloaked manipulation. The Greek word translated "open proclamation" (phanerōsei) means "manifestation" or "clear display." Many today cling to “Trojan Rabbit” evangelism (Yes, that’s a Monty Python reference), which is silence and cowardice under the guise of “earning a voice.” But the Apostle Paul explicitly rejects any method that compromises overt truth that deceives or misleads the hearer. Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." The GOOD NEWS is not a product to market but DIVINE TRUTH to herald. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), not by social networking or advanced strategic planning.
The “Trojan Rabbit” approach has led the contemporary church to compromise itself at every turn. Romans 1:20 is clear: we are all “without excuse.” But consider the revelation of Ezekiel 33:6, “...if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.” In Matthew 24:43, King Jesus said, “For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” Just a few verses later, the LORD said, “Who then is the faithful and wise δοῦλος (slave), whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
🤺Action: Do some personal research on the decline of the American church (Pew Research, Barna Group, etc.), which is a result of cowardly contemporary evangelism “strategies.” Commit to rejecting covert and “veiled” evangelism methods of “good deeds” in your life or ministry as a substitute for the GOSPEL. Practice open proclamation. When was the last time you shared your pastor’s message with friends, family, or on social media? Have the people you’re doing life with (friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors) ever heard an overt declaration of the GOSPEL from your lips? Share the testimony of Christ (Isa 53:4-7) with someone today. Speak boldly. Don’t apologize for the exclusivity of Christ and His unstoppable love displayed at the cross.
My Friend,
I stand in Judgment now,
And feel that you’re to blame somehow.
Never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth,
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that’s true.
I called you “friend” and trusted you,
But I learn now that it’s too late,
You could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the Light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on high.
Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now, call you “My Friend.”
-Anonymous
🙏Prayer: Holy God, let my mouth be bold with truth and my heart pure in motive. Let me respond out of conviction rather than obligation or fear. I repent of the shameful fear that has caused me to remain silent. Teach me to commend myself by clarity and with courage. May the GOOD NEWS shine through my words today and every day. May I never twist it, dilute it, or hide it. If it pleases You, O Lord, use me for Your glory to seize the lost and save them, as You saved me, from the slaughter! In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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