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I’ve admitted, time and time again, I am no Greek scholar.  I had a Greek course while in seminary, but my operational knowledge is limited – and I rely, heavily, on tools available to dig into the language.

Folks should probably be aware that the New Testament was not written in English – it was written in Koine (“common”) Greek (and the OT was written in Hebrew).  And in the last newsletter article I will write, I want to share with you the Greek word, above...it’s an important one.

The word, κήρυγμα [pronounced kerygma (kuh-RIG-muh)], means “proclamation,” and it is used when speaking about the preaching of the message of Christ.  We see it – or a word closely associated with it (like kerysso, meaning the proclamation of the (kerygma) core message of the Gospel) – in several places in the New Testament.

Now, why...in the last newsletter article I write...would I be writing about some technical element of the Scriptures (of which, I’m sure, many care nothing about – the Koine Greek language, that is).  Well, I’m glad you asked so that I can explain.

The core of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the kerygma) is something that we, as the church, must not lose.

  • It is the message of hope that is found in Christ, alone.
  • It is the birth, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and eventual return of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
  • It reveals to us that we are now in the “last days.”
  • It reminds us that, now, the Holy Spirit indwells those in Christ.
  • It helps us remember of the great lengths to which the Lord when to secure for us redemption.
  • And it keeps at the forefront of our minds the fact that Christ will return to gather His Bride.

My hope is that you and I never “get over” the Gospel.

We never grow tired of hearing the Gospel.

And we grow in our willingness and ability to kerysso the kerygma!

 

Brittany, Jase, Jessa, Kinsleigh, and I cannot thank you enough for your kind words, encouragement, love, and generosity over the last several days – not to mention the last 8 years!  From the bottom of our hearts, “Thank you!”

You will never know what you mean to us.  I have experienced with you many mountain top moments over the course of the last (nearly) 3,000 days.  I have also experienced great sorrow with you.  Foxworth First will always be special to us, and you cannot imagine my desires for you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, as you continue your walk with Jesus.

 

May Foxworth First see the resurrected Jesus reign in her! And as she does, may He be magnified here, there, and yonder!

May the LORD bless & lead you as you seek Him.

                                                              

Pastor loves you!

And I have been honored to serve HIM alongside you.