…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,…
– Titus 1:2-3 (NIV)
One of the primary functions of preaching is to share the truth of eternal life promised by God. The book of John includes, what is most likely, the most familiar and most quoted Bible passage, John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I have noticed that more and more preaching sounds like a self-help seminar. The message seems to be centered on how to fix your life in the here and now. While I do believe the Bible is given for practical application, the truth is, this life is short and temporary. We can be the best version of ourselves here, but be ill-equipped for what comes next.
When is the last time you heard your pastor, or any preacher proclaim that you were created to outlast the Earth; that you were created for eternity? Preaching is a stewardship, which means we are accountable to God, and responsible for a specific message—that message is eternity. Paul wrote many letters to help various churches fix their problems; to help people think right about God and one another; and to live practically in the world. However, he never forgot that his preaching in the here and now was to prepare people for the hereafter.
If you have given little thought about what comes after this life is over, may I encourage you to start asking questions and finding answers. There is more to come, and the decisions in this life affect what comes next. The best place I have discovered to find those answers is in the Bible and in a Bible centered church.