I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: [2] preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. [3] For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, [4] and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 AMP

Paul begins this passage by giving us a charge that is important, to preach The Word!  We’re told in John 1:1-18, that Jesus is The Word!  So we’re told that we’re to be telling others about Jesus!

Paul then tells us there are only 2 times that we as believers in Christ are to be ready to preach The Gospel, in season and out of season, in other words ALL the time!  

Nowhere in God’s Word are we told that we don't have to say anything.  God spoke everything into existence and has continually spoken to and through creation to us since then. (Genesis 1:1-31)  We are to do the same!  Yes often times we need to gain the PRIVILEGE of sharing with others as Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;.

If we don't live like The Bible says we're to live, then we're living like the world, (there are only 2 ways), and the unsaved will not see the hope we have in Jesus!  

We, like the rest of the world, go through many different issues in our lives, some we’d consider good and some we’d consider bad.  It’s during those times of struggles, trials, tribulations, etc, that we get the opportunity to shine with the hope of Christ via The Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us!  When we act and react to our circumstances as if all is lost, in despair, depressed, pointing fingers, get angry, etc, we are living just like the world.  Our lives need to exemplify Christ and the way we act and react to our circumstances determine who our hope is in, the world, politics, money, other people, etc, or in The LORD!  This is how we need to share Jesus with our lives and then with our words!   

We are also told to reprove, rebuke, and exhort other believers, not the world!  And we need to do it patiently with instruction just like The LORD has done with us.  This is called discipling with others and requires one another, intimate fellowship.  In other words, this can’t be done sitting at home by ourselves!

And when we are sharing with the lost, we need to be gentle and do it with respect.  Just give them something to think about in a way that they desire to know more about the hope that they see lived out in our lives, not in a way that pushes then away!

Love on them, live your life like Christ, gain their respect, let them see the hope (Christ) in you, and use ALL you have to draw them to Christ!  It all came from The LORD and belongs to Him and the sooner we learn that fact and are willing to give it all back to Him and quit holding onto worldly things, the more time we’ll have to be part of God’s Great Commission for us, to go into ALL the world!  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Remember as Christ's return gets closer, more and more people will be led astray by their own desires instead of wanting to hear the truth!  Unfortunately, this includes many “Christians” in our churches and we’re seeing more and more of this everyday!

Be Jesus ALL the time!  Your world is watching you and you may be the first “Bible” those in your world see!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc.  We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have soley using God's Word!

Love y’all and LORD Bless,

Curt & Mary Jo