Thoughts from a funeral

Today I officiated at a funeral. Before I spoke, a service organization gave a presentation. This organization does some wonderful work in the community, but their presentation was a little awkward and difficult to understand. They spoke in "Old English", read their prayers, and their presentation & rituals were more than a little confusing for the causal observer. I believe this group has the best intentions; however, they were not connecting with the audience at the funeral. Watching their presentation gave me more insight on what it must be like when guests enter our churches on Sunday; this got me thinking about how we communicate Biblical truth each Sunday...

• Are we speaking a language people do not understand?
• Are we using phrases that has very little meaning in this culture?
• Are some of our "rituals" meaningless to the casual observer?

In communicating the gospel, let us remember the word of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23; I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Let us remember everyone one does not understand nor relate to the message of the gospel the same way. Therefore, let us be diligent in speaking the truth in ways everyone can understand. It is not enough to have good intentions; we must communicate our message well; if we are going to influence this culture for Christ.