what are we doing?

Matthew 10, 1 Timothy 1

If I had to summarize Jesus's earthly ministry with only two characteristics, here is what I would say:

^{Mt 9:35} Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.

1. Preaching the Gospel and teaching about the Kingdom
2. Healing disease and illness

What did Jesus command His disciples and give them authority to do?

^{Mt 10:5} Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: ... ⁷ Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Hmmm... that's interesting.  Christ's ministry... the Disciples' ministry... perhaps these two characteristics should describe the work of the Church today?

Then why are so many American churches just bent on teaching doctrine instead of the Gospel of the Kingdom?  And why are experiences of miraculous healings limited to missionaries and a few "charismatic" churches?  It is embarrassing, really.  The truth is that we are focused on ourselves and not on the Lord and His work.

Tragically, it is not a new phenomenon:

^{1 Ti 1:3} When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. ⁴ Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help people live a life of faith in God. ⁵ The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. ⁶ But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. ⁷ They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

Heavenly Father, please help us get in the game!  Lord, I am ashamed of the condition of our congregations.  Please forgive us of our paralizing selfishness, and deliver us from materialism.  Holy Spirit, please stir our hearts for knowing the Lord and walking with you as you accomplish your mission.  Lord, please give us boldness to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ.  And please give us faith to pray for you to do mighty miracles among us and demonstrate your loving power!  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the King of the Kingdom.  Amen.