GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Some of you here will remember an old gospel song of the church called “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.  It’s an old Negro spiritual compelling those who believe in Jesus Christ that they should spread the message of Christ in Jesus’ stead. 
The words and lyrics of the spiritual Christmas Carol 'Go tell it to the Mountain 'are by John W. Work, Jr. (1872-1925). John Work was famous for Folk Songs of the American Negro in Nashville, Tennessee in 1907.  The song clearly tells us that staying in the safe haven of the church building is not at all the plan.  For far to many years the church of Jesus Christ has moved toward the fortress mentality of churchianity.  We build substantial buildings with incredible programming that educates those who are part of the faith community.  We teach people to come inside the fortress walls and stay safe from all the bad stuff that can happen out there.  We make it difficult for anyone who doesn’t speak our language of christianese to understand where we are going and who we really are.  We have formulas and rituals that are hard for others to engage in because they are like secrets and club initiation rites.

CFC has been on a completely different page since its conception over 20 years ago.  We believe that we are called of God to only come to the fortress to get supplies, get mended and get fed so we can go back out into that dangerous world and fight the good fight.

1 Timothy 6:12   …Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.     

This verse from God instructs us to tell as many as possible that Christ rescued us.  It reminds us that it won’t be easy or effortless but will be likened to a battle.  This great battle however, has extraordinary rewards as we’re learning.  Here it is again from another verse to establish this truth.

2 Timothy 4:7-8   …I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.     

God has always told His people to be vocal and visible regarding their faith.  Sadly, for years the church endorsed the cultural belief that faith was solely a personal choice that should be kept to ourselves.  Our culture said; keep faith out of politics, education and civic life.  I challenge you to look at any players of the Bible and conclude that.  The cloistered monk, nun or friar is not part of the Christian church plan.  You are a valuable part of how the world will know about the love of God.

Romans 10:14-15   …How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”    

The Message: Romans 10:14-15   …But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God!

So let me implore you to follow God’s plan and not our cultures.  Let me speak to you who are God’s chosen children.  Let me address those of you who have believed the lie that we should remain silent because the cost of telling someone about my faith is too high.  Let me strengthen your wobbly knees and your hesitant lips.

Matthew 10:26-28   …“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.  What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops.  Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.        

You are God’s non-secret weapon.  The whole world is watching and searching for hope and peace.  Your neighbor is wondering how to survive this economy.  Your coworker is longing for some good news in the midst of this worldwide mess.  Your friends and relatives are hanging by a thread and you have the rescue rope.

Speak to them about what has happened in your life.  Don’t just recite Bible verses; tell them your story.  Invite them into your life and then invite them into a spiritual environment so that one day you could invite them to church so that God can invite them to know His son Jesus Christ.