RE-present Christ

I love the English language, really I do. I’m one of those who truly believe that words are important, and the way we use them is an art, one which I am still developing. At times I have bashed the American use of such a fine language as English. This however is not one of those times, for there has recently been an “Americanized” word which has left impression on me, this word is “represent.” Now, the English linguists would claim that the correct use of this word would have us pronounce it as “Rep-present”, please forgive the frenetic. The Americans however pronounce it as “Ree-present”. Now while at face value this seems to be clutching at straws, the difference in pronunciation brings imperative understanding on certain topics. For example, as Christians we are charged with a certain mandate, being, to represent Christ. How did you read that? If you simply read it as correct English you would have glanced over the word “represent” as a simple descriptive of basic Christianity, however if you read it in the way which I have personally come to appreciate, as “Re-present” then your understanding is somewhat different. You see, we are not simply here to represent Him, we are here to RE-present Him. That means that we are to present that which He has already presented! We are to only re-present that which He has already presented, then we are to only live what He lived, speak what He spoke and do what He did. Paul writes in Galatians 1:8 “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” No, man or even angel can change the gospel of Christ, that is to say that everything about our Christian life, Christian community, theology, is to RE-represent what Christ presented as the true gospel. This is our lead toward Christ centered theology, Christ centered churches, Christ centered outreach, Christ centered communities, families, and so on.

Check out Bill Johnson’s message called “Real Jesus”, one of my favorite sermons along the lines of this topic. I have listened to it multiple times, and will do so many times more, enjoy!