Why Us? Why Now? Why RTM?

As preparations are being made for the next RTM conference on September 12, I find myself asking this: Why is there a ministry called Real Truth Matters? Why have a conference? Why start a new work when there are plenty of Christian organizations out there proclaiming the gospel? For me, the answer to these questions is two-fold.

First, we possess a treasure that cannot be contained. Paul said we have this treasure (Christ) in earthen vessels. His Holy Spirit is invested in us, and we find it a treasure that cannot be held within. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor. 4:5. For a man to be an enemy of God, (Col 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight) and God lower himself to become of no reputation and servant to all in order to save that man is more than a miracle. And not only did He come to save, but he placed His own life within us, and we are now joint heirs with Christ. In case you haven’t fully realized what that means, think on this: God loves His Son and treasures Him more than anything else. God the Father has given to Him all things. The Son, Jesus Christ is so identified with us and us with Him that whatever Christ receives from the Father, so do all those who are His. This treasure is far too magnificent to contain! Thus, we will proclaim Christ because it is a fire that cannot be shut up. I Corinthians 9:16 - For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! Matthew 13:46-46 - Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Secondly, God has brought providential circumstances together in such a way that we cannot deny that God is doing something among us. The servants at Real Truth Matters have been together, on average, for only a year. We did not seek each other out, but God placed each and every one of us together. And the range of talent and abilities are amazing. Each person that God has placed within the work of RTM forms a complete team that God is using to accomplish the work of His ministry. After the conference last year, the need for a professional audio person was apparent. As we transmit the Gospel of Christ through technologies that utilizie audio/video capabilities, a clear, understandable message is crucial. A few days after the conference, Brother Michael Durham stated, "We need God to send us an audio person." Within thirty days, an audio engineer whom we did not know shows up, ready to use his talents as a part of RTM. It was not that long ago that most of us did not know each other. But God placed a hunger for Truth within each one of us that caused our paths to cross and our desires to unite. When God begins to bring about circumstances such as these, I must sit up and take notice.

Does God need RTM? Of course not. But I believe God has called RTM into existence for a reason and purpose we do not see now. We do not believe we are the only ones with truth or the only ones who proclaim truth. But as we have talents and abilities that God has invested in us, and His spirit within us compels us to tell the good news of Jesus Christ, we will proclaim it with a desire to see Him glorified in the lives of men and women who desperately need a Savior.
Registration is now open for the 2009 Real Truth Matters conference. Registration is free at
http://www.realtruthmatters.com/conference2009.html