Declaring the Gospel to those around us can be scary. We’re afraid of rejection…afraid of adversity…afraid of failure, so hence, we say nothing. My favorite excuse is, “Someone else will share the Good News with that person…someone like the Pastor, or someone else more experienced than me.” But there may not be a “someone else” in that person’s life. For you may be the only one that will ever share the Gospel, or ever say the words, “Jesus loves you” to that person. I Corinthians 16:13 says, …” we are to stand firm; be men (and women) of courage; and be strong when contending for the faith.” So how do we overcome the fear of sharing our faith with others? First realize, you can never fail, even if you don’t see immediate results. What you’re doing is planting seed that needs to be watered…maybe by someone else… and maybe an entirely different person will be there to see the harvest. Secondly, it’s not about you and your abilities or lack there of. For your dependence should be on the Lord Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit to show you the way. So with them in your corner, don’t be afraid, you can do it!
Tag: gospel of peace
II Corinthians 4:4 ” The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
The darkness of evil is everywhere in this present world…obscuring the understanding of the Gospel to the lost. As a Believer, what can I do to make a difference? The song, “My Father’s Eyes”, reminded me that His light needs to be shining forth when someone looks at me. I need to be unashamed of professing my faith in public and able to back it up with sound doctrine when questioned. I need to be able to share the Good News of Jesus with anyone, at anytime, in a manner that is easy to understand, non-threating, and loving. Finally, I need to be able to share my testimony…my story, in a concise, simple manner…for there is nothing more powerful than a declaration of what the Lord has done in my life. Are you up to the challenge to make a difference in this fallen world?
Mark 10:15 ” I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
In a toddler’s mind, all things are pretty simple…their priorities are food, sleep, and play. They trust at face value… always looking for the good in things. So as an adult, why can’t we do the same thing when it comes to the Gospel Message? Why can’t we readily accept and embrace the Kingdom of God and everything that goes with it? It’s sadly because the World has clouded and distorted our perception. The Gospel Message doesn’t need to be over-thought…there’s no hidden agenda or bait and switch tactics involved. You get what you see with God and His Word…for He is trustworthy and true, and His promises will never fail.
Hebrews 12:14 ” Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
We are to live in harmony with all. Not with just those we like…not with those who only believe as we do. No, we are to live in peaceful co-existence with everyone. Jesus came preaching the Gospel of Peace, not that of elitism, isolation, or hatred. It’s a tough road though to love your neighbor as yourself…for many around us are unlovable. That’s why the second part of this verse is so important. We may not be able to change the unlovable around us, but we can change ourselves and how we interact with them. Sanctification or holiness is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ Jesus everyday…of looking at all people – even the unlovable- through His eyes.
Hebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
Remember with me the very first time you heard the Gospel Message explained to you. At that moment, the gift of Salvation was offered and you accepted. But since that time, when you hear the Gospel Message, does it still stir you with thankfulness and gratitude, or are you apathetic to the words? This scripture tells us to be on guard of falling away from our first love, and becoming a lukewarm Christian.
II Thessalonians 3:16 ” Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Romans 2:4 says that He is the “God of peace.” Do you need peace in your life today? Have the worries, anxieties, and troubles of the world crowded into your mind and caused unrest and turmoil? Why deny yourself of God’s kindness and mercy…why deny yourself of His peace?
John 4: 13-14 ” Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
We hear and accept the Word of life…the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence within, and we have the reassurance of eternal life. But we also overflow with that living water, for it says in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in Me, streams of living water will flow from within him.” Our lives spill over with joy, peace and love for others to see.
Luke 2:14 ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”
The angels were heralding the coming of Messiah to all mankind. They were announcing to everyone that harmony and prosperity has always been God’s benevolent plan for the world. And even today, the Lord’s purpose and motive for the earth remains good and righteous.
Numbers 6:24-26 ” The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
God gave Moses this Priestly Blessing for the Levites to pray over the people. In John 14:27 Jesus said, ” Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” He was using this invocation to comfort and instruct the Disciples before He went to the Cross. But this wonderful prayer is also for you now…this blessing, something the Lord wants to bestow on you today. The Lord will bless and guard you… the Lord’s light, His Presence, and mercy will ever be on you…the Lord will raise up His eyes and regard you face to face, and at that moment the Gospel of Peace will be established in your heart, and this peace Jesus told about, will be yours forever.
Safetypinlove 