“ He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.”(Acts 10:42) The wording used in the above verse could in no way be made any clearer that it is already is. It tells us that we are COMMANDED to spread the lifesaving testimony of Jesus Christ! It doesn’t ask us,” If we aren’t too busy can we maybe talk to one or two people about Him.” Frankly he is not concerned about whether you are a good public speaker, have any literary talent, or have been formally schooled in theology. What he wants is us to tell others not only basic bible truth like the fact that the only way to heaven is to be born again, but what has been done for us as well. How are our lives better for knowing Jesus? It is highly effective to speak to non believers of how Jesus rescued you out of a life of condemnation and granted you joy and peace. It is wonderful to know your bible well and it will help you as you witness, but what is powerful to the average person who doesn’t know the truth, is the testimony of a changed life, something they can relate to. Whether your conversion was filled with stories of horror and degradation, or a miraculous conversion like Saul’s, is irrelevant. God saves the stockbroker and he saves the prisoner doing life without parole. Not everyone has a past like mine that was riddled with abuse, drug addiction, and near death experiences. God saved your life and that is a selling point if I ever heard; so you have a powerful testimony too. A wonderful way to attract the lost is if we show them the value of Christ. It actually reminds me of a sales tip I frequently used in my job: I showed the customer the value of buying my product or service. No one in their right mind will purchase something unless they believe it will benefit them right? Then show people the benefit of Christ, how He benefitted you. It’s really quite simple, we just want to complicate it or allow people to turn it into a debate on whether God exists. We know He exists and if our walk is right with Jesus the light will flow out of us without us even knowing it, and hence, will show others that He exists. We should, “...always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience , so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16) You can do this, I believe in you. So does God or else He wouldn’t be commanding you to do it! The bible says that the people who are walking in the way of Christ and not just warming church pews are easily recognizable. The book of Matthew says, “Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” So what kind of a tree are you my friend? Are you excusing your disobedience with the cop out of being too embarrassed or shy to talk to people? If they don’t accept the truth from you shake it off, keep your chin up and pray for them. If they laugh at you, remember that words won’t kill us but not knowing the truth can. Keep trudging forward, lives are at stake and there is no room for fear. We may have planted the precious, lifesaving seed that someone else may harvest later. Are you too self absorbed with the busyness and cares of your own life to help save dying souls? Get out of your world and into someone else’s. Jesus was NEVER too busy and if anyone had the right to be self absorbed it was him. He had the responsibility of the entire world on his shoulders! Is it because your Christianity has become cold and you need to return to your first love? He is about to “spit you out” of His mouth! Do you figure someone else will do it for you? People are perishing while you leave it to other workers. Have you not read that,”the workers are but few”? Is that what we are commanded to do, wait for someone else to fulfill OUR responsibility? YOUR responsibility? No, beloved, it most certainly is not. We are warned to let our light clearly shine for others to see and to be careful not to let our light grow dim or hidden. If we do not heed instruction and bear much fruit there are consequences far reaching for not only yourself, but the poor souls dying without the message of Christ! Their blood will be on your hands beloved if you do not share the Good News. Jesus says, “Consider carefully what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more. Whoever has, will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Mark 4:24-25) Very strong words because He knew we would need the admonition and life saving rebuke. I chose not to candy coat it because there is very little time left. He is coming soon and then it will be too late for most. He wants us to spread the gospel because he desires that not a single more of his precious children should be eternally lost, including you. What if the gospel had not been shared with YOU? Where would you be? We are to, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear, hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 22-23) Contrary to what Cain thought, we ARE our brother’s keeper. Whether you want the responsibility or not my dear reader, YOU are your brothers keeper too.......
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:45:34 +0000