Putting On My Good News Shoes

My Utmost For His Highest

‘Belief in Jesus is a miracle produced only by the effectiveness of redemption, not by impressive speech, nor by wooing and persuading, but only by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of redemption comes through the preaching of the gospel, but never because of the personality of the preacher.  Real and effective fasting by a preacher is not fasting from food, but fasting from eloquence, from impressive diction, and from everything else that might hinder the gospel of God being presented. The preacher is there as the representative of God— “. . . as though God were pleading through us . . .” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He is there to present the gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ.’ CHAMBERS

When you think about sharing your faith with someone, do you imagine that you have to say just the right things in just the right way to convince someone that they need Jesus?  That their salvation rests on your shoulders .. that if you mess it up .. they are going to hell and it’s your fault?  (Romans 1:16) ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’

We focus on the words and method when in fact salvation is spiritual not natural.  Salvation is dependent upon a spiritual understanding of salvation through Christ.  (1 Corinthians 12:3) Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Now let’s look at (Romans 10:9)  ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’

(Matthew 16:15-17) ‘He [Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’

God has chosen to use us in the process of salvation … there are people who are more educated – theologically speaking – than I – a lot of people – I cannot explain why God brings people to salvation in this way, but He does … It’s not like He needs us .. but He uses us … It is a mystery ….. I think our problem with sharing our faith is that we start focusing on ourselves … and it is not about us … we worry how people will react … we wonder if we will be rejected or criticized … that people may throw the baby (that would be you) out with the bath water .. but it is the Gospel they reject … It’s simply our responsibility to share it.

(Romans 10:15-17) ‘And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’

So our role is not in the saving but in the telling.  Tell people about Jesus and trust God for the rest.  Let you light shine.

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)