Wednesday, January 8, 2020

I Can’t Save Anybody But I Can Tell Everybody

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”  1 Peter 3:15

Have you ever shared your faith with someone? Maybe went door to door. Maybe you have a taken a class on how to share your testimony and the Gospel. Or maybe you have decided to leave that aspect of being a Christian to others. I have heard it said that speaking in public, to people you don’t know, is one of the greatest fears that people have. You can get over that fear with preparation and practice.  Just like anything else in life, there are always going to be people who do “whatever it is” better than you.  That maybe important if you are getting paid to do it, but when it comes to giving you testimony – sharing your faith – not so much.

You see, when it comes to faith issues it is the Spirit of God who does the real work.  We are merely messengers.  Are you familiar with the term “Don’t shoot the messenger?” Well you don't shoot the messenger because all the messenger is doing is relaying information.  The message was crafted by someone else. In the case of the Gospel and your new life in Christ, the message is from God, the Father.  It is not up to you to save the person you are speaking to. It is impossible.  That said, you can’t argue anyone into heaven.  When someone comes to faith, perhaps when you are speaking to them, it is because the Spirit of God has gone ahead of you – preparing their hearts.  Your meeting is the means by which they hear the Gospel, the very thing their hearts have been yearning for.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” ― Romans 10:14-15

Implicit in the telling is the showing.  What I mean is that your life should reflect your message.  If you were buying a Chevy but the salesman was driving a Ford, you might wonder why he promotes one thing and does another.  That does not mean you must be sinless – none of us are. It does mean that your life should reflect your love of God and willingness to walk in the light.   

Listen – God will give all us opportunity. The question is, “Will we be ready and willing when the opportunity comes knocking?”

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts” ― Zechariah 4:6

You don’t have to be an eloquent speaker – merely a faithful servant. Being a witness to the Gospel is a basic Christian responsibility.  Jesus said –

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19

That means as you go – as you live your life – be ready to do what God calls all of us to do. Oh, one other thing. Paul wrote …

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6

You never know what your place is – planting – watering – or harvesting.  Just remember, it is God that makes it grow.  You just need to be ready and willing.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” – Jude 24-25

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

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