What Does It Take To Get Someone’s Attention

“…. sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" – 1 Peter 3:15

Watching the news yesterday, the Franklin Graham representing the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared the Gospel message and encouraged the listeners to pray the sinner’s prayer. Honestly I was surprised  because it was in stark contrast to what I normally see on TV – which is reflection of a culture that, on the whole, has drifted far from God. A culture that has been turned on its head because of COVID-19 and yet holds a disdain for anything to do with Jesus.

So to hear Franklin Graham speak about God’s love, Jesus sacrifice and the way to salvation was refreshing and, at the same time, quite like having someone shine a bright light in your eyes in a dark room.  Whenever there is a disaster – there are those who wonder if it is the judgement of God – an urging to respond to God – like the 10 plagues in Egypt.  Some wonder if we are in the last days – suspecting that Jesus return is imminent.  I wish I could confirm one or the other – but I can’t.  But I do know that when the feeling of being in control has been taken from the grip of those who think they have control, even if they are just hanging on by their fingertips – fear sets in – quickly. But with that fear, hardened hearts are sensitized to things spiritual. That is why Franklin Graham was on prime time TV. 

Listen – people will not hear the message of salvation anywhere but from the Body of Christ.  This is a time to be salt and light.  It is not the time to retreat within the walls of the local church fortress and close the gates. But a time to be ready to be a witness – not just with words but by the way we live our lives and respond to the same trouble everyone else faces.  My calling, and perhaps yours, is not to be like Franklin Graham – I have not been given the gift of evangelism – but I do have the responsibility of being a messenger of Hope – and ambassador for Christ – and so do you.

So be alert – be spiritually prepared – prayed up – tuned in – simply to be a witness when people ask for the reason for the hope that is in you.  Our responsibility is to lift Jesus up – it is the Holy Spirit’s job to bring the conviction that leads to salvation. 

“I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” – 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

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