John 8:31-32, 36 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are
truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will
know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you
free, you are truly free.”
Professor Berding points out
that salvation and eternal life is offered to us as a gift and received by
faith in Jesus Christ. That’s the gospel. That’s the “Good News”! Are we
ashamed of the gospel? True Christians are burdened because everyone who does
not know the Lord and His salvation will be face-to-face with God soon. We want
to be gracious and show respect to people, showing the example of Christ to
other, yet looking for any opportunity to introduce then to Jesus Christ, that
they may find forgiveness and salvation at the foot of the Cross. Sharing the
gospel message is not twisting the arms or painting a pretty picture to get
people to accept someone that they do not want to accept. It is important to
remember that it is God who reaches out and draws people unto Himself and it is
the Holy Spirit that prepares people’s hearts in advance to receive the gospel
truth. God is the one who opens up people’s blinds eyes and closed hearts to
show them the “Good News”. God is undeniably showing Himself throughout all creation,
yet some people are suppressing the Truth.
Romans 1:19-20 “What may be known of God is manifest in them, for God
has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal
power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
All people have the truth of
God written upon their conscience. That does not mean that they know Him; they
do not know Him. It does mean that God has provided a way for them to see him. God’s
people look for the people that God is working with and are open to hear the gospel, so be attentive,
pray and then take the risk by stepping out to say something to them when you
get a chance. Not ashamed of the gospel, we share it with a friend, a family
member, a neighbor, an acquaintance, a co-worker, or even maybe a complete
stranger that the Lord has prepared for us and our message of love, mercy,
grace, forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ. It could happen, and may
happen to you and I, as long as we are open, prayerful, ready and willing to
open our mouth to tell them about Jesus.
1 Peter 3:15-16 “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, keeping a clear conscience.”
In Christ, Brian
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