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| Source: Heartlight.org |
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" Romans 1:16-17
As I grow older, the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes more dear to me. For today I know that I'm closer to seeing my Savior than I was yesterday. And I can honestly say that I have no fear in facing Him. Have I lived a perfect Christian life? No! Far from it. And that's what makes the gospel so precious to me, and why I'm not ashamed of it. It is the perfect life of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for my sin -- my imperfections -- that I claim for my salvation. My sins are great. My Savior is greater!
We are living in a time where it's becoming more and more popular for Christians to be mocked for their biblical beliefs, and the temptation is to retreat quietly and rest in the knowledge that we (those of us who have repented and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ) have eternal salvation, and just pray for everyone else. And certainly, yes! We should pray for the salvation of others. We should pray that those who don't know Jesus personally will come to know Him by faith and put their trust in Him. So, please don't misunderstand me. Prayer always comes first. As Oswald Chambers said, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work."
Prayer prepares us for the "greater work". And what is that? To make disciples for Christ and teach them to observe all He has commanded. This is the the work that the Lord Jesus has given us to do. We should see this "work" as glorious service to the Holy One who gave up everything He had so that we could have everything in Him.
If someone saved me from a burning building, I would tell everyone I know about such a wonderful hero. Yet, how many times have I failed to tell even one person about the Hero of my soul out of fear that I would be ridiculed? May the Lord help me to stop being afraid of sharing the eternal life-saving truth of the gospel.
This past weekend I watched a message by Pastor Jack Hibbs in which he talked about sharing the gospel at work, and how we might pray in preparation. (Of course, this holds true for wherever we are. Not just work.):
"Lord, if there is anybody at work today that You want me to talk to, will you open up that door. And please, God, if you open it, don't let me be distracted. Help me to see it. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Then Hibbs encouraged everyone to "go to work and be the best employee possible."
Isn't that good? Pray, go, and be the best you can be. And when God opens that door to the gospel. . .step through it!
Today's music video I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel by Janet Paschel is one of my favorite songs on this subject. Enjoy!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Good post Nancy. I too love that we are not perfect and have made mistakes but God still loves us. I believe being faithful and a good Christian is not because we spend an hour each week in church but because of the way we live our lives. We will make mistakes but God made us human. As long as we ask for forgiveness and try to do better our faith will be our salvation. Happy New Week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThere's a quote that comes to mind regarding that "hour each week in church." It goes like this: "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you an automobile." Don't remember who said that, but I think it's good! Have a great weekend! Hugs.
DeleteThat is good encouragement for today! I do pray for words to speak when I need them - and courage too!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to pray, Mari! xo
DeleteI remember hearing someone tell a story about encouraging Bible school students to be the hardest and best workers at their jobs. That's the first testimony and opens the door for conversations.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I think the Bible is clear that we honor the Lord when we do so. xo
DeleteI pray this often because I am one of those who fears being ridiculed and put down. Even by people close to me. I am becoming braver as the time of the LORD grows ever closer. Thank you again for another thought provoking post and and great reminder to me, yet again, to be brave and take those flaming arrows with joy in my heart.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Right there with you, my friend! xo
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