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We are all Misionaries
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Mark 16:15
Jesus' great commission was that His disciples were to preach the good news about the Kingdom of Heaven to all of creation. All of us who are believers in Christ, are also His disciples. By the words of Jesus himself, we are called to preach the gospel to all who do not know the truth.
Proclaiming the gospel may not be an easy task. It leaves us open to disappointment, embarrassment and ridicule, but it is our calling. I was recently challenged by a statement from the outspoken street evangelist Ray Comfort that went something like this:
"Would you witness more often if you were paid a thousand dollars each time?"
Think about it. Would you?
I know I would. It's obvious what that tells me. I would put the love of money before the fear of God. This life is temporary - God's Kingdom is everlasting. Any joy from possessions gained or hurt felt from the rejection of our peers, will be gone before we know it, but the bliss that will come from obeying our Lord's calling for our lives will be felt for eternity.
This thought puts things in perspective for me. Although it may not help my fear of speaking to strangers about my faith, it does motivate me into wanting to put my faith into action regardless of my fears.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16
| Comments (1)True Love (Agape)
" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse in the Bible. It's certainly one of the first verses I came to know. However, only recently has it's true meaning started impact me. This verse is not a casual statement. God loves all of us so much that He performed the most humble acts of humility ever.
God, the creator of the cosmos, the Almighty Father of all that is, became a man and let Himself be mocked, ridiculed and then killed. He did this to pay the penalty for our disobedience. While we were still sinners God stepped in and paid our penalty for us -- with the blood of His own Son. This was His choice --knowing the pain the He would have to endure to prepare a way to save us -- He gave His life for ours. This is true love, agape love.
| Comments (0)Growing through Attacks
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Have you ever prayed for something that you were almost too scared to ask for? I have. Like asking God to increase my faith. This is a request that He is guaranteed to grant. It is also a request that will put you in a situation that you will have to rely on your faith if you are to do God's will.
I have recently asked for increased faith. Soon after my petition, I began to be attacked on a daily basis. As my strength began to diminish, I realized that the enemy was working through people around me -- trying to tear me down. Knowing that this is an opportunity to use my faith and is, in fact, just what I asked for, helps me to stand strong.
A big part of me wants to be vengeful and retaliate against those who I feel are deliberately wronging me. But knowing that God's will is for me to 'love my enemies' and remain even-keeled through tough situations, helps me to reflect Christ through these situations. It is very hard to do, but I know that relying on God's strength will pull me through and in the end -- will increase my faith. Please pray for me!
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