by Joe Stowell, Our Daily Bread
There was a time when a certain West Coast city may have been one of the most hostile places to the gospel in America. Posters in coffee shops advertised witchcraft meetings where you could learn to cast a spell on your enemies.
It was such a challenging environment for churches that they struggled to get building permits from the city council. And there was a lot of “woe is me†talk among church leaders. Until a group of pastors began to meet to pray regularly and then decided to take the love of Jesus into their city. They started a ministry to the homeless, to those suffering with AIDS, to teens at risk. Faithfully and intentionally they brought the love of Jesus to the needs of hurting people. Before long, the city agencies started calling on them for help. Better yet, the churches started growing as people responded to the gospel in action.
Which proves the point: Sometimes you’ve got to “show up†before you speak up. No one really wants to hear what we have to say about the love of Jesus until they’ve seen it in our lives (Matt. 5:16). Then even the most ardent opponents to the gospel may just be glad you’re in their town, their office, or their neighborhood. And then you just might be able to tell them about Jesus.
Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus’ precious blood;
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. —Whittle
When you share the gospel, make sure you live the gospel.
This is true, and despite our sins and predisposition to sin (Romans 3:23), we should always surrender our sins and our failings to Christ Jesus, as a faith in Him purifies us and steers the believer closer towards the Truth that is in Christ. Proclaim the Good news , but never cease admonishing one's self of the inherent sinful nature knowing that salvation of sin is the Love of Christ Jesus...whom we will continue to share with others.
Beautiful passage, Michael.
How wonderful it is, that we, tho sinful, are saved in Jesus Christ. Just as was Mary of Magdalene., just as Paul (formerly Saul)...
The Lord uses one's strengths to His Purpose, even despite, our predisposition to sin and imperfect nature.
That is the Beauty...of His Message.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?Romans 8:32Linkback:
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