Once again, my Sunday post comes from my Sunday School class this morning. Can I tell you how much I am enjoying this “Explicit Gospel” series by Matt Chandler? It’s chocked full of the Gospel and valuable information relative to my life. I LOVE IT!!!!
As usual, several things really spoke to me this morning – things I had never thought about as a Christian, wife and mother. So, after I have mulled over the information and processed what I heard this morning, I want to share some of my thoughts with you, my readers.
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” –II Timothy 4:5 (ESV, emphasis mine)
Even though we are created in God’s image, we all have different gifts. But, the one gift we all have been given is being an evangelist. Paul says, we are to “do the work of an evangelist” as if we have no choice. As a Christian, we don’t have the option of whether we’re an evangelist or not – it’s naturally who we are. AsChandlerpointed out, it may be in different contexts, so if you’re a hospitable person, use your gift of hospitality to speak the Gospel.
But we are created to be “heralds of the Gospel.” We are not called to live just a “good life.” Yes, our actions speak volumes, but “WORDS are always necessary in preaching the gospel,” according to Chandler. Romans says, “But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Rom 10:14-17 (ESV) We in middleAmerica (aka The Bible Belt), have bought into this mentality that living a “good” or “right” life is enough. It’s NOT!!!!
Have you ever had someone repent in a restaurant because you ordered water instead of wine or beer? I doubt it. Men are not saved by anything we do. The power of salvation belongs to CHRIST – not us!
If our hearts have truly been transformed, then our lives will be the outpouring and reflection of our life in Jesus Christ. We must be motivated by Christ’s love for us and our delight in God. Otherwise, we’re either motivated by guilt because of legalistic standards (which we can never live up to anyway) or we’re motivated because we’re seeking God’s favor. If you’re motivation is being in God’s favor and your heart has not been truly transformed, you will eventually feel trapped and tired. You will bear no “real” spiritual fruit because you are getting the glory, not God. Yes, you may convert a few people (or sometimes many), but they too will fall because their hearts and eyes have not been opened to theONETRUE GOSPEL – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16,ESV)
Our entire life is a mission. Our work. Our hobbies. Our neighborhoods. We are where we are by God’s design and His plan. Our neighbors are no accident. Our place of employment is no accident. God’s will is always perfect and pleasing…to HIM. We may not always understand it, but we can rest in the truth that God is in control and there is a purpose for it.
In what ways have you been a “herald” of the Gospel? Leave a comment to bless and encourage others!!
I pray you were blessed this beautiful Sunday. Thanks for stopping by!!
Blessings,
Annette
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