Before you read this blog I want to pray a radical prayer over you. I pray you become radically zealous in your desire to share Jesus with others. I pray that you, like the Apostle Paul, are set on fire with the Love of God. I pray that you would become tenacious in your desire to reach the lost with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that daily, your mission would be to pray for the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and boldly proclaim what Jesus has done in your life! In Jesus name, Amen!
Acts 28:30-31
30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
This excerpt in the book of Acts is detailing the conclusion of Paul’s missionary work. Here we find Paul imprisoned in Rome, at his own expense, for no reason at all other than offending the Jews by boldly preaching the Gospel. Paul is now imprisoned awaiting trial before Caesar while having to provide for himself to be jailed. Still, these unfavorable circumstances didn't stop Him from doing what he knows he is called to do…boldly preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Remember, before making it to this point Paul had experienced multiple beatings, slander, shipwrecks, bitten by a viper, imprisonment and numerous other hardships. During his mission, Paul experienced just as many trials and hardships in the midst of all the Glory. In fact many of us, myself included, would probably give up and call it quits after Paul had been stoned for the first time in Lystra. Daily, no doubt, all of us can find one hundred inconveniences to prevent us from boldly preaching the Gospel to the people God has sent us to. Recent studies have shown that 95% of American Christians have never led another person to Jesus. This is a frightening statistic. It is very sad how lazy and indifferent the American Church has become in our day to day lives toward the lost. I’m almost certain that this statistic is not a reality, because many Christians are valiantly trying to lead their neighbors to Christ and failing. Unfortunately, I am certain that the root cause of this dilemma is simply apathy. You, like me, have probably been presented with countless opportunities in your life to share the gospel with others. Also, you, like me, have probably talked yourself out of countless opportunities to share the Gospel with others by mentally listing inconveniences like…
I’m too busy.
I don't want to be embarrassed.
I don't want to offend anyone.
I don’t know how.
I don’t like this person.
I don't feel like it.
This is the pastor’s job
While these are all inconveniences, no doubt, they are not worthy enough to stop us from sharing the Gospel daily, with the people God has sent us to. It's arrogant to believe that Jesus can't use us to save the lost despite our many inconveniences and insecurities. In our weakness is where the power of His grace is revealed! Why do we believe that we have a right to withhold the message of salvation from others, after He has been so gracious to save us? How could we, the Church, ever believe we have the authority to call the world to righteousness without first radically demonstrating the love of God?
Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price. I, for one, want to give up all my petty reasons for not sharing how His enduring love has ransomed my life. I personally repent for any apathy in my heart towards sharing His great worth with others. I want to be more like Paul in my approach to revealing His kingdom toward others. I want to be overcome with His love, in such a way, that I can’t help but tell others about Him, no matter the cost or inconveniences that may present themselves.
It’s when I get over myself that I am best positioned to reveal Him. I need to constantly remind myself of the simple truth; there is no burden or trial so great to get in the way of sharing eternal life with others. I would like to present you with a challenge this week. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you into an opportunity where you can lead someone to salvation in Jesus. Wait for the opportunity to arise, and then act boldly upon it regardless of any inconveniences it may impose… I can’t wait to hear the testimonies.
Love,
Pastor John
