September 15th

SEPTEMBER 15th

So, many “Christians” think that sharing the Gospel is optional. It is often passed off as optional or as a specialized thing that “evangelists” do or certain people that have that assignment.

But Jesus commanded it and we are instructed throughout the New Testament to do it. So here’s the hard truth of the matter… if we are not sharing the Gospel, we are being disobedient.  Let that sink in…

We are commanded to do it. It is not a suggestion or an afterthought, it was a directive from Jesus Himself.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

So why don’t we?

Are we nervous, intimidated, embarrassed? Don’t know what to say? Afraid of being labeled? Don’t feel good enough? We really have no good excuses. So it makes us a little uncomfortable, so what. In this country, right now anyway, it doesn’t cost us our lives (or anything really) to share the gospel.

This is not a call to stand on the street corner shouting warnings and waving signs. But it is a call to be more sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit in our day everywhere we go, looking for opportunities share this life and hope with others. It is a call to walk through unexpected open doors that the Spirit opens in front of us. It is a call to plant seeds and speak truth patiently. It is a call to be willing to be uncomfortable in conversation with the hope that lives will be changed/saved. It is a call to be ready at every moment. It is a call to persevere in this task everyday even when we don’t see results and even when it begins to cost us more than our comfort.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

This week, let us begin to be obedient every day.

Jesus thank you for suffering what you did for me. Forgive me for thinking that telling others about you is optional. Forgive me for neglecting that in my everyday life or thinking that it is just for evangelists or missionaries. Help me to be sensitive to you Holy Spirit as you lead me to those that need you. Help me to be your light.