Ancient Words For Today - 63
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:12-17
As recorded in Luke 15:10, Jesus said "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Repentance, in the Biblical sense, means to turn around: to do an about-face and come before God on His terms. People who run from God, turn their back on Him, or just plain don't want anything to do with the God who created them, one day will enter eternity without Him, in outer darkness away from His presence forever with no remedy. This is a sad and terrible fate. The thing is, very few people would make this choice if they knew how wonderful God is and how much He loves them. It is clearly not God's desire that anyone be cut off from Him, but rather that they come to Him for forgiveness of their sins and receive a pardon and eternal life in His presence. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But how will lost sinners come to know about and believe upon the God who loves them so much? How will they learn that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to take upon Himself the sins of all mankind and to die in their place so that they could be forgiven and receive eternal life? The Bible says that FAITH COMETH BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Many turn to God, seeking His grace and forgiveness, when they hear the truth about their sins and what Jesus did so that they can receive pardon, salvation, and eternal life. Others, hearing the same gospel message, harden their hearts and remain in the same place - lost and separated from God and without hope in a sick and sinful world.
Who will tell lost sinners about God's love and the gospel message that can save their souls? The answer is believers - those of us who know the truth and have been saved by God's grace through Jesus Christ. Some Christians seldom or never share their faith with others, believing that it is the job of church pastors to do so. But actually, the job of pastors is to teach believers, strengthening their understanding of God's Word, the Gospel message, and God's promises, so that the church members can in turn share the good news with those who haven't heard or believed. We may think that we aren't capable of presenting the Gospel message clearly, but Jesus told His disciples: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of his disciples, and also on behalf of us who would believe their testimony about Jesus, that we all might be able to share the truth with others that the Father sent Jesus into the world and that He loves them: As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:18-23
Jesus has commanded us, as believers, to love one another as he loves us. This includes having a heart for the lost, as He does, and sharing with them about Jesus, our wonderful Savior and Lord, whom the Father sent into the world. By doing so we share the light of God and the certain hope of eternal life to all who believe our testimony. So, why not share the gospel with someone today and let them know how much God loves them!
God bless you and empower you as you share his wonderful message!