Share the Good News of Jesus Christ

ApriL  8

Read Matthew 28:18-20 and reflect on the passage.

As someone who believes disciple-making is key to the church, and part of how we should live as followers of Christ, Matthew 28:18-20 have been key verses in my life. All authority has been given to Jesus. He commands us to go and make disciples, teaching disciples to obey the commands He gave, and then gives us the assurance that He is always with us. Great stuff!

But don’t miss the five words that start verse 18, “Then Jesus came to them.” In the summer of 2001, I was content to do ministry at UALC, but God began to move my heart to leave my job and work for the City of Upper Arlington. Most of my friends were part of the church and followers of Jesus—how was I going to go and make disciples. Could I live the life of a follower of Jesus outside of the church, like so many of you with jobs in the real world? Was God calling me to them?

The answer is yes, and He is calling all of us to go. We, UALC, are the body of Jesus in our community—will we follow His example? “Then Jesus came to them.”

Questions

1. Is God calling you out of your comfort zone?

2. Do the people you work, live, or go to school with know you are a follower of Jesus? How?

Prayer

Father, thank You for sending followers of Jesus into my life. Now help me to be Your example for someone else.

—Joe Valentino

God is always with us

December 20

Scripture Reading

Read Matthew 28:18-20 and reflect on the passage.

This season of Advent is a time of waiting, preparing, and anticipating what lies ahead. As children, the anticipation often takes the form of speculating which items on the gift list will appear under the tree. As adults, the thoughts and questions are deeper. We wonder if the holiday baking will be completed on time. We might be plagued with the question, “How will I be able to afford the gifts my children want?”

Holidays are troublesome for many while festive for others. The reasons are as numerous as the ornaments on the tree and often times just as fragile. It is so important we take time to recognize the real reason for Christmas. Knowing this special event was the creation of the path to our salvation.

The reason we observe Advent is so we can prepare to celebrate Christmas with joy and happiness. If you are not feeling the spirit yet, reflect on Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always…” See if God doesn’t meet you where you are and give you what you need to survive and even enjoy this special season of love.

Questions

1.      How do you approach the holidays? Are you excited to be with family and friends or are they the reason for your trepidation?

2.      How can you make this Christmas season one filled with memories you and your family with always remember?

Prayer

Lord, bring joy and laughter into our homes and bless this precious time we have with one another. Provide the grace we need for each moment. Amen.

—Judy Webb