How do we talk about Jesus in a world that does not know him?

John 3: 13-21

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the bible, even to those who do not claim to be Christ followers. The true meaning and impact of this incredible proclamation however is missed by most, and written off as just a bunch of words. OMG! Just the most significant words ever communicated, EVER!

The “Journey” (Bible for seeking God and understanding life), describes John 3:16; “This one sentence contains the greatest message, from the greatest source, describing the greatest love, demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice ever given. It contains important words for everyone, especially those who think they have to “be religious” go get God’s approval.

How do we get through to the world? In what way do we approach those who do not understand the heart of our God? What can we say or do to make an impact?

         LIVE              LOVE                REACH

Many look to accomplishments to lead them to fulfillment or spiritual security. Jesus says to us, just as he did to Nicodemus in John 6-7; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again.”

When those not of Christ hear the term “born again” it scares them off. They feel as though they must suddenly submit to something foreign and scary, abruptly transforming into some sort of saintly being far beyond their capability. The truth is, it is a journey not a moment. Learning about the Lord, and submitting to His word can take a lifetime. Our faith, love, and trust in God evolves over time. We can help that truth be known through the way we approach our own life and relationships with others.

God looks to His people to be a model of Jesus, to LIVE honestly with passion, and thrive to be all we can be for his kingdom. He directs us to LOVE sincerely as He loves. Patiently walking alongside of and taking baby steps with those in this world who do not know Jesus is how we REACH others, never abandoning or giving up on them just as God has promised never to leave us.

Read/Listen to John 3:13-21

Passion

Acts 21:27-36

 

 

Braveheart is one of my favorite movies. William Wallace was passionate about gaining freedom for Scotland. In fact, he was so passionate that he was willing to die for what he believed in. Paul had that same kind of passion.

 

In today’s passage, Paul has returned to Jerusalem after completing his third missionary trip. During those trips, he has seen many people come to faith in Christ. He has witnessed miracles. He has preached to thousands. But he has also been beaten, arrested and run out of town. The Jerusalem elders are proactive and try to avoid any problems, but their efforts fail.

 

As a result, Paul is falsely accused of “teaching everyone everywhere against our people our law and this place”. He is dragged out of the temple and the gates are closed behind him blocking any possible retreat. It is only when the Roman troops arrive that the frenzied crowd stops their attempt to kill Paul. Then, as if he was the offender rather than the victim, he is hand cuffed and dragged off while the crowd continues in its violent rage.

 

Most likely, neither you nor I will ever face a situation like this. Most likely, we will never be beaten, arrested or driven out of town for our faith. But think about how Paul could have felt during those times when he was persecuted. He may have gone through periods of feeling lonely, afraid, anger and self-pity.

 

These are feelings that we can relate to; feelings that can result from the struggles of daily living. Maybe it is stress at work, problems at home, frustrations at church; or possibly a devastating illness or unexpected death of a loved one, a child or spouse who is in the throes of an addiction or a divorce. Any of these life experiences could cause us to stumble in our faith.

 

Following today’s passage, we read that Paul is resilient in his faith in Jesus. He asks, and is granted, to speak to the very people who had just tried to kill him. Like William Wallace in the scene where he is on the rack and cries out “freedom” with his last breath, Paul is passionate about sharing the hope that is within him.

 

People can be passionate about many things. What are you passionate about? Does your faith in Jesus carry you through the hard times?

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2021%3A27-36&version=NIV;TLB

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Acts.21.27-Acts.21.36

 

 

Acts: 4: 23-31

                                                           Praying Bold

Have you ever been so passionate about something that you spoke with the intensity of a great warrior or scholar and had no idea where the words came from? Was there a time when you stood strong for a cause in a way that you would have never believed you could? Did you ever impulsively grab a child just before he ran into the street or jump between two people when one was about to attack the other in some way? In these types of situations, it doesn't take a great deal of forethought, it happens because it is supposed to. The courage jumps into us swiftly and takes control.

I remember the last day of  my sophomore year in high school. I was very quiet and rather insecure. All of the students had to turn in their books, locks, etc., so it was an unstructured situation with many students hanging around, talking, and waiting for their friends. I was walking down a long corridor alone, when up ahead I watched as a group of “tough” girls grabbed hold of a student and were attempting to drag her outside. I recognized the girl as Ginger. She was somewhat heavy set, and was seldom seen in the school hallways because she had a cognitive disability. Ginger was obviously scared to death, as this gang of rough teens had hold of her on all sides. Without even thinking, I ran ahead and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Let her go!” I stepped into their arena as Ginger was attempting to grab on to the door frame. The girls let go of Ginger and she hurried off in a panic. They then grabbed hold of me and suddenly I became their target. I survived the ordeal, but have often thought about where that courage came from. There were about seven or eight of them and one of me. I knew Ginger would be of no help, and I had no intention of getting into a street fight, but when I saw her being brutalized by her peers I didn't think for a second about walking by. It was something that simply had to be done.

I believe this is the type of inner passion today’s scripture refers to: Being Bold!

Peter and John were seized and taken to jail because of what they were speaking about Jesus.  They were questioned and warned multiple times not to speak of or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Upon their release, Peter and John were even more intent on their mission. They prayed; “……now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Verse 31 goes on to say; After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

We can be bold and assertive without being aggressive or pushy. Being bold for the Lord is a great honor. Meeting people where they are with the confidence of the Holy Spirit within us will draw others to us. Perhaps you are not a bold person by nature, but it is amazing what can come forth from within even the small and meek,  when the Spirit is near and we are open to it. In 2 Corinthians the Lord states, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Be bold for God.

Listen to/Read Acts 4: 23-31

Matthew 25:1-30 - Be Prepared

What are you good at?  What do you love to spend your time doing?  Are they the same?  Part of the Scripture reading for today tells the familiar Parable of the Talents.  It is interesting that I never read this before and thought about our Spiritual Gifts.  In the past I looked at this story as a teaching on taking care of what we have, protecting our resources and preparing for the future.

While this is partly true, today upon reading this I was reminded of our Spiritual Gifts and the command to use them for the good of everyone.  As Believers we have been given certain gifts that are to be used to grow God's kingdom.  For instance you may be very good at opening your house and inviting people in.  You probably have a passion for helping others and you do it well.

Matthew 25:15 (NIV) 
To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 

Another one of us might be drawn to pray for each other. We feel so comfortable in God's presence and yearn to be praying for those around us.  Still another may love to teach; whether in front of a classroom filled with bright-eyed children or in a nursing home share God's love with the elderly or disabled.

What ever the gift, what ever the passion we have been given, we are called to share it with one another.  By sharing in this manner and using our precious gifts we are preparing for Christ's return.  Our obedience is preparing ourselves and it is preparing others for this great and glorious day which is yet to come.

Read Matthew 25:1-30

Listen to Matthew 25:1-30