This week, Luis Palau gives good counsel on how to live balanced lives as followers of Jesus Christ. Do our lives point people to God’s Son? Join us each day this week to learn about being and making disciples.
Have you ever felt like you need to earn someone’s approval or respect? Feeling that your value is based on works or performance can be discouraging and disheartening. Many have had parents who do not love unconditionally. Many have spouses who love selectively. But, God is not like that!
If you think you’re only loved when you’re successful, or look your best, or have it all together, you don’t understand God’s love for you. The Bible says that Jesus Christ died while "we were yet sinners." Jesus loved us when we were still a mess. Though, He doesn’t leave us that way. As John Stott said, "God loves us too much to leave us the way we are." Rather, He helps us grow, become more like Jesus, and tell others of His love.
If you have never experienced this radical acceptance, run to Jesus. And, if you know someone who has been abused, ignored, or manipulated, tell them of the unconditional love of our perfect Heavenly Father. His love knows no bounds and isn’t based on performance of works. It’s unconditional. Today, as God brings lonely and hurting people into our lives, let’s tell them of His love. The Good News of Jesus Christ is the best gift we can give to our lost and hurting world.
The Gospel is completely counter-cultural. It is counter-intuitive. We have so many sayings that run in opposition to the teachings of Jesus. Some of them include "Look out for #1," "She had it coming," and "They got what they deserved." But, the beauty of the Gospel is we haven’t been given what we deserve. We’ve been given forgiveness when we deserved justice. Jesus was not concerned with Himself. He gave up His life for others.
Are we modeling this counter-cultural, revolutionary idea? That giving is better than receiving? That service is better than being served? That pouring yourself out actually fills you up? When we think only of ourselves, we actually lose ourselves in the process. Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Think about ways that you can pour yourself out to the Glory of God, the love and service of others, and the transformation of the world. There are countless things you can do to reach your world. But one of the most important is telling people about Jesus Christ. This week, let’s serve as Jesus served and tell others of His love, forgiveness, and gift of abundant life.
Have you ever heard the quote, "So heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good"? I have a couple thoughts on this popular saying that I hope will inspire you to reach your world. I think a truly heavenly-minded person will actually live a more passionate and effective life on earth too.
As a follower of Christ, you will live forever with Him! Jesus didn’t just come to save us for eternity. He came to save us for life on earth too! Jesus said in the book of John, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Full life in Jesus doesn’t start in heaven. Full life is right now!
Our earthly lives as followers of Jesus should be vibrant, passionate and fulfilled. We shouldn’t be miserable - idly passing our time and just waiting for heaven. Jesus made a glorious life on earth possible as well. We don’t have to wait to begin really living. Are you walking with Jesus and living in the abundance that only He can provide?
As you walk with Jesus Christ, you will find peace, joy, and hope. These gifts from God will be evident to others and cause them to wonder what’s different about you. Share the abundance of Christ with a friend so that they can experience Jesus in this life, and the life to come.
A criticism of mass evangelism is that it emphasizes initial salvation over continuing discipleship. As someone who has dedicated his life to "mass evangelism," I want to share with you the necessity of strong discipleship in the local church.
I do not think an emphasis on evangelism has to de-emphasize discipleship - or vice versa. They are both important. They are both biblical. Without evangelism there would be no one to disciple, and without good discipleship there would be no one evangelizing!
It’s always been my desire for our organization to work with, through, and for the local church because that is the best and most effective place for long-lasting discipleship. And, my desire with this radio program is to speak into your lives as followers of Christ. The work of evangelism should spur us on to disciple. They are not mutually exclusive. They work together.
Jesus said in His Great commission, "Go, therefore, and make disciples." Include discipleship in your reaching your world efforts. Don’t leave it at the moment of decision but persevere with those new to the faith and help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Do you feel like you’re just "getting by" in life? Are you bogged down by busyness, responsibilities, or insecurities? Internationally renowned evangelist Luis Palau shares how you can stop settling for less than God’s absolute best.
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How do we grow and mature in our faith? Join us this week as we explore this subject. Luis has practical suggestions and scriptural lessons to encourage our growth as followers of Christ.
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