This week, Luis Palau points out opportunities we commonly overlook when it comes to introducing others to Jesus Christ. Even inside the church there are people in the congregation who don’t have a personal relationship with Him. How do we recognize them?
Sometimes we can spend so much time looking for opportunities to share the Good News with our friends or acquaintances that we neglect to reach our own families. Maybe your immediate family is following Christ whole-heartedly. If so, that’s wonderful! But, what about your aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, or grandparents? Do they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
I know of a missionary family who has been serving as a witness for Jesus in a foreign country for the past 20 years. But, they don’t stop there! Though they’re actively sharing their faith overseas, they haven’t neglected their extended family who also doesn’t know Jesus. Whenever they have an opportunity, they share their faith - regardless of if it’s to their neighbors overseas or their family at the dinner table.
Even if we are used to being a witness outside our homes, let’s not ignore the opportunities that lie within our own family circles. Do you know of anyone in your family who hasn’t heard the Good News? I would guess we can all think of someone. Let’s work hard to fulfill the great commission of "go and make disciples of all nations" - starting with our own families.
The station manager in the studio had been listening intently to our radio program. "I don’t understand," he said to me as the program signed off. "I attend church every Sunday. I partake of holy communion. I do confession at the stated times. And yet I have no assurance of eternal life." Despite being a part of a television station that preached Christ, this man didn’t have the assurance of salvation. He had participated in religious activities without having a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
It is sad to learn that some workers in godly organizations do not have the personal assurance of eternal life. Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Friends, Jesus’ statement makes is clear that good motives or activities don’t guarantee salvation.
If you work in an organization that is Christ-centered, or know someone who does, don’t assume the employees know Jesus. Let’s take some time this week and ask the Holy Spirit to show us if there is someone who needs to hear the Good News - even someone in a private Christian school or a local non-profit ministry. Let’s not overlook opportunities that may arise to share the Good News, even in God fearing workplaces.
Kristine grew up in her local church but didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. She sang in the church choir and was a "regular" on Sunday, but didn’t know God for herself. It wasn’t until an evangelist visited her church that she finally found true peace. She said, "As he was preaching, it seemed like he knew exactly what was happening in my life. I understood one thing: I needed forgiveness. My life hadn’t been right, not the way it should be, and I finally heard that I could say no to my past and start a new life with God."
Sometimes, even participants in our very own churches haven’t heard the Good News. We can easily take for granted that everyone in our church has a personal relationship with Jesus. But, that’s just not true. The person sitting right next to us during a service may not know the peace of God. Jesus says, "In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
This week ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is anyone in your church who still needs the peace Kristine was searching for. Then reach your world by telling them of Jesus Christ.
How can you grow in the Spirit this week? To learn more about life lived for Jesus Christ, listen to Luis’ message, “Sow Your Gospel Seed with Faith.” Luis will provide practical insights and biblical wisdom that will help guide you as you grow in your faith.
For your FREE copy give us a call at 1-800-ASK-LUIS.
Sometimes the people who are the most difficult for us to reach with the Gospel are those in our own family. This week, Luis gives us some new strategies on how to reach our families and not give up on them no matter how many times we’ve already tried. Here is the encouragement you need if you are feeling discouraged, or if you lack faith.
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