Thursday, October 13, 2022

           We know Paul as a missionary, a preacher, a church planter, a writer of much of the New Testament and probably Christianity’s finest theologian.  Following his very intense and powerful conversion experience, Paul knew his mission.  He knew where God wanted him to go.  His plan was to plow new ground for church planting and the sowing of gospel seeds.  He stated his mission clearly in Romans 15:20-22, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’  This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.”  There is a message in Paul’s mission that can speak to us too.  We can see at least four things that might empower how we serve the Lord and represent Him today.  Paul’s standards remain the same for us today.
            First, we are to develop an ambition to make the Lord known and honored.  Some Christians will live decades without ever sharing their faith, inviting someone to worship or speaking about Jesus.  Some will never speak about Jesus to anyone else.  That approach is a failure.  We have daily opportunities to speak about Christ but we need the ambition to match.  Be eager to talk about the Lord and what He has meant to you.  Share the gospel with those who are simply floating through life lost and aimless.  We usually speak about the things that matter to us.  Speak about the Lord today.  Proclaim His greatness and gospel.
            Second, there are people you could reach for Christ that no one else can.  There are people who would listen to you that might never listen to a sermon, follow a Christian podcast or read a Christian book.  You may call these people members of your family or some of your closest friends.  You may work alongside them.  You may share other hobbies or interests with them.  Speak up.  Talk about the Lord.  Build on this foundation where no one else has ever built before.  Seize the moment to make a difference for the Lord.  There are huge numbers of husbands, wives, parents, children and homes that have never heard a clear and simple presentation of who Jesus is.  You may be just the one the Lord counts on to present it.
            Third, perhaps God has already opened a door of service for you but you have failed to walk through it.  God has clearly identified what He has given you to do but you have resisted.  Delays, excuses and disobedience have kept you from enjoying the chance to see God work through you to change someone else’s present and future.  Look at the ways and places where you have said no.  Could God be calling you, at last, to walk through this door that He has opened? 
            And fourth, our action or inaction can have eternal consequences.  People will die today.  People die every day.  That is the reality of this world.  We may not have the luxury of limitless time to reach others with the gospel but we do have now.  May we not waver or wait while others need to hear a message of hope and encouragement that is found in Christ alone.  Paul knew his mission and pursued it passionately and eagerly.  Be a voice for Christ while you can.  Tomorrow may never come...and for some people in this world it will not come.  Their clock runs out today.  Take time today to speak about Christ in the openings and opportunities that He has created for you.  Have a great Thursday!  Worship anytime at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.