And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked… But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1,4-5, ESV)
Brothers and sisters, we can’t be reminded enough of the Good News that I am going to talk about this morning. And we can’t be reminded enough to share this Good News with all people.
It is easy for me to get comfortable where I live and chicken out when sharing my faith.I have had many golf lessons in my life and I’m very thankful for all the help I have received dealing with my golf game. My best golf instructor, for whom I had much respect and love (and a dear believer in Christ), was a brutally honest man. He didn’t beat around the bush when it came to instructing me. While at times it hurt to hear (or see) how bad my swing had gotten or how off the plane of my putting stroke was, it was good how upfront and honest he was when I would work with him.
First, a gospel reminder to both you and me. All people are sinners and in need of saving. We are all deserving of an eternity spent in hell. However, we have a God who is “rich in mercy” and who loves us more than words can describe. If you are a believer in Christ, God has done two things: He showed you both mercy (not receiving what you deserve—hell) and grace (receiving something you don’t deserve—eternal life in heaven).
This is the good news. In fact, it is great news. In spite of my sin, Jesus lived the perfect life I couldn’t and died the death I deserved on my behalf. The greatest act of love in all of history is recorded in the Bible!
Second, a gospel reminder of action to both me and you. Like my golf instructor was toward me, we are to be bold and courageous in sharing this news with all people. Brothers and sisters, we are not to hold this news to ourselves. We are to go into the world, into your neighborhood, your family, your city, and share the gospel news of Jesus with all people.
This is motivating for me as well. It is easy for me to get comfortable where I live and chicken out when sharing my faith. How could this be? Do I really believe this news to be the best news ever told? Do I believe this news to be true? Do I desire, like God, for all souls to be saved and secure for eternity in heaven?
These questions are tough, but it is good for us to look at. It is time, Christians, to be upfront and honest with our unbelieving friends. It is time for us to enter their world, to go to where they are, and to love them. When we do this, when we love those who don’t know Jesus yet, then our greatest desire and hope is for them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
Brothers and sisters (and me!), share it! Share this beautiful news of the gospel. Get out and let the world know that Jesus is King and that eternity in heaven is possible only through him!
—
Rosson Anderson
June 28, 2017
Copyright 2017 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.