Bringing News of Great Joy

Posted by Randy Harrod on Dec 18th, 2009 | 3 comments home title

In C12 we often speak of ‘spiritual value added’ related to sharing the love of Christ through acts of service, sanctification and salvation. As we approach Christmas, with our calendars full of events and family gatherings, it’s vital to remember the amazing opportunity we have to faithfully and intentionally share Christ’s Gospel of grace and produce Kingdom fruit. It’s been said that, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”

To many, God is an angry judge or impersonal concept. They may even dismiss Christianity as a crutch for weak, hypocritical people. Yet, according to the Bible, God’s sovereignty and plan extends to both the ‘macro’ story of human history and our individual ‘micro’ stories (Is 9:6-7, Jn 3:16). Our Triune King is weaving His story, for His own glory, through His creation in a way that involves the salvation of His eternal children through the perfect life, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, the God-Man (Jn 1:1-14). He is drawing out and reconciling a Christ-confessing bride to Himself from every tribe, tongue and nation (Rev 5:9).

Incredibly, even in America, most have never heard the true Gospel of Christ. A winsome sharing of God’s eternal gift of love and grace (Eph 2:8-9), extended to a fallen people (Ro 3:23, 6:23 and Is 53:6) made in His own image (Gn 1:26), will give everyone – believers and unbelievers – plenty to chew on. For most, the emphasis on an eternal relationship, rooted in faith in Christ (Jn 6:47, 14:1-6, 15:5, 16:33, 17:3 and Rev 3:20), will be a new thought!

Although extended freely to us in His perfect love, God’s grace was extremely costly to Him. His unwavering holiness and justice required that a worthy sacrifice be made to atone for our sins and provide a path for His children to come to Him in faith (i.e., “the great exchange”) and spend eternity with Him in everlasting joy and triumphant worship!

Does God want us to tell the story? He emphatically answers this in His Word (e.g., Lk 2:10, Mt 28:19, Lk 9:26, Acts 1:8, Ro 1:16, 2Cor 2:17, 1Pe 3:15). We’re to “not be afraid” and to “speak with sincerity like men sent from God” since the Gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” The Holy Spirit will prepare hearts and we can be confident that God’s Word will not return void. Our role is to simply and faithfully share His truth from our heart.

Are you prepared this season to share the Gospel in your family and business “among those who are perishing”? Will you do it humbly and transparently as one beggar showing other beggars where to find bread? It’s critical that they hear the real Gospel instead of fixating on the behavior of sinful yet religious Christians who live in ways that contrast with what they profess. What are you planning for your company’s Christmas events? How about your Christmas cards? Will they clearly honor our Lord and share His Gospel? How will you follow-up with any who come to Christ during this season? Remember, our actions may serve to inspire other believers to follow suit with those they touch.

3 Responses home title

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