Extreme Makeover World Edition
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I glorify Your Name! I praise You for Your faithfulness to me. You are always the same, no matter how life may change. I admit that I haven’t been as bold in sharing my faith as I should. I ask that You would give me that boldness to share Jesus with others today. Don’t let the enemy talk me out of speaking the truth in love. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Reflecting on God’s Word
All of us came to faith in Jesus Christ because someone opened their mouth and shared the good news with us. Whether we heard the good news on the radio, television, at church, or through a close friend, someone had to speak the truth from their lips. Without someone sharing this good news, we wouldn’t have come to know the salvation of God. The apostle Paul declares in Romans 10:17, “Yet faith comes from listening to this message of the good news. . .” He’s saying it’s impossible for someone to be saved, unless they hear the good news, and they will not hear the good news unless someone shares the truth of God’s holy word with them.
The reason why God did not call us to heaven the moment we accepted Jesus as our Savior was because He intended for us to be His mouth – to speak His truth to a lost and dying world. God uses His people, the Church, to convey this message of truth. Because this is true, we all have a great responsibility to open our mouth and speak forth the good news of salvation for all who believe. There won’t be an “extreme makeover” of our world, if we remain silent!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Read Romans 10:14-15. What is the process by which someone comes to know the salvation of Jesus Christ?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
According to Romans 10:14-17, why does God want us to verbally share our faith in Jesus Christ?
Is it possible for people to become “saved” if Christians don’t speak up? Why?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
Is it easy for you to share your faith in Jesus? Why or why not?
What prevents you from sharing your faith more often? Is it fear? If so – what kind of fear?
If you don’t know what to say – what is something you can do to obtain this knowledge? (Hint: join “The Way of The Master” course at church!)
Thoughts
Many Christians struggle with the thought of evangelism because they don’t know how to share their faith. They are intimidated because they might mess up, or possibly lose a friend. Instead of taking the risk, they remain silent and don’t really say a word to others about Jesus. They rationalize in their heads that “actions” speak louder than words. Although this is true, no person will ever come to Jesus Christ without someone verbally explaining the Gospel message. Maybe you fall into this category? Maybe this defines you?
At some point God is calling all of us to take a bold step of faith and begin opening our lips to share the truth of Scripture with our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates. We can’t hide, because the spreading of the Gospel message of Jesus is dependent upon our obedience. People won’t go to heaven unless we open our mouth! If God is calling for an “extreme makeover” in our world, He’s calling us to get rid of our excuses and boldly step out in faith. He’s calling us to share His good news. With the same urgency a firefighter seeks to save those inside a burning house, so we are called to seek out the lost. Take the step today to share Jesus with others!