God's Purpose for Us
Thursday, August 3, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I glorify your name. You are worthy of all of my praise. I ask that you would grant me the boldness to keep and outward focus. Help me to be able to share my faith with those who need to know you. I ask that your Spirit would go before me and prepare the way. Let my life testify of you always. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen
God’s Word Today – Jude 20-25
“20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”
“24 And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25 All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
Jude says in verse 22-23, “Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.” The fourth challenge I want to give New Life is to KEEP AN OUTWARD FOCUS. It’s imperative as Christians that we not forget the people around us. Without Jesus Christ, people are destined for hell. When we make evangelism a priority, we seek to plunder hell in order to populate heaven. By going out into the world, by God’s grace and mercy, others might be spared from the flames of hell and judgment.
Too often we get so caught up in other things that may be important, but not the most important. God’s called us to make the most important work of evangelism our highest priority. It’s the reason the Church is still in this world – to reach others with the love of Jesus Christ. If this is our purpose, then we need to be doing it everyday. I want to encourage you to learn how to share your faith. Not only are we only to set and example for others, but we’re also called to verbally share our faith. As Christians, and as people of New Life, I want to encourage you to always keep an outward focus. Make this your single highest priority!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
According to Jude 22-23, why are we to keep an outward focus?
How do we “rescue” others?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
As Christians, why should we share our faith?
What are ways we can share our faith?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
When was the last time you verbally shared your faith with someone?
Does it seem hard for you to share your faith with others? Why or why not?
Who in your life needs to know Jesus? What can you do today to share your faith with them?
Thoughts
One of the things that impressed me when I first came on board at New Life was its vision and passion for worldwide missions. If you’ve been here long enough, you’ve also seen this passion. We regularly commission people at New Life for mission trips around the country and world. Missionaries often visit us and share what God’s doing among the nations. New Life, I want to encourage you to keep this outward focus. Keep your vision strong for worldwide missions! I do, however, also want to encourage you to keep your passion strong for local outreach in Saxonburg and in Western Pennsylvania. Sometimes we can miss the needs of those who are right in front of our eyes. As the Outreach team transitions into this new school year, I want to challenge you to pray about how God would have you get involved in some type of outreach ministry. Allow God to stretch you in this area if you’re not sure about doing this. There are plenty of opportunities to serve God, not only around the world, but also in this area. Keep your focus outward, for the moment a church focuses inward, it begins to die.
God has called us to “go into the world.” If you’re going fishing its best to bring a pole and throw the line out in the water, rather than waiting for the fish to jump into the boat. I challenge you to get your line in the water! New Life, keep an outward focus. By doing so, you will rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment.
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