SO, CHRISTIAN BELIEVER, ARE YOU MAKING DISCIPLES IN THESE TIMES ?

4/21/20

THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL THE NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE AGE. Matthew 28:19

Today was one of those days of great discussion with two of my dear friends and brothers in Christ that truly prompted me to seek the Holy Spirit in prayer and tell me what to share as we wind our way through another week of Corona Virus strangeness. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined what it would be like to live in times like these. We are all so used to our perception of “Normal”, and for most of us, no matter where you are living, life does not seem normal. A normal day involves movement. Getting on the road to work, or to school. Perhaps heading out to volunteer your time, grab coffee with a friend, meet for a game of tennis or golf. Maybe, sadly, it is figuring out how to get through a day of addiction, or a failed marriage, or simply searching for food, shelter, or safety. I think it is super important right now, if you are a Christian, and you believe in God, to figure out if you are focused on anything that God wants you to be doing. God doesn’t just want us to believe in Him….Satan believes in God just like we do. The Truth is, God wants you to take some action that shows the world who He is, and what He desires. That means making disciples ! It means making your “Normal” a life that is focused around God, and sharing the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus Christ ! It means moving beyond yourself and bringing hope to those who need it. Bringing “Light” into the darkness.

BUT IN YOUR HEARTS REVERE CHRIST AS LORD. ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU TO GIVE THE REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE. BUT DO THIS WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT. 1 Peter 3:15

WE ARE THEREFORE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS, AS THOUGH GOD WERE MAKING HIS APPEAL THROUGH US. WE IMPLORE YOU ON CHRIST’S BEHALF. BE RECONCILED TO GOD. 2 Corinthians 5:20

The thing that truly moved me to write these things today comes from the truth of understanding who we need to become as followers of Christ. I write this blog to share my Lord and Savior. I write this blog because it is important for me to Proclaim Him. I want to do what He is asking me to do….and yet….I know I can do more. It is so humbling to watch other people who have given their life to Jesus move in His Authority and Power. Just watch someone leave the safety and familiarity of their own home and career to build a kid’s home in a small African village like my friend Matthew Bachali with Emmanne Ministries. How about my brother Russ, who with his wife Susan serves teen boys in Florida at a teen challenge camp. How about men and women who move to places like Bangladesh, Myanmar and others to help feed people and share the Gospel. How about my friend Richard who runs a global food exchange working with world leaders to overcome hunger and elevate farmers. What I have realized is that every one of us can show the world just who God is, and that truly should be our emphasis as Christians. As followers of Jesus. Everywhere He went, Jesus was with those who needed help the most. His love for us is truly so amazing.

AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU. ABIDE IN MY LOVE. IF YOU KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YOU WILL ABIDE IN MY LOVE, JUST AS I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER’S COMMANDMENTS AND ABIDE IN HIS LOVE. THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT MY JOY MAY BE IN YOU, AND THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL. “THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU”. John 15:9-17

Wow, when I hear the Words of My Lord, it just makes me want to go out and shout His Name to the world. Is there truly anyone who doesn’t need to hear that promise of love and hope ? No matter where you are right now, there are people who need hope. Hope, a friend, a voice of encouragement, a hand up, someone who cares. All the money in the world and all the promises we can hear from the world will never come close to the truth and love of Jesus. You see, His promises are Eternal. His promises give everlasting life. He really is “ The Way, The Truth, and the Life”. Share Him….for there will be a day when you stand before Him….and He smiles and says, “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant” ! Make Disciples/JAA

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD….IT IS TIME CHRISTIANS…SHARE THE TRUE GOSPEL OF CHRIST !