There was a taste of winter this week. The wind blew in some cold air, resulting in some light snow, but none of it lasted for long. Maybe it was just to remind us of things that need to be done before winter comes to stay.
On a personal note, I will be having surgery to repair some torn cartilage in my left knee. I’m not sure what caused it, but I’ve been told it’s a curse resulting from my lack of compassion for others suffering knee pain . 🙂
The election is over, the world did not end, the sun came up, and we go forward. Christians are given the command to be about the Lord’s business until he returns. I recently read this: “Our hope is not in the donkey, nor in the elephant. Our hope is in the Lamb of God!”
Our tendency at a time like this, is to want to sit down by the side of the road with our head in our hands, and give up. This is not what the Lord would have us to do. Though it seems the whole world is going directly away from God and the Bible, we Christians have been given the responsibility of proclaiming His truth to those who do not know Him.
The early Christians, beginning with Jesus’ disciples, proclaimed his gospel to the world in which they lived. They did so in the face of ridicule, persecution and even death. We are called to do the same.
Here are just a few verses that apply: Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus is speaking. “Therefore to and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them….and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Acts 4:12…Peter preaching to the people and speaking of Jesus; “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Following this statement from Peter, he and John are brought before the authorities and commanded to stop preaching. Their answer? “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (4:20).
Finally, Peter writes in his first letter these words of instruction to believers: “But in your hearts set apart 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).
Judging from the results of this last election, there are probably millions of people who don’t know, or who misapply God’s word. It is high time for His people to proclaim the saving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And to do it boldly, but with love and compassion, gentleness and respect.
Proclaiming Him,
Pastor Jerry
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