There is a saying, that wherever you go, there you are. If you are like me, you have been spending more time at home lately, which is not all bad, but at the same time, you can be in touch with thousands of others around the world almost instantly. I have done more zoom meetings and video chats in the past 2 months than in the previous 10 years. While these may get old after a while, at the same time, I’ve gotten to know some people a lot better than when we met in person. Maybe its because you get a small glimpse of their homes, or because you have more time to talk instead of travel, but there are some opportunities there. I have a friend who has an open invitation to video devotions each week, and another group that is meeting regularly to go through a theology book. There are almost limitless opportunities to hear teaching and listen to sermons online as well. In what new ways have you heard the gospel presented over this past year?
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 1 Corinthians 15:1
Since before the days of the itinerant preacher and the evangelist riding around from town to town on horseback, there have been opportunities for others to hear the Good News of salvation. While you can take the good news to the ends of the earth, missions starts in the heart. Think back to when you first believed. How did that realization come to you, as if almost posing a question, ‘what are you going to do with this information?’ Maybe you heard a sermon or message in a way you never had before, where someone challenged you to make a commitment. Maybe new truths were opened up to you in a bible study, or as you read through the Word yourself. But often, either directly or indirectly, someone else was influential in helping open up your heart and mind to the truth of the Scriptures. Maybe that even lead you to continue to share this good news with others in different ways over the years. What opportunities have you had this week to share this good news with others? Is there someone God has put on your heart to reveal this to now?
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23
When we hear the word Missions, often our thoughts go to someone in a foreign land or culture that has not had the opportunity to hear much of the Gospel message. These are often referred to as unreached or underserved people groups, often traditionally dominated by other religions. While, we may know and support people in these places, there are people in almost every culture and community who are not followers of Christ. There are likely people within a mile of where you live where this is true. But sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ is not always a natural thing for people to do even when there are no physical or language barriers between them. In an age of information overload all around us, even the truth of the Good News of salvation can get lost in all the other words and messages out there, though that does not make it less valuable. Even if you feel ineffective in telling others of Christ, the more you do it, the better chance that message will reach its intended audience. More so than if we remain silent. Who within your sphere of influence do you have a chance to share your faith with, and talk about things of eternal consequence? I can think of at least a few in my life.
Therefore go and make disciples of all 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, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Yours in Christ,
Clark
