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God is Being Glorified

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You know sharing the Good News is an adventure. I found it so since I decided as a teenager that I really, really wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ. But you know just like everybody else, even though Ive been at it now for fifty some years of my life, I still get nervous when I go into the adventure of sharing the Good News.

Its not that I dont trust God- I certainly do; its that I dont trust myself. Thats why I get nervous. But you know one of the things that Ive done all through my life when I went to give a message that proclaims the Good News, or when I went to talk to somebody as I walked into their office to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, I remind myself of this one particular phrase. And its this- God is being glorified.

Hes being glorified because Im trying to share Jesus Christ. Hes being glorified through me because Christ lives in me, and the Holy Spirit is going to use me. God is in me, He is here, He is here now, God is among us- me and the person Im going to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And in Romans 15 it says, “So that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, when you go to share the good news, dont be surprised that youre nervous, its an eternal issue. But remind yourself, God is being glorified.

Reaching the Broken

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When my wife and I met Donna, she was an 18-year-old single mom with two children. As we talked with her, we found out she had grown up going to church. But Donna ended up on a destructive path when she hit her teenage years. When we asked why, Donna said she was molested multiple times as a child, and her mother abandoned her when she was 13.

Donna eventually got into the wrong crowd in school, getting involved with boyfriends, alcohol, and drugs. Yet, deep down she knew that it wasnt right.

It was heartbreaking to hear Donnas story. No one should have to endure what she had gone through!

We shared with Donna that Jesus Christ not only will forgive her sins, Hell also help her to forget the incest, the rape, and the hurt. We shared this beautiful verse with her from Hebrews 9: “The blood of Christ will cleanse your conscience from evil works so that you can serve the living and true God.” Donna said thats what she was looking for. We rejoiced as she surrendered her life to Jesus!

Do you know a struggling teenage mom? Instead of judging her, try reaching out to her. Offer to watch her baby so she can have a break. Ask if you can bring her a meal, or treat her to coffee. Your simple act of kindness can be a powerful example to her of Christs amazing love.

Never Beyond Hope

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When it comes to reaching tough kids, one of my favorite stories is that of Nicky Cruz. Nicky was a Puerto Rican teenager who moved to New York City and joined one of the most violent gangs in the city.

To anyone who knew him, Nicky seemed beyond any hope of change. He was angry at his parents, angry at himself, angry at the world, and angry at God.

But then God led a young preacher named David Wilkerson to New York City. David had a passion to reach gang members for Jesus Christ. He saw beyond their tough exterior, and knew that deep down, their hearts were desperate for love and healing.

When David met Nicky, he knew the only thing that could reach Nickys heart was the love of Jesus. Eventually, because of Davids persistence, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Nicky received Jesus into his life.

Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he became a new creation. And today, Nicky Cruz leads a ministry that shares the Good News with inner-city gang members!

Is there a teenager you know who seems beyond hope? Try finding ways to show Christs love to that young boy or girl. Pray, as Paul did for the Ephesians, that “the eyes of their heart would be enlightened.” And remember, no one is beyond Gods reach.

Don’t Judge

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I remember meeting Nick a few years ago. He was a 19-year-old who wore black clothes and lots of make-up. But despite his appearance, Nick was sincerely searching for the truth. He told me he had checked out different religions, and was drawn mostly to Christianity.

Because of his appearance, some Christians in his community had labeled him as a homosexual and Satanist – which he wasnt! So, Nick was confused about what to believe.

I was really impressed with Nick. He was honest and sincere about his search for truth. I shared from the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, where Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Nick said to me, “Well, Ill definitely put it under consideration.” Although he didnt surrender His life to Jesus that night, Nick realized that not all Christians were judging him. And Jesus Christ loved him just the way he was.

We need be careful to not pass judgment on kids who look and act differently than our own. Instead, its our privilege and calling to love these young people into the Saviors arms. If youve shared Jesus Christ with a young person, Id love to hear your story. Please send me a note at radio@palau.org

Love Sinners, Hate Sin

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John was a 17-year-old who told me he was struggling because his sister was a lesbian. He didnt know how to deal with it. I told John that he needed to be patient with his sister, love her, and not start any arguments — they rarely get you anywhere.

He needed to love and respect her because, no matter what her lifestyle, shes still created in the image of God.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of how to love the lost. He spent time with the tax collectors, and the prostitutes. Many of them chose to leave their sinful ways and follow Him.

Now, loving the sinner doesnt mean we condone the sin. Homosexuality is condemned in the Bible, just as is any other sexual activity that is outside of marriage.

The most powerful thing we can do is love and pray for people choosing those lifestyles. Trust me, God can change their hearts! Ive had the privilege of leading many homosexuals to Jesus Christ. Its possible, if we lovingly reach out to them without judgment.

Love the person – hate the sin. In Mark Chapter 10, Jesus says, “All things are possible with God.”

Do you have stories of how youve reached out to a lost friend or family member? Id love to hear from you! Send me a note at radio@palau.org.