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The Basic Gospel

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I have a great friend in Connecticut. His name is Reg Jones. And one day he approached me. He said “tell me how to be a better witness for Christ.” Now, I want you to know that Reg is a very good witness for Jesus Christ. His life is impeccable. His testimony is clear. He walks in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit – he and his wife.

But, you know, he is so eager to share the Good News. He mingles a lot with politicians and heavy-hitting business men near New York city. And therefore, I was so pleased when Reggie said that to me. So, here are a few suggestions that I gave to Reg and Im going to give it to you.

First, always your witness for Christ has got to include the crucifixion, the blood of Jesus, and the fact that He took away the sins of the world. Otherwise, it really isnt the Gospel, you know what I mean?

Second, youve gotta emphasize the resurrection. Many people believe Christ died and know about the story, but the resurrection is essential. Christ rose from the dead on the third day and he was seen by hundreds of people.

Thirdly, you must include that they must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ so they can be saved. (That was the verse that struck me as a little boy.) And then fourthly, they must receive Him by faith in their hearts with repentance.

That is the basic Gospel and that is the content of the Gospel.

Respectful Rebuking

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I once met a gypsy who was into psychic reading. But, he said, he knew it was wrong. “How do you know that?” I asked. He said a man recently approached him and said, “You know, you are sinning by doing these readings.” It really shook this gypsys conscience. And he thought, “Wow, I think that guys right.”

Using Scripture, I explained to this man why psychic involvement and witchcraft are sinful. He began to understand that through a relationship with Jesus Christ, he could be forgiven. It was thrilling to pray and lead this gypsy to the Lord! But think about it: The catalyst to his conversion was a stranger who blatantly told him that he was sinning. Can you imagine?

No doubt, its hard to confront someone like that. Its definitely not politically correct. Yet many times, if we lovingly reproach someone, it can pierce their conscience. Second Timothy reminds us to “correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction.”

Allow God to help you share His awesome truth with a friend this week. A strong, but loving, word of exhortation may be the bridge that links their heart to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Watch and Pray

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The return of Jesus Christ to earth could literally be at any moment in time. Thats why Matthew 24 tells us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

What does it mean to keep watch? Watch means to stay alert. Stay awake. Be ready. Be aware of the signs, then wisely and winsomely witness about the Lord Jesus with those in your world.

Watch also means spend time in the Word of God. Spend time on your knees. Do it before you go to work in the morning. When you go to bed at night, spend time meditating on the Scriptures. One of the best ways to reach your world is by teaching your family to understand the Word of God.

My Dad died when I was ten but I tell you he left us a legacy of reverence for the Bible. I have five sisters and one half-brother, and all of us have learned to reverence the Word of God, to love Jesus Christ, and to share Him with others.

Lets not become complacent in sharing our faith, because Jesus could return even today! So spend time with God. Teach your children to love His Word. And Ask the Lord to help you remain faithful in reaching your world with His message of Good News!

Back to the Bible

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I once read a shocking article about a Princeton University professor of bio-ethics. The article said this Prof believes “parents should have the right to euthanize newborn children who have severe handicaps.” Did you catch that? He said, “Killing a defective infant is not morally equivalent to killing a person.” Talk about depravity – that is murder!

So how do you and I respond to this kind of blatant sinfulness? I believe we must get back to the Bible! Billy Graham once said, “Its either back to the Bible or back to the jungle.” The jungle, a world of moral chaos, is creeping up on us. But, the Word of God holds truth and power to transform lives!

Hebrews 4 tells us, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit.”

So dont be discouraged! Instead, dive into the Scriptures, and encourage your friends to open the Word of God, and seek out the truth for themselves. Why not challenge someone you know to read the book of John, and discuss it over coffee? Ask the Holy Spirit to penetrate their heart with the message of forgiveness, and eternal life, through the cross of Christ.

Love His Appearing

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Do you know what it means to love the appearing of Jesus? The apostle Paul, in 2nd Timothy, says we are waiting for the crown that Jesus will give to all “who love His appearing.”

The appearing is when Jesus will come back to earth, to take all believers to Heaven with Him. So to love Christs return means to long for it, to talk about it, and to tell others about it.

Now, no one knows exactly when Jesus is returning. So it may be easy to become a bit lazy about loving His return. But, you also dont know when your own life will end. It could be any day. And when that happens, youll be held accountable for your thoughts, words, and actions. The question is: When our time on earth is done, will we be found faithful to Jesus Christ?

We dont have time to make excuses. Lets you and I make the most of every day we have here on earth by spreading the Good News. Theres no doubt about it, Jesus is coming back, and He wants to take as many people as possible with Him to Heaven. Thats why He calls us to share His love with people in our world.

Remember, its the enduring message of the cross, resurrection, and power of Jesus that changes people forever.