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Crucify the Flesh

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Why does it seem that some believers suddenly turn away from God? I believe one of the biggest reasons Christians fall away from Jesus is because of un-confessed sin.

Without keeping a clear conscience before the Lord, it�s easy to drift away from the faith. You become hardened to the Spirit of God, and eventually you stop listening to His voice altogether. Sin blinds you and enslaves you. It�s a horrible place to be!

Perhaps this describes your situation. Are you struggling with a sin that�s keeping you from a right relationship with God? If so, Galatians 5 gives a very clear remedy. Verse 26 says, “Those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”

If you belong to Jesus, then there�s only one thing to do with the flesh: Crucify it. Get rid of it. Be ruthless. Don�t play games. Deal with your sins once and for all by crucifying them on the cross.

That means you admit your sin to God, repent, ask forgiveness, and turn the other way. Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and He will help you! By crucifying the flesh, you will be empowered to live what Jesus calls the �abundant life.� Your life will be a powerful witness to your world of God�s forgiveness and grace.

God’s Grace

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The apostle Paul risked everything for the sake of spreading the Good News. In the book of Acts he says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God�s grace.”

Later, in II Corinthians, Paul says that “Christ�s love compels us.” That�s why he was risking life and limb, reputation and sickness, hunger and discomfort, to spread the message of Jesus Christ all over the world.

Well, that�s fine for Paul, you might think. But I�m certainly not called like that. It may be true that not all of us are called to travel to the furthest corners of the earth to share the Good News. But each person is called to testify about the grace of God that�s changed our lives. Jesus commands it!

Paul was always aware that he was nothing without Christ�s love and forgiveness. It�s what compelled and motivated him to speak of the Savior until his dying breath. Are you and I that overwhelmed with God�s grace?

If not, maybe it�s time to ask God to remind you how He�s changed your life. That revelation can be a great motivation to speak His truth to your world!

Know Your Audience

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In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon was the pastor of London�s Metropolitan Tabernacle Church. It was built to hold the huge crowds that came to hear Spurgeon speak – 23,000 people a week! But today, that same church�s attendance has dwindled to 75 people per week.

What happened? Although the times and culture changed, the church didn�t. Of course, you never change the sacred message of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross for sins of the world. But methods can, and should, remain flexible.

Over the years, our own team has sought to integrate fresh approaches to evangelism. That�s why we began having Good News festivals. They�re outside in parks, with lots of music, food, extreme sports, and a children�s area.

The Good News is presented clearly, throughout the day, at various locations. Praise God, it�s been enormously effective!

So remember, never water down the truth of the Good News Gospel. As Hebrews 9 says: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” But, find creative ways to present it. As you engage the minds and hearts of this generation within their culture, you�ll help them see their need for a Savior.

The Spirit through You

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Have you ever noticed a very, very wonderful verse in Matthew 10? It says, “It is the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” When you are sharing the Good News with someone, never forget that. Because it�s really God, who wants to have an encounter with the person that you�re talking to- through the Holy Word of God, through the Divine voice of God speaking through you, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In other words, when you�re sharing a Bible verse, or trying to explain what the cross of Jesus means, or the resurrection, or the blood of Jesus Christ, or His power to forgive you and to change you, remember- God the Father, by the Holy Spirit, is speaking through you. And the most amazing thought is this, God is using me to bring this person to an encounter with God Himself.

It isn�t just hot air, it isn�t just words, it isn�t just argument- it�s actually the Spirit of God longing to bring an encounter between God the Father, and this person that you�re talking to. So, speak with authority, speak with joy, and remember that God is speaking through you by the Holy Spirit, and therefore God will do a deep work in that person�s life. That is so exciting, don�t you think?

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 wasn�t right.

It was heartbreaking to hear Donna�s 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, He�ll 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 that�s 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 Christ�s amazing love.