It’s amazing how much Abraham saw by faith. In Hebrews 11:10 it says that “he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

It’s fascinating to think that Abraham could look forward to heaven. I mean, he didn’t have the Bible. He had never heard of Jesus Christ. He didn’t know about the Holy Spirit. He didn’t know about the blood of the cross. Yet in the distance he could see heaven because of His faith in Almighty God.

I am amazed how many Christians don’t think about heaven much at all. We believers ought to be specialists in heaven. We ought to know everything there is to be known from the Scripture, and know by faith that’s exactly where we’re going. We have the Old and New Testaments that tells us all about heaven. It’s one of the glorious reasons we can celebrate that we know Jesus Christ! Study John chapters 10 - 14, for instance.

Jesus tells us heaven is our home. It’s made for us. He has prepared it. Let’s not be ashamed. Let’s talk about it with boldness. You’d be amazed how many non-believers want to know what heaven is all about, and how they can get there. Will you be the one to tell them? Will you try to reach your world?

One of the methods I’ve observed through the years that has worked well when I’m trying to get a person to open up - to tell me what they’re really thinking (and, of course, particularly to talk about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ) is to ask appropriate questions. Not nosy questions. Not inappropriate questions, just some good questions.

Jesus Christ did it all the time. Even when His enemies were accusing Him, He would always respond with a question because questions really get a person thinking. You remember, He once said to His disciples, “Whom do people say that I am?” And they answered in several ways. He said, “But who do you say that I am?” Jesus was interested sincerely. It wasn’t a phony question. It was a sincere question.

So sometime, especially if you’re with a relative or someone you know well, say, “Tell me what you’re thinking about…” Ususually, people like to tell you what they’re thinking. Most people have opinions on just about everything under the sun!

As they begin to talk, again say, “Lord, give me the right opening so that I can ask the question that will lead to a conversation about forgiveness of sins, the cross of Christ, the resurrection, the presence of the Holy Spirit, whatever this person needs…”

Ask the question and the Lord will open doors.

You never know how and when the Lord will give you a chance to speak well of His Son. Some people, of course, are gutsier than others. But we all have a style that’s unique to us. Don’t totally imitate other people. Do it your way.

My sister, Ketty, will do anything to share the Good News. Her boldness is inspiring! A few years ago we were in the state of Maine preparing for a festival. Two feet of snow had fallen the night before, and everything was shut down. Ketty was stuck in a hotel with her husband, along with a bunch of tourists. At breakfast, she heard some of the tourists saying, “I was going to go to church, and now I can’t go because of the weather.”

Ketty spontaneously stood up on her chair in the restaurant and said out loud, “Ladies and gentlemen, why don’t we all go to the ballroom at 10:00 and I’ll give you a Christian message? It will be our way of doing church today.” Do you know almost all of the tourists came to hear her speak? And when Ketty gave the invitation, listen to this, 48 people made a commitment to Jesus!

I Peter 4 reminds us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received.” So, share God’s message as the Holy Spirit guides you. Let the Lord lay an idea on your heart. Then, jump at any opportunity that comes your way, using the gifts He’s given you.

Every believer in Jesus Christ has received unique gifts from the Holy Spirit. We’re given these gifts to develop, to enjoy, and to help draw people to the Savior. Yet you may say, “But Luis, how can I experience the truth of these gifts so that I’m using them to bring others into His Kingdom? I don’t know how?”

The key is to build up your faith to the point where you not only believe in your gifts, but you actually begin to experience them.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” So, spending time alone with God, in His word, builds your faith and your gifts. The more you read the Word and meditate, the more your faith is strengthened. It’s not something you can work up by sheer will power or by some form of self-inducement.

Stick with Scriptures prayfully and your faith will grow. Give God time. As you read, the Holy Spirit will begin to speak to your mind, and you will understand how God wants you to use your gifts. He’ll show you how to bless a friend, when to encourage a co-worker, when to spread the Good News Gospel.

So, be encouraged! The One who gave us the gifts is the same One who lives within us. Therefore, allow Jesus to empower you today to carry out the calling that He’s given you to spread His Good News.