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Guest Sunday

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Today I want to talk about another little method to reach out to your world and to get people to hear the Good News – the great gospel of Jesus Christ – how He died on the cross, took away our sins, buried them forever and how He rose from the dead and is coming back to take us home.

In many churches they have what they call a “guest Sunday.” You might suggest it to your pastor, or the evangelism outreach pastor in your church – whatever – somebody who is in charge to make decisions.

In our church weve done it from time-to-time and for 3 or 4 Sundays ahead of time, the pastor announces and says were going to have a guest Sunday. Thats the Sunday he will particularly preach the Good News gospel, clearly, simply, with an opportunity for people to repent, to believe in Jesus Christ, and to be forgiven of their sins and have eternal life.

A guest Sunday in a local church is one of the great ideas that I have caught on to in the last 30 years of going around from church to church. I recommend to you that you talk to your leadership and tell them, “lets have every last Sunday of the month a guest Sunday so that all the church can invite their friends, and the counselors be ready to pray with them, to speak with them, and to give them super literature to go on with Jesus Christ.”

So remember, guest Sundays a good way to reach your world.

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.

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.

Serving God 100%

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When I was in Australia a few years ago, I met Milton Morris, a member of the Australian Parliament. We were at a luncheon together and Mr. Morris said these words that Ill never forget: “Being one hundred percent for Christ is so much better than fifty percent!”

Its a simple statement, but I thought, How true! One hundred percent is the only way to live for Jesus Christ. Its the only way to experience the wonderful life He has for you and me. And its the only way to witness to our world about His glorious power, and His plan for mankind.

So what does it look like to live for Jesus 100%? The Bible says his servants shall serve the Lord with zeal. Second Peter tells us to “be zealous, be committed.” And you can serve Christ like this no matter who you are, or what you do.

You can serve Him as a teacher, a businessman, a housewife, a student, or a truck driver. Whatever you do, you can serve the Lord Jesus by being fervently committed to sharing His Good News.

Gods number one plan for reaching the world is through you and me! So why not make a fresh decision today? Commit yourself to serve Him with zeal – nothing less than 100%! And then watch God work through you to change your world – one heart at a time.