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Don’t Judge

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

Left Behind

The second coming of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection of the body of the Christian, is promised in the Bible very clearly. But sadly, there will be many unbelievers left behind when Jesus returns again.

Luke 17 tells us, “On that night, two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” Its a sobering thought, isnt it?

If Jesus came back today, who in your world would be left behind? Is it a co-worker who sits next to you in your office? Is it a neighbor you go walking with? A classmate, teacher, friend, or even your spouse?

Imagine Jesus returning and your friend or neighbor or wife turning to you, asking, “Why didnt you ever tell me about Him?” Can you imagine the regret?

The reality is that no one knows when Jesus is coming back. It could be at any moment. So we must be vigilant today, to speak up with the truth of the Good News Gospel. Why dont you make a commitment to share the Lord with whoever He brings across your path?

Lets shine the light of Christ to everyone we meet, so that no one is left behind when He returns.

Differences and Similarities: Perspective

Christians arent perfect. Ill be the first to testify to that. But one benefit we have in Jesus Christ is the eternal perspective He offers us.

When stresses and problems come our way, as they do in everyones life, a believers reaction is significantly different from a nonbelievers. The defining difference is the perspective with which we approach these problems.

As frustrating and painful as people and circumstances may be, Christ-followers know that this world is not the be-all and end-all. We live today in light of eternity! Its a joyously free feeling to not be trapped by earthly burdens. We know that heaven is our true home.

This perspective is not something nonbelievers can understand. All they are living for is here and now. But the Bible says, “this world in its present form is passing away.”

There is so much more to life than the present! Wont you reach out and tell someone about the reason for your lack of fear and worry? Wont you tell someone what Jesus Christ has done for you?

Glory in Christ

Did you know that as a follower of Jesus, you are a king or queen? Its true! Romans 8:16 says, “The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are Gods children. Now, if we are children then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and were heirs in His kingdom! Verse 17 goes on to say, “in order that we may also share in His glory.”

There is a glory to the Christian when he sees himself or herself in the position of royalty. Theres a glow. Its not something you put on. Its just there. When you act like a king or queen, people recognize your spiritual, quiet authority.

To me, my father-in-law was a great example of this kind of authority. He wasnt a talker at all. He simply cared for his wife, worshipped the Lord in the church, and he gave his tithe. But what I especially loved about him was he would always invite his old college buddies to hear my evangelistic messages. He prayed they would be saved, and some of them were. Now he was no big mouth. Just a quiet highway engineer, but in my book he lived for God all the days of his life. Thats being the light of the world, and thats the glory of God in a man.

Evangelism

Did you know that Christian missionaries brought the gospel message to the Fiji Islands almost two centuries ago? A few years back a European count visited the islands. He had heard of its beautiful girls, wild dances and pristine beaches. But when he got there he was sorely disappointed. The Fijians were modestly dressed and not partying like he had hoped.

The man complained to the tribal chief. He said that they never should have listened to the missionaries-that their message was outdated and boring. The chief looked at the count. He said, “Do you see that rock over there? Before the missionaries came, we would take people like you and cut off their heads on that rock. Then we boiled them, and ate them. So, youd better thank the missionaries that they came and that we believed their message of the love of God. Because if it wasnt for them, wed have chopped your head off right now and youd be boiling for dinner tonight.” What a great response!

In Matthew chapter 28, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The life of the people around you may not seem as barbaric as that of 200 years ago in the Pacific. But they are still living in darkness. We have the message of light. We have the message of Jesus Christ. It is our duty, and our privilege, to let them know that theres a Savior who can liberate us from everything that enslaves us.