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Changing Times

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In the 1950s, many people in Western countries had grown up going to church. They had heard about Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath, and the death and resurrection of Jesus. There was a general knowledge and background of the Bible.

But in todays generation, a high percentage of people think they know what the Bible teaches, but in fact theyve never even cracked open the book. They may have heard about Jesus on the radio or TV, but much of that is simply mocking Him. Most people today dont have an accurate picture of the real Jesus.

So when we approach this generation with the Good News, we cant take anything for granted. We should present why Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins, and how He gave us victory over sin and death when He rose from the dead. And use Gods Word to reveal the story of redemption.

In Second Timothy, Paul tells Timothy, “You have known the Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

The word of God is alive and powerful! So ask God to help you share His Biblical plan of redemption with your world. And lets you and I win this generation to Jesus Christ!

Differences and Similarities: Love

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Christians want to reach others with Gods love by sharing the message of Jesus Christ. But sometimes we think the differences between us are just too great.

My friend, today I want you to remember that we are all human. And as humans made in the image of God, we all have the capacity to give and receive love. LOVE is something everyone longs for.

Now, what distinguishes Christians from nonChristians when it comes to love? Quite simply: the ability to extend love when our feelings are against it.

How do we do this? By the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

This is what enables us to love difficult people – even our enemies – with Gods love.

Those who do not know Jesus Christ are intrigued by the way Christians can extend such nonsensical love. I challenge you today – dont just love someone, but explain the source of your love. Tell about Jesus Christ.

Those in Prison

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My wife and I know of a woman who visits girls in a juvenile detention center. Once a month, the girls in this home have free time to leave the campus with a family member or friend. But sadly, many of them have no one to go with. Their family and friends simply dont visit them.

So this woman asked ladies from her church to meet with the girls. Each woman takes one girl out for coffee, or to the mall, or on a walk. And they simply talk. One hour a month is all it takes to share Christs love with these young girls. Isnt that powerful?

Hebrews 13:3 tells us, “Remember those in prison, as if you were their fellow prisoners.”

Now, talk about getting out of our comfort zones! This is perhaps one of the hardest places to imagine sharing the Good News Gospel. But many of the inmates have hit bottom and are hungry for hope, forgiveness, and a fresh start. You can be the one to tell them that Jesus Christ offers new life to all who believe in His name!

Think about some ways you can get alongside a prison ministry in your area. Perhaps you can mentor someone, or help lead a Bible study. As you let the Lord spiritually stretch you, Hell bring about amazing results in peoples lives – including your own!

Responding to Pain

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Are you hurting inside? Do you feel like giving up on life?

When a crisis arises, one of the worst mistakes you can make is to pretend that nothing is wrong. To find relief from your problems, you must first acknowledge them and the inner despair they cause. Only then can you embrace the “Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort.”

Remember, each time we face a crisis, people are watching for our reactions and wondering how we will respond. They want to see if being a follower of Jesus Christ really makes a difference when life gets tough. Its important to acknowledge the reality of our pain. But we must also show our friends that no matter what we face, the Holy Spirit enables us to have a peace that passes understanding. God Himself is our source of encouragement and consolation.

The apostle Paul experienced desperate need–physically, emotionally and financially. But because he also experienced the God of all comfort meeting every one of his needs, he was able to declare to the world: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” We, also, need to proclaim those powerful words to the lost in our world.

Rejoicing in Trials

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Are you struggling to understand why youre in a tough spot today? “Im such a nice person,” you may say. “Why does God allow difficult things to happen to me?”

One reason we experience trials is to enable us to comfort others who are hurting. Christians who are walking with the Lord have much to share regarding the blessings God has given them in times of deep need or sorrow.

As a follower and believer in Jesus, how do you respond to trials? Do others turn to you for counsel because they sense Gods comforting presence in your life? Its powerful when you can say, “Because of a similar situation, I think I understand what youre going through. Let me share what God did for me.”

Paul says in Romans 5, “We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.”

In the ministry of comfort, Gods Word comes alive, and His promises become active and real. Suddenly you understand why you went through your hardship. Praise God, it was worth it, as He uses your experience to draw people to the cross of Jesus Christ!