The Great Commission

Make yourself and your gifts available to the Savior. God is in the business of doing extraordinary things with ordinary people who faithfully serve his extraordinary Son. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4 Pg 349.
Matthew 5:14-15 - You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. As a believer in Christ, God hasn’t called you to just huddle up with all the rest of the lights. He’s called you to go out, risking safety and comfort for the purpose of letting your light shine where it’s needed most. BE A TRUE LIGHT IN THE DARK WORLD BY GETTING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND SHOWING JESUS TO THE WORLD! - From the September 20, 2016 PowerPoint devotional reading by Dr. Jack Graham.
If believers are to be effective on sharing the message, they must be wise in the way they act towards outsiders. Wisdom enables us to combine boldness with tact. Wisdom enables us to employ the proper approach in specific situations and with particular individuals. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:5 Pg346.
Your testimony is a powerful witnessing tool. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Galations 1 - pg. 10.
Live your life like Christ - The more of God’s character that is revealed in us (the fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23), the less like “ the crowd” we will be. And people will notice. Has anyone ever told you there is something different about you? If they haven’t, and if you continue to be conformed by Christ, they will. Make it your goal in life to be so like Christ that people will be attracted to Him through you. Preach the gospel every day; if necessary, use words. - Francis of Assisi. - From page 261 of Turning Points with God by David Jeremiah.
We have been given the power to bring joy to the lives of others. In this season of God's gift of joy to us, we ought to think of ways that we might spread happiness to those who have little to be happy about. God heals the broken hearts of His children, often through His servants: you and me. Reach out in love to heal the wounds of loneliness and despair.
Prayer: Make me an agent of Your love and care, Father. Send me forth with a message of mercy and joy. Use me to heal the emotional wounds of my neighbors. Amen. - From the December 16, 2015 “Wisdom from the Psalms” by devotional reading by Dan R. Dick.
In order to be effective witnesses to Christ in our age, we will have to go back to the Bible and learn to present our case as the Bible itself does. We will need to begin with the doctrine of God as Creator, explaining who he is and what he has done; explain how human beings are created in God’s image and are therefore responsible to God for what they do; how we have fallen from that high calling and intent; and how we now need someone to rescue us from ruin. We must trace the narrative line of the Bible, through Abraham, Moses, David, and the other great Old Testament figures up to the climactic appearance and work of Jesus Christ. - From The preface of Genesis from the Boice Expository Commentary by James Montgomery Boice.
“And he [Jesus Christ] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15).
One of the things that has always interested me in my study of the Word of God is the number of ways in which one may speak of salvation. ….. It is possible to speak of the will of God, our rebellion against that will, and God’s activity in Christ and through the Holy Spirit to get our wills in line with his once again. The rebellion of our wills against God’s will is sin; this is what the Bible calls Satan’s sin (Isaiah 14). Salvation is that by which God again establishes his perfect and holy will in us so that we are drawn to Christ and begin to seek after holiness. Heaven may be described as that place where the wills of those who are there, after having been disrupted by Satan, are harmonious. - From commentary on John 17:3 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
When sharing the Word, the message or your testimony or witness, be humble and do so with respect. I think that there could be a problem with people that may try to share too boldly and in a “know it all” type of presentation, which can turn people off. And don’t expect to convert the person on the spot. Only the Holy Spirit can do draw people to Jesus. And it puts too much burden on us. We should try to introduce them to Jesus and why it has made a difference in our lives. To me, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not only my rock, my redeemer, my salvation and my savior, but also my best friend who helps guide me, tell me what’s right and wrong, encourage me and lifts me up when I stumble. I can’t imagine now a life separated from Him. Accepting Jesus is the easiest and most important decision one will ever make. And when you have, you can feel the weight of your sins fall away, also with all the guilt, knowing that you have been forgiven and you are a brand new creation. Who doesn’t want to start over and have another chance? In fact, He has given us a million second chances, as no matter how hard we try, how good we think we are, we still sin daily. But this new life is all about “becoming,”the person Christ made us to be. We will never be perfect, but through guidance by the Holy Spirit, we can become more obedient, as we are changed from the inside out, starting with our hearts, we become that brand new creation. Our hearts expand, as we focus away from ourselves and our selfish tendencies and we start seeing others with more love and care about their salvation. In making this change, one becomes more thankful of the abundant grace He gives us. Our eyes are opened to the beauty of His creation and all in it. Your life is truly changed when you accept Christ as your savior and it is the easiest and most important life changing decision you will ever make. God bless you and I hope you will give Jesus a chance. You will be glad you did! When you have accepted Him and are living the life you were intended to live, it’s hard not to share with others the difference it makes in your life. It did in mine, which is the basis of this whole web site. - Ken Little
Every Christian believer is to be a teacher. We are to take the lessons and experiences of life, both positive and negative, and show others the way God would have them follow. Truth and wisdom are imparted from one generation to the next. The wise will learn from those who have gone before them and will pass along to their families and neighbors what God has taught them. As believers, God expects us to set a godly example day in and day out, before believers and unbelievers alike. He expects us to teach the truth about…
1. • the Lord God and His Holy Word
2. • living a fruitful and productive life
3. • responsibility and accountability
4. • sin and lawlessness
5. • justice and righteousness
6. • God’s Holy Word and His commandments
7. • Christ and the eternal salvation He offers
8. We are to share the important lessons we learn as we walk throughout life. We are to bear witness to a lost and dying world. Every single one of us has a gift to be used for the Kingdom of God. Whether it’s the gift of hospitality, leadership, service, teaching, or whatever God has given you, use it. Save time and energy for the work of the ministry and build up the body of Christ! - From the reading about Ecclesiastes 1:1 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
OVERCOME SPIRITUAL LAZINESS BY DIRECTING TIME AND ENERGY TOWARD USING YOUR GIFTS TO BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM. - From the July 5, 2016 PowerPoint devotional by Dr. Jack Graham.
The power to proclaim the greatest new in heaven or on earth was not given to the angels. It was given to redeemed men…Every Christian is to be a witness; every follower of Christ is to preach the Gospel. - From page 155 of “Billy Graham in Quotes” by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (Jn. 15:8).
Each day as we spend time with our family and friends, as we rub shoulders with work associates, as we go to church, we are in the missionary field. We who know Christ, can tell them the plan of salvation and therefore put the right key in their hand. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Galations 1 - pg. 11.
The mission Jesus had while on earth is now our mission because we are the Body of Christ. What he did in his physical body we are to continue as his spiritual body, the church. What is that mission? Introducing people to God! The Bible says, “Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also.”
God wants to redeem human beings from Satan and reconcile them to himself so we can fulfill the five purposes he created us for: to love him, to be a part of his family, to become like him, to serve him, and to tell others about him. Once we are his, God uses us to reach others. He saves us and then sends us out. The Bible says, “We have been sent to speak for Christ.” We are the messengers of God’s love and purposes to the world. - From the Day 36 “Made for a Mission” reading in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Ro. 10:9-10).
We have received a treasure of great value: Jesus Christ. Should we hold Him in our hearts, never letting Him be seen, or should we expose Him to the view of all who would look? We are to be the city on the hill, the light shining in the darkness, the salt of the earth. No one has the option to call himself a Christian and then keep it selfishly inside. Our faith is intensely personal, but it is never private. We possess a pearl of great price. Be proud of it and let the whole world see it. Prayer: Make my life a picture of Your love, Lord. I want to be one more example of Your greatness and glory on this earth. Be with me to guide my steps. Amen. - From the July 14, 2016 “Wisdom from the Psalms” by devotional reading by Dan R. Dick.
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom… but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. - 1 Corintians 2:1-5 - One excuse I constantly hear for not sharing the Gospel is that people don’t know what to say. They don’t think they have just the right words or can explain everything perfectly. But the truth is that clever speech shouldn’t be what attracts people; the simple Gospel should.
Don’t let your uncertainty turn you away from sharing God’s truth. Tell others that Jesus died for their sins so that they can be saved through faith. That’s all it takes. And when you do, people will be attracted to that truth and will come to know Christ through your message.
KEEP THE GOSPEL SIMPLE WHEN YOU SHARE AND LET GOD ATTRACT PEOPLE THROUGH THE TRUTH, NOT CLEVER WORDS. - From the May 4, 2016 PowerPoint devotional by Dr. Jack Graham.
Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists of the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Glorifying God should be our focus in everything we do. The only way to accomplish this is by giving Him 100 percent of ourselves 100 percent of the time, and like the postage stamp, sticking to that goal until we reach heaven. - From page 111 of Turning Points with God by David Jeremiah.
We must guard against allowing our lives and work to become simply a dull routine. Sometimes, life is a seemingly endless cycle of the same tasks. Most of us follow a similar routine at least five of the seven days a week. When one week is over, another begins. We work at the same job and perform the same tasks over and over again.

What we must keep in mind is this: God is doing a work in us through the daily routines of life. In the midst of our activities and routine tasks, He is building our character and conforming us to the image of His dear Son.

We must also remember that God is doing a work through us. Whether our occupations keep us in the home, take us to the office, or have us on an assembly line, God has placed us there for a purpose…
1. • to help others when needed
2. • to be a strong witness for Jesus Christ
  
  There is no distinction between the sacred and the secular for the true follower of Jesus Christ. Whatever our vocation, and wherever we labor, God has placed us there to serve and impact others for Him.
  
  Every day of every week, we should seek the infilling of God’s Spirit, asking God to show us what He would have us accomplish for His kingdom. Every day that He gives us breath, He has someone for us to touch and something for us to do. While many of our jobs may be mundane and seemingly unimportant, the difference we can make while doing them is eternal. - From the reading about Ecclesiastes 1:2 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
This is why there must be witnesses and missionaries in the Christian church and why a bit farther on Jesus will allude to this need, saying, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18), and again, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (20:21). God could save the entire race by a fiat, if he so chose. But he has not chosen to operate in this way. Rather, he has declared that it will be by his Word, preached and shared by his people and applied to the hearts of individuals by his Holy Spirit, that men and women will be saved. We have a share in this great work, for it is by us that God’s Word is conveyed to those who need so desperately to hear it. - From commentary on John 17:9 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
Believer's prayers are not to just be centered only on self. Pray that God will open the door of opportunity to share His message. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:3 Pg 345.
Your mission is a continuation of Jesus’ mission on earth. As his followers, we are to continue what Jesus started. Jesus calls us not only to come to him, but to go for him. Your mission is so significant that Jesus repeated it five times, in five different ways, in five different books of the Bible. It is as if he was saying, “I really want you to get this!” Study these five commissions of Jesus and you will learn the details of your mission on earth — the when, where, why, and how.
In the Great Commission Jesus said, “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you.” This commission was given to every follower of Jesus, not to pastors and missionaries alone. This is your commission from Jesus, and it is not optional. These words of Jesus are not the Great Suggestion. If you are a part of God’s family, your mission is mandatory. To ignore it would be disobedience. - From the Day 36 “Made for a Mission” reading in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Pray also that you bring clarity in sharing His message. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:3-4 Pg 345.
If believers are to be effective in sharing the message, they must also make the most of every opportunity, snapping up every opportunity that comes. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:5 Pg 346.
Live like you are Dying - All of us are faced with a terminal disease called death, which should keep us motivated to use our time wisely. But the Christian has an even more urgent deadline approaching: the Rapture of the church, when Jesus Christ returns to call those who are His to meet Him in the sky. The Bible says that event could happen today. If you lived today as if it were your last day on earth, what would you do differently? Most important, who would you tell about Jesus? Who would you urge to repent of their sins and receive God’s forgiveness if you knew that Jesus’ return was just a few hours away? The truth is, His return is nearer now than it was yesterday - and it could be today. Who is waiting for you to share the Good News of the gospel before it is too late? Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important. - Charles Hummel. - From page 300 of Turning Points with God by David Jeremiah.
We must work at the missionary mandate. We are told by the Lord that the “gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). Nothing could be clearer: The gospel will be preached. This is the prophecy. But the prophecy does not relieve us of the responsibility of participating in its fulfillment by becoming agents through which it comes to pass. - From commentary on John 19:28 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
For the sharing of the message of Christ to be effective, the wise walk must be accompanied with flavorful talk. The believer's talk is to be gracious, rather than gruff, and charming, rather than course. This means that the believer's speech is to be free from corruption, wholesome.. The believer's speech is to be interesting, witty, tactful and appealing. Be able to answer anyone with speech that is gracious, wholesome and appealing. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:6 Pg 346.
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. - 1 Thessalonians 2: 8
It’s been said, “The Gospel has come to you because it’s on its way to someone else.” There’s so much truth in that statement because the message of Jesus Christ should never terminate with the receiver. Rather, it should prompt the receiver to action!
As you experience God in your life, let that experience translate into the action of taking the Gospel out. In Christ, you have eternal life. Share His message with others too! - From the April 28, 2016 “PowerPoint devotional reading Dr. Jack Graham.
Just as tossing a stone into a lake creates ripples to the shoreline, so our simple acts of witness produces results that extend to the return of Christ. You’re doing more good than you know. Don’t underestimate the handful of stones you’re throwing into the pond whenever you say a word for Christ. Do all the good you can by all means you can - John Wesley. - From page 310 in TurningPoints With God by David Jeremiah
Evangelism begins with praying for opportunities and opportunities are everywhere. Opportunities for evangelism must be seized. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4 Pg 349.
God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4 Pg 349.
Vital ministry is accomplished through a team of people. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4 Pg 349.
Sometimes I feel so helpless and inadequate, and wonder if I have done enough to make the Gospel clear. But I also know that only the Holy Spirit can open others’ eyes to the truth. - From page 180 of Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham and Donna Lee Toney.
We have a tendency to make super saints of biblical characters and believe that God's work is accomplished only through "big name" with highly visible gifts. God's work is accomplished through "no names" as well as "big names."Make yourself and your gifts available to the Savior. God is in the business of doing extraordinary things with ordinary people who faithfully serve his extraordinary Son. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4 Pg 349.
Third, we must share the message of God’s salvation with those who are not prepared for eternity. Our most important responsibility as Christian believers is to take the gospel to others, that they too may be reconciled with God and live eternally with Him:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mt. 28:19-20).

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15).

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Ac. 1:8).

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [Oh! To know], that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Co. 5:18-21).

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pe. 3:15). - From the reading about Ecclesiastes 3:11 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
Your mission gives your life meaning. William James said, “The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” The truth is, only the kingdom of God is going to last. Everything else will eventually vanish. That is why we must live purpose-driven lives — lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on earth. The results of these activities will last — forever!
If you fail to fulfill your God-given mission on earth, you will have wasted the life God gave you. Paul said, “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” There are people on this planet whom only you will be able to reach, because of where you live and what God has made you to be. If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity. Start looking around at your personal mission field and pray, “God, who have you put in my life for me to tell about Jesus?” - From the Day 36 “Made for a Mission” reading in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
When telling others about Christ, depend upon the power of the Scripture and the Holy Spirit. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - I Thessalonians 1 pg. 12.
The realities of heaven and hell should motivate us to tell the gospel to others, praying for their salvation. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Thessalonians Pg 95.
We are also “light.” If salt speaks of what we are, light speaks of what we do. The purpose of light is to shine, to shine out. The Lord said, “No one lights a candle and puts it under a basket. It is to be set up on a hill where all will see it.” We are to be lighthouses in the midst of a dark world. Being a lighthouse will not change the rocky contours of the coast—the sin is still there; the perils of destruction still threaten men and women—but by God’s grace the light can be a beacon that will bring the ships into a safe harbor. That is what it means to be set apart unto God, to be sanctified. We are to be a beacon, knowing that as we are there will be cause for rejoicing, and the evangelical church will be blessed by God and thanked by those who have found the Lord Jesus Christ through its witness. - From commentary on John 17:17-18 “The Third Mark f the Church: Truth" from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
When our character and lifestyle harmonize with our beliefs, we become a powerful example of God's truth and reality. We become the exhibit piece of God's mercy, love and faithfulness to those we live with and meet along life's way. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 1 Timothy 1:12 pg. 149-150.
Every parent and grandparent should think of ways to model Christian faith before their children and grandchildren. We should be open in telling our stories of faith and unashamed in sharing our life in Christ. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy 1, pg. 273.
Every Christian should be able to articulate what it means to be saved by God's grace. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy 1, pg. 273.
Leaders of the church must always be diligent in passing on the foundations of the gospel to faithful people who will preserve it through the generations. But all Christians are responsible for maintaining their own spiritual health through study and disciplined living. Everyone is called to pass on to others the message of God's grace. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy 1, pg. 276.
A life calling should be based on eternal values and truth. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Romans 1:1-17, pg. 35.
Disciples need to be equipped to pass on their faith; our work is not done until new believers are able to make disciples of others (see Eph. 4:12, 13). - Life Application Study Bible NIV Version - 2 Timothy 2:2 Note 2:2 - Pg 2200.
Each generation bears the responsibility of preserving and handing on the basic Christian beliefs to those who follow. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:1-2, pg. 280.
Strengthened by Grace - "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)"
1. Great strength is necessary for living as God intends. The grace of our Lord Jesus is where that strength is to be found. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Some of the specific reasons we need strength are listed in the immediate context of this verse.
2. Part of our calling as believers in Christ is passing on to others the biblical truths that God has taught us. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipling others in God's truth can be demanding and discouraging. Strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
3. Another aspect of our life as disciples of Jesus is functioning as spiritual soldiers. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (verse 3). We are the Lord's warriors in a worldwide, lifelong spiritual battle. The battle has been won by our Commander, Jesus. However, the enemy will not stop striking back until he is confined forever. As Jesus' soldiers, we face many hardships. Again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
4. Another perspective on following Jesus is that of an athlete. "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (verse 5). As it is in athletics, the Christian life requires discipline, training, and the exertion of great measures of energy. Yet again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
5. One additional analogy of our life in Christ is that of a farmer. "The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (verse 6). As with farmers, we are to sow the seed of the word upon people's hearts. We are to water that seed through prayer. We are to reap a harvest of righteousness. Farming is strenuous work. Once more, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
6. How wonderful that God did not limit His grace to justification. We need it just as much for sanctification. We need His grace to strengthen us for the diverse spiritual roles that God has for us as disciplers, soldiers, athletes, and farmers. For all of this the only sufficient resource is to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
7. "O Lord of all might and power, I desire to be a faithful discipler, a sacrificial soldier, a disciplined runner, and a laboring farmer. Lord this sounds so right, so good. Yet, You know that I am intimidated by it all as well. I hear the call, and I want to respond; but my strength is so inadequate. So, I look to You and implore You to strengthen me by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, Amen.” - From the DBD 2/01 message in the MacSword Program.
Clearly, God has direct involvement in those who consecrate their lives to him. Just as clearly, each individual is responsible for his or her response. Paul emphasized the crucial task of believers to extend the gospel to all people. God has ordained the dissemination of his message and life will take place through people who are faithful to him. His followers must be willing to do whatever it takes to enlarge his kingdom throughout the earth. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:10 pg. 284.
If you are holding back from an outright confession of Christ and a determination to stand with him whatever may come, you are probably rationalizing your failure in this fashion. You are saying, “My testimony will not do any good. What matters is that I am God’s child, and I can be that in silence.” Can you? Can you have confidence that you are really born again if you will not confess Christ openly? You know the Scriptures: “If anyone comes after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23); “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27); “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Rom. 10:9–10); “Whoever ackowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father in heaven” (Matt. 10:32–33). - From commentary on John 19:38 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
In 1 Co. 3:9, Paul tells us that “we are laborers together with God.” Notice what he said about our labor for the Lord: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Co. 3:10-15).
Consider Solomon’s principles in this passage in light of our spiritual work:
(1) We must always work cautiously and be prepared for the risks that come along with our work. We are no threat to the devil when we are idle, but when we are fully engaged in the Lord’s work, we must expect the serpent to spring into action against us. When we are tearing down his walls, he is going to strike.
(2) We should use the sharpest tools, the most relevant and effective methods, in reaching people for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our message never changes, but our methods do… and they must. In a constantly changing culture and society, we must use whatever acceptable means it takes to get the job done.
(3) We have been given tools—spiritual gifts—to use in service for the Lord. We should develop those gifts, sharpen our skills, and be the best implements possible in the fields of the world as we bear witness for the Lord.
(4) No work is of greater importance than the Lord’s work: impacting people for eternity by reaching them and winning them to Christ. It is a work that deserves our very best efforts, our diligence, our strength, and our faithfulness. There is no room for shortcuts or halfhearted labor in the business of soul-winning. We must do our best, and give our best, to the One who gave His all for us.
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Ro. 12:4-8).
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Co. 12:4-11).
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Co. 15:58).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ep. 2:10).
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Ti. 4:14).
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Ti. 1:6).
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (He. 6:10).
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pe. 5:8-9). - From the reading about Ecclesiastes 10:8 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
It is still vitally important for believers to spread the gospel. Half of the people who have ever lived are alive today, and most of them do not know Christ. He is coming soon, and he wants to find his faithful believers ready for him. It may be inconvenient to take a stand for CHrist or to tell others about his love, but preaching the Word of God is the most important responsibility the church and its members have been given. Be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to tell the Good News. - Life Application Study Bible NIV Version - 2 Timothy 4:1,2 Note 4:1, 2 - Pg 2203.
Every person contributes either to the strengthening of the church and the spread of the gospel, or to the weakening of the church and the curtailment of the kingdom. There is no neutral position. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy, Principals, pg. 329.
As believers, we need to speak up for the truth of God not only when the situation seems convenient or when we are "on duty," but when it is inconvenient. We must live the faith and be avaiable as witnesses to the truth all the time. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy, Applications, pg. 329.
Each of us has a ministry in the world, and God desires that we "discharge our duties" fully and competently. We must determine in what ways we can serve Christ in our communities and the church. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy, Applications, pg. 329.
At the end of 2 Timothy and the end of Paul's life, a few items stand out. First, Paul referred to the need for Christians to endure hardship. As people of the living Christ, we must not hesitate or shrink from difficulty. Second, it is imperative for believers to guard and proclaim God's truth without reserve or embarrassment. Third, people remain the priority of the gospel and Christian witness. We must love, encourage, and guide people into relationship with God and holiness of life. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - 2 Timothy VII. Teaching Outline A. Introduction 3. pg. 332.
In church and out, we should teach and talk more about Christ's return. By encouraging one another and discussing our future, our anticipation of his appearing will fill our hearts, urging us on to greater service and righteous living. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Titus 2, Applications, pg. 370.
Christian faith should not exist as a private possession, passive and assumed. Instead, it must energetically manifest itself through daily living and human relationships. Those who neglect Christian development, who never do good acts on behalf of others, who never exercise their spiritual muscles will experience spiritual atrophy. They waste away, incapable of knowing the riches of Christ or the power of the Spirit through life's daily encounters. A full understanding of God's goodness refers not to book knowledge but to experiential comprehension. It happens when, appropriating God's truth into life, we see it good results and power. This deepens our faith and trust. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Philemon v. 6 pg. 402-403.
Notice that when Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” he went on to add “of whom I am chief.” Jesus came to save sinners. Paul likewise went to sinners, and the reason Paul went is that he knew he was one of them. In fact, he was the chief. That suggests why we do not go. We think we are better than others and are concerned to maintain our position. We feel that we would have to stoop to save sinners, and we do not want to do it. Jesus had to stoop. He laid a real glory aside in order to become man and die for our salvation (Phil. 2:5–8). We do not have to stoop. We are beggars among beggars. Our task is that of one beggar telling another where to find bread. When we get that into our heads we will actually go to those who really need us and help them as the Lord did. - From commentary on John 20:21 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
Theology is empty unless it is connected to real life. We can speak the Christian jargon and go through the motions of worship, but true faith must intersect life's choices. True faith is constant, uninterrupted, and unbiased in its application. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary - Philemon v. 6 pg. 402-403.
Part of our commitment to Jesus as Lord is our commitment to invest our money, our time, our energy in endeavors that will pay dividends. Ecclesiastes was right. But he did not tell the whole story. He did not know that the coming of our Lord Jesus is the event toward which all our living and giving and saving and spending point. If God-fearing men and women in Old Testament days felt that wisdom demanded sound investment of what they had, how much more should we, as Christ’s return approaches? - From the reading about Ecclesiastes 11:6 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
Believers who have known Christ for a time have the responsibility to pass on Christian truths to others. The writer of Hebrews was concerned that his readers not only were not teaching others but even needed to learn the basic truths again for themselves. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 6, at location 2538.
The New Testament refers to “teachers” (didaskaloi) as a special office in the church (1 Cor. 12:28), limited to those who had the spiritual gift of teaching. The appearance of the term in this verse is probably not a reference to a special office but to a duty which all Christians should follow. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 6, at location 2546.
All Christians have a command from the Lord to assist in teaching the basic truths of Christianity to young believers (2 Tim. 2:2). Such teaching was not a formal type of communicating truth but may have taken place in private meetings, in homes, and in personal contacts which involve discipleship. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 6, at location 2549.
Hebrews 10:24 - The third exhortation calls us to responsibility to one another. The appeal to consider demands concentrated attention. The goal of this attention was to spur one another on towards love and good deeds. As Christians we have a corporate responsibility. We must help others who stumble and falter. We must concentrate on the needs of others and not on our individual salvation only. We can spur people toward either good or bad works. Hebrews calls us to lead others to a practical expression of love and an attractive display of unselfish deeds. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 10:24, at location 4545.
We are not really fulfilling the Great Commission until we live with, befriend, love, and enter into the experiences of those to whom we are sent.
If we are going to go into the world as Christ was in the world, we are going to have to learn how to become friends with unbelievers and then work out the issues of life by their side. - From commentary on John 20:21 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
Many are called but few are chosen (Mt. 20:16; 22:14). What exactly does this mean? Simply that many individuals have been called by God to minister to people, but few have ever responded to the call. Far more have rejected the call to service than have responded positively. When an opportunity to minister crosses our path, we should grasp the opportunity. We should meet whatever need there is lying in our path. We should never neglect a person or persons in need—whether hungry, impoverished, sick, hurting or otherwise, not if the person is truly in need. No matter what the call to service may be, if the call comes from God, we should surrender to the call. - From the reading about Isaiah 6:1-13 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
Hebrews 10:25 - To spur other believers forward in the Christian life, followers of Christ must meet together. Some of the readers of Hebrews were neglecting to meet together for worship, and this limited their ability to give and receive encouragement toward good works. Christians who meet together with the aim of promoting godliness and love for one another can be remarkably successful in their ventures. Regular fellowship with believers is an essential ingredient in Christian growth. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 10:25, at location 4545.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - We should consider one another, to provoke to love and to good works. Christians ought to have a tender consideration and concern for one another; they should affectionately consider what their several wants, weaknesses, and temptations are; and they should do this, not to reproach one another, to provoke one another not to anger, but to love and good works, calling upon themselves and one another to love God and Christ more, to love duty and holiness more, to love their brethren in Christ more, and to do all the good offices of Christian affection both to the bodies and the souls of each other. - From the Matthew Henry Commentary as provided in The Sword Software program for the Mac - in the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 10, v. 24-25.
It is the will of Christ that his disciples should assemble together, sometimes more privately for conference and prayer, and in public for hearing and joining in all the ordinances of gospel worship. There were in the apostles' times, and should be in every age, Christian assemblies for the worship of God, and for mutual edification. The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a good means of steadiness and perseverance; hereby their hearts and hands are mutually strengthened. 3. To exhort one another, to exhort ourselves and each other, to warn ourselves and one another of the sin and danger of backsliding, to put ourselves and our fellow-christians in mind of our duty, of our failures and corruptions, to watch over one another, and be jealous of ourselves and one another with a godly jealousy. This, managed with a true gospel spirit, would be the best and most cordial friendship. - From the Matthew Henry Commentary as provided in The Sword Software program for the Mac - in the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 10, v. 25.
Hebrews 10:24 - urges readers to consider how they could stimulate their Christian friends to produce love and good deeds. We must make it our object to nudge fellow Christians forward in love, service, and obedience. - From the Kindle Book "the Holman New Testament Commentary - Hebrews 10 IV Deeper Discoveries, F. Spur (v 24) at location 4725.
Paul makes it clear that part of our calling in this world is to rub shoulders with non-Christians, regardless of their sins and lifestyles. We must be actively involved in the lives of others, and therefore present in their world (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). As Jesus said, we must remain in the world but at the same time not be of it (John 17:15-16). - From the Kindle Book Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn at page 19, at page 26, at location 754.
Isaiah heard God’s call and responded favorably (Isaiah 6:8). As soon as Isaiah had been cleansed from his sins, he immediately heard the booming voice of the Lord calling for a volunteer to go forth to minister to His people. Without hesitation—not leaving time for the seraphim or anyone else to respond—Isaiah courageously offered himself: “Here am I! Send me.” Having been forgiven his sins and sensing deeply that the Lord accepted him, Isaiah was filled with joy and thanksgiving. Therefore with no reservation, Isaiah leapt at the opportunity to serve his Lord. His immediate surrender reveals…
• a spirit of readiness, both a desire and a willingness to serve the Lord
• a spirit of resolve, a determination to go and bear witness despite the difficulties
• a spirit of trust, leaving the success and results up to the Lord
Unlike so many who hesitate or even reject God’s call, Isaiah readily, willingly surrendered to serve the Lord. Whereas Moses and Jeremiah both fought against the call of God, Isaiah offered himself without reservation or qualification.
- From the reading about Isaiah 6:8 in the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old and New Testament Commentary Set (44-Volumes) - by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
He created human beings, not only to enjoy his grace in a relationship with him, but also to extend his glory to the ends of the earth. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 926.
God blesses his people with extravagant grace so they might extend his extravagant glory to all peoples on the earth. This basic, fundamental truth permeates Scripture from beginning to end. Yet I wonder if we unknowingly ignore the great why of God. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 984.
The message of biblical Christianity is “God loves me so that I might make him—his ways, his salvation, his glory, and his greatness—known among all nations.” Now God is the object of our faith, and Christianity centers around him. We are not the end of the gospel; God is. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1004.
God centers on himself, even in our salvation. Remember his words in Ezekiel: he saves us, not for our sake, but for the sake of his holy name. We have received salvation so that his name will be proclaimed in all nations. God loves us for his sake in the world. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1007.
In our earlier study of John’s version of the Great Commission, verse 21, we pointed out that if we are sent into the world as Christ was sent into the world, then we must truly be in the world and not merely shouting the gospel to it from afar. This is the principle of incarnation. It is important. Moreover, evangelicals especially must give attention to it, for we have been far too inclined to retreat into the safety of our evangelical ghettos and merely proclaim the Word abstractly or indirectly. We do not like to get involved, and the liberal wing of the church has been superior to many of us in this area. But this is only half of the story, for if it is true that Christians must be involved in the world if they are to reach the world, it is no less true that they must have a message for the world and actually proclaim it to the world if they are to fulfill the Lord’s commission. - From commentary on John 20:22 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
We were all created by God, saved from our sins, and blessed by God to make his glory known in all the world. Indeed, Jesus himself has not merely called us to go to all nations; he has created us and commanded us to go to all nations. We have taken this command, though, and reduced it to a calling—something that only a few people receive. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1031.
The Bible says, “Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.” The best way to “be ready” is to write out your testimony and then memorize the main points. Divide it into four parts:
1. What my life was like before I met Jesus
2. How I realized I needed Jesus
3. How I committed my life to Jesus
4. The difference Jesus has made in my life - From the Day 37 “Sharing Your Life Message” message in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Each follower of Christ in the New Testament, regardless of his or her calling, was intended to take up the mantle of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. That’s the reason why he gave each of them his Spirit and why he gave them all the same plan: make disciples of all nations. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1044.
Paul is saying that he owes a debt to every lost person on the face of the planet. Because he is owned by Christ, he owes Christ to the world. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1056.
Every saved person this side of heaven owes the gospel to every lost person this side of hell. We owe Christ to the world—to the least person and to the greatest person, to the richest person and to the poorest person, to the best person and to the worst person. We are in debt to the nations. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1057.
Any Christian can do this. You don’t need to have inordinate skill or unusual abilities to make disciples. You don’t need to be a successful pastor or a charismatic leader to make disciples. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1268.
You don’t need to be a great communicator or an innovative thinker to make disciples. That’s why Jesus says every Christian must do this. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1269.
Making disciples is not an easy process. It is trying. It is messy It is slow, tedious, even painful at times. It is all these things because it is relational. Jesus has not given us an effortless step-by-step formula for impacting nations for his glory. He has given us people, and he has said, “Live for them. Love them, serve them, and lead them. Lead them to follow me, and lead them to lead others to follow me. In the process you will multiply the gospel to the ends of the earth.” - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1305.
First, according to Jesus, disciple making involves going. It involves intentionally taking the gospel to people where they live, work, and play. Disciple making is not a call for others to come to us to hear the gospel but a command for us to go to others to share the gospel. A command for us to be gospel-living, gospel-speaking people at every moment and in every context where we find ourselves. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1314.
We are not the priest, the prophet, or the king. But as God has sent Jesus into the world, so also does he send us into the world with the result that we are to function in each of these areas. We function as priests in offering ourselves up to God in service and in praying for and with others. We function as prophets in proclaiming what God has recorded in Scripture for our and others’ benefit. We function as kings when we first rule ourselves well and then also those for whom we are responsible. - From commentary on John 20:22 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? Will anyone in heaven be able to say to you, “I want to thank you. I’m here because you cared enough to share the Good News with me”? Imagine the joy of greeting people in heaven whom you helped get there. The eternal salvation of a single soul is more important than anything else you will ever achieve in life. Only people are going to last forever. - From the Day 37 “Sharing Your Life Message” message in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Disciple making is not about a program or an event but about a relationship. As we share the gospel, we impart life, and this is the essence of making disciples. Sharing the life of Christ. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1350.
Disciple making involves inviting people into a larger community of faith where they will see the life of Christ in action and experience the love of Christ in person. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1358.
Disciple making involves identifying with a community of believers who show love to one another and share life with one another as we live together for the glory of God. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1367.
Being a part of a community of faith involves being exposed to the life of Christ in others. Just as we are identified with Christ and his church in baptism, we now share life in Christ with one another. So to whom can you deliberately, intentionally, and sacrificially show the life of Christ in this way? This is foundational in making disciples, and we will multiply the gospel only when we allow others to get close enough to us to see the life of Christ in action. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1380.
Teaching: This is an activity we all should take part in as we fulfill the life purpose God has given us. In our relationships with one another in the body of Christ, we are to be continually teaching one another the Word of Christ. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1386.
While we should certainly acknowledge and affirm gifted teachers given by God to the church, Jesus’ command for us to make disciples envisions a teaching role for all of us. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1394.
What would be the most effective way for this new follower of Christ to learn to pray? To sign her up for a one-hour-a-week class on prayer? Or to invite her personally into your quiet time with God to teach her how to pray? - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1401.
What would be the most effective way for this new follower of Christ to learn to study the Bible? To register her in the next available course on Bible study? Or to sit down with her and walk her through the steps of how you have learned to study the Bible? - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1403.
In order to teach someone else how to pray, we need to know how to pray. In order to help someone else learn how to study the Bible, we need to be active in studying the Bible. But this is the beauty of making disciples. When we take responsibility for helping others grow in Christ, it automatically takes our own relationship with Christ to a new level. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1406.
What if we began to think, How can I listen to his Word so that I am equipped to teach this Word to others? - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1429.
God’s five purposes for your life on earth: He made you to be a member of his family, a model of his character, a magnifier of his glory, a minister of his grace, and a messenger of his Good News to others. Of these five purposes, the fifth can only be done on earth. The other four you will keep doing in eternity in some way. That’s why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfill your mission. - From the Day 37 “Sharing Your Life Message” message in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This changes everything. All of a sudden the pen and the paper come out. Note taking is not the measure of how committed we are to making disciples, but if we are hearing God’s Word taught in order to teach others, then we want to get it down as best we can. When we realize we have the responsibility to teach the Word, it changes everything about how we hear the Word. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1430.
Exciting things happen when the people of God believe the Word of God is worth spending their lives to teach to others. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1441.
Those in the Reformed, or Calvinistic, tradition sometimes give the impression that, because people are hopelessly lost in sin and only God can save them, there is little or nothing we can do. Consequently, when a person will not believe or will not even come naturally into a fellowship of Christians where the gospel is preached and Christ is likely to make himself known, we tend to give up. We say, “There is nothing we can do now. It is up to God.” Well, in a sense it is up to God; it is always up to God even when results are forthcoming. But the fact that men and women are lost in unbelief and that only God can save them is no excuse for us to do nothing. On the contrary, we must do as these early disciples did. We must seek out the one who is missing. We must go to him or her and call that one to faith. We must say, “The Lord is risen. We have seen him. Come with us and believe on Jesus.” - From commentary on John 20:24-28 from the Boice Expositional Commentary Series (27 Volumes) by James Montgomery Boice.
Jesus beckons each of us to plainly, humbly, and quietly focus our lives on people. The reality is, you can’t share life like this with masses and multitudes. Jesus didn’t. He spent three years with twelve guys. If the Son of God thought it necessary to focus his life on a small group of men, we are fooling ourselves to think we can mass-produce disciples today. God’s design for taking the gospel to the world is a slow, intentional, simple process that involves every one of his people sacrificing every facet of their lives to multiply the life of Christ in others. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1446.
Whereas disinfecting Christians involves isolating them and teaching them to be good, discipling Christians involves propelling Christians into the world to risk their lives for the sake of others. Now the world is our focus, and we gauge success in the church not on the hundreds or thousands whom we can get into our buildings but on the hundreds or thousands who are leaving our buildings to take on the world with the disciples they are making. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1468.
Disciple making takes place multiple times every week in multiple locations by an army of men and women sharing, showing, and teaching the Word of Christ and together serving a world in need of Christ. - From the Kindle book Radical by David Platt, at location 1472.
The mission field teaches us that our Savior's call to faith comes in unexpected ways to unexpected people. He uses us in unexpected ways that force us to decide between tradition's ways and God's ways. On the mission field God forces us to see our dependence on him, our unworthiness, our need of salvation, and God's greatness in providing salvation to sinners. - From the Holman New Testament Commentary "Luke" by Max Anders and Trent C. Butler, IV. Life Application, Traditions Face African Tradition, page 113.
We can be a force for good in this life. We can display the heart of Christ in everything we do, showing others who God really is. We can be content and compassionate, relaxed and resilient. - From location 1194 in the Kindle Book "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges.
The church is the body of Christ, and as such it does God’s work. - From location 4983 in the Kindle Book "Prayer" by Philip Yancey.
“THOSE WHO LEAD MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS (WILL SHINE) LIKE THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER.” DANIEL 12:3 - From location 263 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
If you don’t see the life-or-death issue of people’s terminal spiritual condition, as Jesus does—if you are not actively, urgently doing something about their lostness, as Jesus does—then you have reason to question whether you are really following Jesus. - From location 499 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
To be a spiritual rescuer, you must see the eternal “dyingness” of people you know—to see them as future inhabitants of hell. And to see their peril, you must have a Jesus-heart. That can begin—having the compassionate heart of Jesus—when you would dare to ask God for it. How do you ask? In a simple prayer like this: “Go ahead, God—break my heart for the lost and dying people around me.” - From location 538 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
“The saving of souls, if a man has once gained love to perishing sinners and his blessed Master, will be an all-absorbing passion to him. It will so carry him away, that he will almost forget himself in the saving of others. If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” - From location 561 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
We are “Christ’s ambassadors”! Appointed by the highest Authority in the universe . . . to represent Him. Talk about significance! “He has committed to us the message” of what He did on the cross. He is counting on us to represent what He is like by the way we live, to communicate clearly the message that cost Him His life. - From location 587 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
You are Christ’s ambassador right where you are. - From location 592 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
You have a life-or-death assignment from Jesus: to be His ambassador, to deliver His message. You have a life-or-death mission from Jesus: to be His rescuer, to reach someone who is dying without Him. - From location 602 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
It would be overwhelming were it not for the fact that it will be His power working through you, not your doing work for Him. It was God’s great ambassador, Paul, who said: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). If you think you can’t do this, you’re right. God is asking you to show up ready and prepared; He will take it from there. - From location 604 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Once you open your heart to see the lostness of the people around you as Jesus does, once you grasp the life-enlarging ambassadorial assignment God Himself has given you, then you begin to see every aspect of your life more eternally. - From location 662 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Why do you work where you work—just because they hired you? No. You work where you work because Jesus Christ placed you there to help some of the people there go to heaven with you. You are divinely assigned to the people in your world, divinely positioned by God as His spiritual rescuer for those around you. Grasp that reality and your everyday activities and relationships will gain great significance. You will be getting a glimpse of the eternal impact you were made for. You are uniquely positioned—optimally positioned—to introduce the people in your universe to Jesus Christ. The spiritually dying people there are most likely to listen to someone who faces the same kind of pressures they face, someone who lives the same kind of schedule, who knows the same kind of emotions. Someone like you. - From location 666 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
In the life-or-death business of spiritual rescue, the best people to do the rescuing are everyday Christians. Not some highly trained religious professional but some believers who, like Peter and John, are considered “ordinary” but have “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). - From location 677 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
The lifesaving strategy of Jesus is based on ordinary people showing and telling about Him in ordinary places. That should not surprise us. After all, it is how Jesus Himself did it. He rescued a Samaritan woman at a well where they both had stopped for a drink . . . a tax collector as He passed by the man’s tax office . . . fishermen as He walked along their stretch of the beach . . . Zacchaeus over lunch at his house.He changed their eternities because He “made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Today He is changing people’s eternities through His everyday followers who dwell among men and women He died for. The charge of the Master to His first followers— and to us—is “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you” (John 20:21, italics added). - From location 729 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE HERE. You are Christ’s ambassador, selected and appointed by Him to represent Him to the world. - From location 755 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
When you go through your day remembering who you really are in Christ, you start seeing more and more opportunities to bring up life’s most important relationship. You see them because you’re looking for them, you’re expecting them, and you’re praying for them. And you can dare to bring Jesus into the lives God entrusts to you because of one liberating fact: it is God who does the saving. You only need to be His glove. - From location 757 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
You are in that neighborhood, that school, that workplace, that group by God’s design—not just to enjoy the benefits of your position, but to be God’s instrument to save the lives of the people in that place; to give them the information about Jesus and His cross that can direct them from eternal death to eternal life. - From location 782 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Most people do not come to believe in Jesus without first believing in a follower of Jesus! - From location 866 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
He gave the responsibility for presenting Christ to every believer, gifted or not. Jesus’ command to “go into all the world and preach the good news” (Mark 16:15) is for everyone who belongs to Him. He has made all of us believers “Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We can learn from those who have been specially gifted in sharing the Good News, but we cannot delegate the responsibility for our “stretch of the beach” to them. - From location 916 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Each of us is a special tool in His hands to help lost people “come to believe.” The Master Builder will decide when He needs a tool like you for a life He wants to build. You just need to always be ready for Him to use. Bottom line: there is no “right type” for communicating Jesus Christ—only people placed by God in the right place at the right time to deliver lifesaving news. - From location 927 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
LOVE THEM IN THEIR LANGUAGE. A lost person may resist your invitations to Christian meetings and reject your Christian beliefs, but random acts of love and kindness are usually a bridge into even the hardest hearts. - From location 962 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
The good news is that anyone can show Jesus’ love to a lost person. It does not require a theological education or a Hollywood personality. It simply requires that you focus on someone whose eternity you care about and ask yourself this question: “Knowing what I know about this person, what things could I do that would make him or her feel loved?” - From location 974 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
This kind of “rescue loving” involves a conscious effort to identify what would make a lost person feel loved. You can find a person’s language of love by asking, “What need does this person face in his/her life right now that I could help with?” You literally go looking for needs into which you can pour the kind of love with which Jesus has loved you. That is part of what it means to “seek and to save” someone who is lost (Luke 19:10). - From location 984 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
BE THERE FOR THEM DURING THE BAD TIMES. When it’s hurting time for someone within your reach, you drop everything, realizing this is a precious opportunity to display the Jesus-love you want so much to tell the person about. - From location 989 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
When you are thinking about rescuing the spiritually dying, you understand that their moment of crisis is your opportunity to show them Jesus—which means you may have to drop what you’re doing to serve as a “be there” person for their storm. When you show up, like Jesus, to serve, you will be in the best possible position to show and tell what Jesus is about. - From location 998 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Nothing opens doors or hearts like sacrificial acts of love. It is, after all, what Jesus did on the cross. Those who love as He did have the greatest opportunity to tell about His love. When you are there for the bad times of someone you hope to introduce to Jesus, you often find moments of unique spiritual softness—the kind of moments when you can tell the difference Jesus has made for you. - From location 1011 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
BE THERE FOR THEIR GOOD TIMES. Most people are too wrapped up in their own “small world” to even think about celebrating the good times in the lives of people around them. When a Jesus-follower does “rejoice with those who rejoice,” another bridge is built into a life that needs Jesus so much. - From location 1016 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
SHOW REAL INTEREST IN THEM. God tells each of us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). If you do that, you will become a standout person in the lives of other people. And by being an active and interested listener, you will win the right to be heard on what really matters to you. - From location 1029 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
But if you really care about a person, there will be times when your radar tells you that there is more to the story than “doin’ fine.” That is when a second question, spoken in the spirit of caring, can demonstrate genuine personal interest. - From location 1038 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
A fifth practical way you can show people the love of Jesus is to PRAY WITH THEM. But if you are in a situation without other people around, you can ask them if they mind if you start talking to God about it while you’re still with them. It is simply a matter of gently asking, “Would you mind if I prayed about it right here, while we’re together?” If they decline, just restate your commitment to keep praying about it. It is quite possible that the person you are praying with has never heard their name mentioned in prayer in their entire life. And by talking to God in their presence, you have actually let that person hear you having your personal relationship with God. It’s not just “your beliefs” anymore—it’s your relationship. God may even give you a green light to tell what it means to you to be able to go to God like this, and how the wall that separated you from God came down. - From location 1045 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
My experience and the experience of many other believers who have shared with me is that lost people in hurting times are far more ready to be prayed for than we are ready to pray for them.The offer to pray with a friend who does not belong to Christ is virtually a nothing- to-lose deal, even if the individual turns you down. Either way, you have shown you care. Either way, you have demonstrated your personal relationship with God—the relationship you so want your friend or loved one to understand and experience. - From location 1062 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Rescue always requires involvement in the person’s life. And this need for the rescuer to get close enough to rescue a person at risk is why it is so important for a spiritual rescuer to build meaningful relationships with spiritually dying people. Not to become like the lost, but to build bridges to the lost—just like our Master. - From location 1068 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
It’s easy to fill up our lives with other believers. It’s comfortable; it’s natural. It’s hard work to build a relationship with someone outside of Christ, someone with whom we have less and less in common. But your relationship with a lost person may be the only road that will take that person to the cross The lost person probably won’t get there by the road marked “church” or “Christian media” or “evangelist.” He or she will get to the cross because he or she was loved there—by a friend of Jesus who paid the price to become their friend too. - From location 1080 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
“I DO NOT HIDE YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN MY HEART; I SPEAK OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS AND SALVATION. I DO NOT CONCEAL YOUR LOVE AND YOUR TRUTH.” PSALM 40:10 - From location 1117 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
For a follower of Christ, it is one of life’s most haunting regrets—to know that someone you care about has gone into eternity and that you never told that friend about Jesus. - From location 1133 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Five ways of communicating Christ are: (1) love them in their language; (2) be there for them during the bad times; (3) be there for their good times; (4) show real interest in them; and (5) pray with them. Such actions are part of redemptive relationships, and God uses redemptive relationships to open the hearts of dying people to His life-giving message. - From location 1145 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
As we struggle with the personal insecurities that so often keep us from sharing Jesus’ life-giving message, it is liberating to realize how very much is up to God and how relatively little is up to us. It is our responsibility to present the good news about Jesus; it is not our responsibility to persuade a person to choose Christ. Jesus made it clear that it is the Holy Spirit who “will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). Jesus let us know that “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). It is something beyond the reach of any human being to get someone to Jesus. Without the Father’s drawing, no one could or would come to the Son. It is such a relief to know that you are the presenter; God is the Persuader. - From location 1260 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
Paul summarized God’s role and our role, writing, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). The Lord expects us to plant the seed of the Gospel in lost hearts; but the results, just as in farming or gardening, are in God’s hands. - From location 1268 in the Kindle Book - A Life That Matters: Making the Greatest Possible Difference With The Rest Of Your Life - by Ron P. Hutchcraft
God wants to use you right where you are. Every day you probably come in contact with people who will never enter a church, talk with a pastor, or open a Bible—and God wants to use you to point them to Christ. You may be the bridge that God uses to bring them to Himself. Be alert for opportunities to share the good news of Christ’s love with others—even today. Never underestimate what God can do through even your smallest effort to reach out to others in the name of Jesus. - Graham, Billy (2012-06-12). Hope for Each Day Morning and Evening Devotions (p. 421). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
God has a purpose in keeping us here until He finally takes us home. He has things to teach us about Himself, and He can still use us to bless others. Only eternity will reveal the powerful ways God used the prayers and the witness of men and women who could no longer do everything they once did, but who still trusted God to use them. Keep your eyes on eternity—but also seek Christ’s will for you right now, no matter what you are facing. - Graham, Billy (2012-06-12). Hope for Each Day Morning and Evening Devotions (p. 424). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
God does not promise us an easy life, free of troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations. He never promises that life will be perfect. He does not call His children to a playground, but to a battleground. In the midst of it all, when we serve Christ, we truly discover that “the joy of the LORD is [our] strength.” - Graham, Billy (2012-06-12). Hope for Each Day Morning and Evening Devotions (p. 428). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
How long has it been since you bared your heart to an unbeliever? God not only told Isaiah to bare his soul, but later Himself would do the same thing. As the Son of man, He would bare His soul in His teaching, bare His life by speaking honestly, and bare His body on the Cross of Calvary—all to bear the sins of humanity. He could have said, “I will not be humiliated. I will not be disgraced by these savages.” Instead, He said, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.” Jesus died naked and exposed because He cared about me personally. He cared about you passionately. - From Courson’s Application Commentary on Isaiah 20:1-4 by Jon Courson.
Titus 3:10 - As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self. - A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Warn them once, talk to them a second time, but don’t continue dialoguing with those who are into heresy.” Why? You’ll waste your time. You’ll spin your wheels. You’ll get nowhere. Satan knows your endless talking with someone who’s in a cult will prevent you from witnessing to your next- door neighbor. There are those who waste tons of time trying to convert heretics. Don’t do it. Paul’s instruction is to tell them the truth once. Tell them a second time. Then reject them, knowing they’ve condemned themselves. - From Titus 3:10 from Courson’s Application Commentary by Jon Courson.
It always interests me how sinners were very comfortable around Jesus as He taught them about the kingdom, about the love of the Father, and about Old Testament Scriptures. Sinners loved to be around Jesus. It was the religious people—the Pharisees and the scribes—who had such a tough time with Him that they eventually ordered Him to be crucified.
I am sometimes concerned because I find that we get too comfortable around religious people. But sinners? When they see us coming, they often run from us as fast as they can in fear that we’re going to come down hard on them, preach at them, or turn our backs and walk away from them. Pray about spending a little more time with people who don’t know the Lord. Share with them the things you’re learning as though they are already believers. Do you know what you’ll discover? Amazed that you’re not judging them, they’ll be attracted to Jesus just as they were in the days of Matthew. Let the Pharisees sniff and the scribes scoff, but you be like Matthew, a man who opened his heart and then his home. - From Introduction to the book of Matthew from Courson’s Application Commentary by Jon Courson.
Truly, the Lord uses whatever is in one’s hands presently to do His work in ministry. As God called Moses in the wilderness, He said, “Moses what’s in your hand? A rod. That’s what I’ll use as an instrument of authority in your ministry.”
“What’s in your hand, David? A slingshot. Let’s go get Goliath!”
“Peter, what’s in your hand? A net. I will make you a fisher of men.”
I think too often we wish we had other gifts, skills, or trades, and we think, “If I could only play guitar, there would be no stopping me!” But take it from one who’s bought more than one guitar. It doesn’t work that way, folks! Use what’s in your hand right now, and the Lord will use you. - From Introduction to the book of Matthew from Courson’s Application Commentary by Jon Courson.
As we go through life, we’re to sow the seeds of the gospel, but it may take a while for them to germinate. …...It might take ten years or seventy - but there’s power in the gospel seed, and our job is to plant. So don’t lose heart. “He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6). "How rich his reward who has waited patiently till the seed should spring and grow up!" - A.J. Gordon. - From the January 18 devotion from the book: "Turning Points with God" by David Jeremiah.
We are called to go into the world and be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:16). Light has one purpose: to illuminate the darkness. If we never penetrate the dark corners of this world with our presence, how will they be illuminated? The gospel is light, but only the Spirit can give sight - A.W. Tozer - From the March 17 devotion from the book: "Turning Points with God" by David Jeremiah.
It’s been said, “The Gospel has come to you because it’s on its way to someone else.” There’s so much truth in that statement because the message of Jesus Christ should never terminate with the receiver. Rather, it should prompt the receiver to action!
As you experience God in your life, let that experience translate into the action of taking the Gospel out. In Christ, you have eternal life. Share His message with others too!
SHARE WITH OTHERS THE AMAZING NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST THAT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN YOUR OWN LIFE! - From the April 28th devotional from Powerpoint Minitries with Dr. Jack Graham

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