Our journey through the 3:16’s of the bible is drawing to a close. It has been a busy summer for me and I apologize for the inconsistency of my blog postings. On a personal note, my wife’s grandfather returned home to be with Jesus at the age of 91. It was not unexpected, but we are thankful that he in just in recent years he had given his life over to Jesus. We will see him again, there is that hope. So, in writing this today I want to remind you that there is hope for those around you. God doesn’t count people out. We hear all the time of those who we would not expect to be forgiven choosing life in Jesus. John 3:16 continues to remind us of hope that is available to our loved ones, neighbours, enemies and strangers.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. MSG
For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. AMP
For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift.[a] So now everyone who believes in him[b] will never perish but experience everlasting life. TPT
For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. VOICE
I have given these different translations to remind you that not everyone you meet is the same. How we reach out to those around us needs to be driven in such a way that we understand that the cookie cutter methods does not always work. We can pick up books upon books or watch a multitude of videos on how to reach the lost. These are a good starting point, but they cannot be the only way we evangelise. The Holy Spirit is available as your mentor and friend to help you each and every time you step out in faith to love someone and share with them the truth about Jesus.
It all comes down to believers actually doing something. We cannot be lazy in our faith, we must make a stand and be bold in sharing what we have found. To find a treasure and not share it is to live a lonely life. Why if we are living in joy and freedom would we not want to share this with everyone we meet? Why have we accepted the lie that people are just not interested in what we have to say? The enemy has convinced us that the truth is okay for us but would not be accepted by others and that they might even resent us for sharing it. We need to be bold, break this lie in our mindsets and push the enemy out of our lives. Trust the Holy Spirit to defend you from the lies that the enemy throws at us, remember greater is he who lives in us then he that is in the world. The devil is defeated and is working a last-ditch effort to drag as many as he can down with him. If he can convince you not to share what you know then his plan is working. Will you tell the world that God loves them?
Father forgive us for believing the lie of the enemy. The people around us matter to you, none are discounted or discarded. We are called to reach them and tell them of your love. Holy Spirit gives us boldness and encouragement to step out of our fear and into the light of sharing our story and the truth. Give us daily opportunities to be a witness of your love and help us to open our mouths with the love you have for them. Provide us wisdom in that we can meet those who need you right where they are. Use us. Amen.
50 Days of Pray 