When was the last time you discovered something so exciting that you couldn't help but immediately share it with those around you — your friends, family, or co-workers? Did you watch a movie or show that was impactful, or stumble upon an incredible deal on something to buy? Maybe you read a book that had an impact on you or changed your perspective, and you find yourself encouraging others to read it. Have you ever enthusiastically promoted a new restaurant, a new band, or a life hack that helps make the daily grind easier? When we are in relationship with others, it is natural to share good things we find.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, do you recall the season when you made the decision to follow Him? Me, I was a teenager and can distinctly remember being so excited that I shared my newfound faith with my best friend, Tim. My excitement overrode my fear of rejection, and after several long conversations, Tim also accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It is hard to put into words the joy that I felt, realizing that God had used my natural desire to share to bring someone else to Him.
In the intervening years, however, I found it increasingly difficult to sustain my early enthusiasm for sharing my faith. The desire to avoid rejection at work or with family and friends makes it tempting to simply avoid the conversation. Have you felt this gradual pull toward apathy?
As we continue through this season of Lent and turn our thoughts towards Jesus' life and ministry, his death and resurrection, let's not forget that the hope that we carry is the most significant and life-altering thing we could ever share with others. The salvation offered through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection – that He paid the price on the cross for the sins of the world – is a message that the world desperately needs to hear. John 3:16-17 says it so well:
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
At CCC, we are always looking to create and foster an 'invite culture' and at the heart of this is our vision "to love our local community and invite everyone to experience Jesus together." This Easter season, we hope and pray that everyone at our church will look for opportunities to share this Gospel message with their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We pray that you INVITE them to experience Jesus with you: at your home, over coffee, and at church! In Romans 10:14-15, I love how Paul plainly states the stakes involved:
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
As we navigate the relationships that God has given each of us this week — at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, and with our friends — let's watch for opportunities to be messengers who enthusiastically share Jesus with those around us!
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