RECEIVE OR REJECT!
Yesterday I was listening to a program on Christian radio in which Janet Parshalls was interviewing Mike Judge of the Christian Institute in the United Kingdom. He shared that recently a survey was done in the UK in which 2000 parents asked their children about the meaning of Easter. Here’s what they found out – 80% of the children didn’t know why Christians celebrate Easter and among that number, 25% of those thought it had to do with the birth of the Easter bunny. Wow! It makes you wonder what is happening with the fundamentals of the Christian Gospel in the UK and elsewhere in Europe where few centuries ago they were on the front line in proclaiming the Good News. But we must also wonder what the results would be if a similar survey were to be done in other countries that could be labeled as ‘Christian.’ Now more than ever the Gospel of Christ must move beyond the confines of the church’s walls and into the market place. When we do one of two things will happen. People will either RECEIVE OR REJECT the truth of the Gospel. That’s our FF for today – RECEIVE OR REJECT!
It is easy to think that somehow we are responsible for how persons will respond when the Gospel is shared with them. And because of that sometimes we back away from simply sharing this Good News. Some Christians are afraid that they may not be able to answer a question that may be thrown at them. Or what if they say the wrong thing and then find themselves in a corner? But we cannot allow thoughts of wondering how people will respond to hinder us from doing what we have been commissioned to do. The truth is when we share the Gospel to others they can say yes or no to Christ. Those who say yes are those who RECEIVE the Good News and allow Christ to change their lives as He becomes their Saviour and Lord. On the other hand those who say no are those who REJECT all that God in Christ offers freely.
When Cornelius RECEIVED the Good News, salvation came not only to him but to his entire household (Acts 10). Zacchaeus RECEIVED the Good News the day he accepted Jesus’ invitation to come down from the tree and allow him to come into his house. Because of what Zacchaeus RECEIVED that day, everything about his lifestyle changed and people in the community took note (Luke 19: 1 – 10). Throughout the centuries people have either RECEIVED or REJECTED this Gospel. King Agrippa II REJECTED the Gospel as Paul was presenting it to him (Acts 26:28). Many of the early Jews not only REJECTED the Gospel but also REJECTED Christ himself as the Messiah. Whether we RECEIVE OR REJECT the Gospel our life is impacted. Those who REJECT continue to walk on the broad road that leads to eternal separation from God. But those who RECEIVE this Good News are walking on the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal.
As we continue in this Easter season, might we continue to boldly declare the essence of this Gospel – God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself (2 Cor. 5:19). In the simplest of language our Gospel news is that Jesus saves! With no complications we profess God loves you so much that God paid the ultimate price by sending Jesus Christ to die so that we can be made right with God. As we continue to celebrate Easter we repeat this refrain – the Lord is risen indeed. All we are called to do in the power of the Holy Spirit is to be a witness of Christ’s saving grace. That’s all! And as we do so, we step aside and allow the Spirit of God to work in people’s lives. When they hear the Gospel they will either RECEIVE OR REJECT it. That’s their responsibility! But let’s not fail in doing ours.
Mikie Roberts (Rev)
HereÂ’s the link for the blog. Join in the discussions.
http://moravians.net/serendipity/index.php?/categories/1-Friday-Focus
When Cornelius RECEIVED the Good News, salvation came not only to him but to his entire household (Acts 10). Zacchaeus RECEIVED the Good News the day he accepted Jesus’ invitation to come down from the tree and allow him to come into his house. Because of what Zacchaeus RECEIVED that day, everything about his lifestyle changed and people in the community took note (Luke 19: 1 – 10). Throughout the centuries people have either RECEIVED or REJECTED this Gospel. King Agrippa II REJECTED the Gospel as Paul was presenting it to him (Acts 26:28). Many of the early Jews not only REJECTED the Gospel but also REJECTED Christ himself as the Messiah. Whether we RECEIVE OR REJECT the Gospel our life is impacted. Those who REJECT continue to walk on the broad road that leads to eternal separation from God. But those who RECEIVE this Good News are walking on the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal.
As we continue in this Easter season, might we continue to boldly declare the essence of this Gospel – God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself (2 Cor. 5:19). In the simplest of language our Gospel news is that Jesus saves! With no complications we profess God loves you so much that God paid the ultimate price by sending Jesus Christ to die so that we can be made right with God. As we continue to celebrate Easter we repeat this refrain – the Lord is risen indeed. All we are called to do in the power of the Holy Spirit is to be a witness of Christ’s saving grace. That’s all! And as we do so, we step aside and allow the Spirit of God to work in people’s lives. When they hear the Gospel they will either RECEIVE OR REJECT it. That’s their responsibility! But let’s not fail in doing ours.
Mikie Roberts (Rev)
HereÂ’s the link for the blog. Join in the discussions.
http://moravians.net/serendipity/index.php?/categories/1-Friday-Focus
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