BUT WHADDA AM I GONNA SAY?

BUT WHADDA AM I GONNA SAY?

Friday, August 12, 2016

Acts [GW] 4:11-13 [Peter said to those within his hearing] He [Jesus] is the stone that the builders rejected, the stone that has become the cornerstone. No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person." After they found out that Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus.

2Timothy 4:1-2 I solemnly call on you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead. I do this because Christ Jesus will come to rule the world. Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach.

  No argument with whether those of God’s John 1:12 family are to tell others the good news (The gospel); the privilege and responsibility to lovingly reach out to those “condemned already” (Jn.3:11-21) by and in His love and grace is a present and eternal need.

  However, as a fellow believer said to me, “But whadda am I gonna say?” And then he went on to lament a long list of reasons why he didn’t verbally work at fulfilling our Lord’s marching order recorded in Mark 16:15 and the job description spelled out in 2Corinthians 5:14-21.

  OK, so what do you feel comfortable talking about, family, job, hobby, sports, politics, church?

  Why do we feel comfortable talking about these topics but not about God’s gift of eternal life with present peace and assurance accompanied by gaining understanding of our eternal purpose while this side of death? There are answers to this question. This morning a few in particular come to mind:

·         Knowing more about, giving more effort and thought to temporal interests and matters other than lost souls and the only good news that can save them now and forever. (2Tim.2:9-16)

·         Because in our heart we cannot honestly say “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,“ (Rom.1:16)

·         Because in my heart I don’t see that the things I willingly talk about are my story(s), the things of highest importance to me. (Col.4:5-6)

·         The two great motivators in life are fear or love. If neither one compels to manifest 2Corinthians 5:14-21 in life, we are left with the question of wherein is our conscience grounded, or is it buried? Or possibly never “enlightened” to begin with? (Eph.1:17-20)

    If not already doing so, let us be motivated by Christ’ love to tell others of their need for redemption by and through Him alone -- for there is no other with the capacity to presently and forever redeem. Let us be like Peter, boldly telling God’s Good News as our story. Then as we study and learn more, to add the ability to give God’s authentic answers to life’s many other questions.

EBB4