A Vision For Lost People
As we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, it is a good time to take stock of our lives and the gift that God sent. The most magnificent gift of all has changed the lives of many of those around us and we rejoice with family and friends at what the Lord has done. We have the peace that comes from a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. But what about those who do not know Christ? We should consider and pray for the family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who need to hear the Gospel.
Take time to inventory your own spiritual gift(s) and put them to work. Remember what the Lord has done for you, share your testimony and invite people to church.
Greg Laurie says it well in a devotional he provided at harvest.org. Remember, Pastor Laurie has a gift for evangelism and his writings reflect his passion for reaching the lost.
So Sometimes as Christians, we see nonbelievers as the enemy. Remember, we were all nonbelievers at one time. Nonbelievers are not the enemy; they’re under the control of the Enemy.
The Bible says that “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT).
So, let’s understand that and see nonbelievers as Jesus sees them: as sheep without a shepherd. We want to see them come to believe in Jesus.
Why not set a goal for the coming year to lead 10 people to Christ? Maybe you’re thinking, “But what if I don’t meet that goal? What if I only lead three people to Christ?”
That is still good. It’s better than not leading anyone to Christ. And it’s better than no goal at all. Look for opportunities to start evangelistic conversations. I think if you were to say today, “Lord, I want to lead someone to Christ this year. Lead me to do that,” you would see results.
Would you dare to pray a prayer like that? You’ll have to leave your comfort zone, but you’ll be glad you did. One of the greatest joys I know is seeing someone come to Jesus.
Jesus said, “You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NLT).
Don’t just think of the world. Think of your world. Lift up your eyes in your family. There are people ready to come to Jesus. Lift up your eyes in your neighborhood. There are people ready to come to Jesus. Lift up your eyes in your community. There are people ready to come to Jesus.
God can reach them through you.
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Questions
How can we remove the obstacles to our sharing the Gospel?
What is the Lord doing in your life right now?
—Mike