Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
EVANGELISM- CHURCH.S PRIMARY COMMISSION
ISAIAH 61:1-11Vs1: The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me because Jehovah has anointed me to preach good things unto the meek, he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
The portion for today’s devotion gives an exceptional understanding of the call God gives for evangelizing It reveals God’s compassion for the broken hearted and the lost as well as it emphasizes the believer’s role in sharing and spreading the good news of salvation. As we meditate this passage today let us be inspired and challenged to embrace our role as ambassadors of Christ to the ends of the world.
Getting anointed and filled with the power of holy Spirit for evangelism.
Verses 1-3 portrays the anointing of the spirit of the Lord on the Messiah, empowering Him to bring the good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives and comfort those who mourn. We as Christians who are followers of Christ and who are recipients of this anointing spirit through the indwelling Holy spirit must proclaim the gospel, bring hope to the nations that are on the verge of hopelessness and be replicas of God’s love through our actions.
Church’s mission.
The passage further stresses the importance of this anointing. It is nothing but to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor which signifies the era of salvation ushered in by Jesus Christ. As a Church we are destined to extend the reach of this salvation to all people in this world irrespective of caste, color or creed. Our mission effects must reflect the inclusive and transformative nature of god’s kingdom excluding no one.
The fruits of Evangelism,
Verses 3-9 shows light on God’s redemptive work in this world. When individuals embrace and accept this gospel a great transformation occurs, and they become a new creation and become amazing witnesses of the glory of God. Also, the passage underscores God’s heart for justice and restoration reminding us that evangelization is not merely about spiritual conversion but also pointing out the injustices and brokenness in the world from where there need a restoration.
The assurance of God’s promise.
Verses 10-11 give us a sense of joy and exuberance in the fulfillment of God’s promise. When God’s love and message of salvation is accepted and embraced by people there will be an automatic flooding of righteousness, justice and praise among nations. Equality and brotherhood will flourish. This will be a positive encouragement for all who are engaged in the process of evangelization as they witness the fruits of their labor., The gospel is being preached by many over the years across the globe and the redemptive work of God continues. The word of God is a double edge sword that can pierce all the hard hearted and rough minds. We all are assigned the task of spreading and sharing the good news to the end of the world and God has promised us that He will be with us, Let us recommit our call, take the challenge and go forward. When the trumpet call let us make sure we are there along with a few more to present before Him. God does not want us to be in our comfort zones but out in the fields where the harvest is full and ready to crop.
Getting anointed and filled with the power of holy Spirit for evangelism.
Verses 1-3 portrays the anointing of the spirit of the Lord on the Messiah, empowering Him to bring the good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives and comfort those who mourn. We as Christians who are followers of Christ and who are recipients of this anointing spirit through the indwelling Holy spirit must proclaim the gospel, bring hope to the nations that are on the verge of hopelessness and be replicas of God’s love through our actions.
Church’s mission.
The passage further stresses the importance of this anointing. It is nothing but to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor which signifies the era of salvation ushered in by Jesus Christ. As a Church we are destined to extend the reach of this salvation to all people in this world irrespective of caste, color or creed. Our mission effects must reflect the inclusive and transformative nature of god’s kingdom excluding no one.
The fruits of Evangelism,
Verses 3-9 shows light on God’s redemptive work in this world. When individuals embrace and accept this gospel a great transformation occurs, and they become a new creation and become amazing witnesses of the glory of God. Also, the passage underscores God’s heart for justice and restoration reminding us that evangelization is not merely about spiritual conversion but also pointing out the injustices and brokenness in the world from where there need a restoration.
The assurance of God’s promise.
Verses 10-11 give us a sense of joy and exuberance in the fulfillment of God’s promise. When God’s love and message of salvation is accepted and embraced by people there will be an automatic flooding of righteousness, justice and praise among nations. Equality and brotherhood will flourish. This will be a positive encouragement for all who are engaged in the process of evangelization as they witness the fruits of their labor., The gospel is being preached by many over the years across the globe and the redemptive work of God continues. The word of God is a double edge sword that can pierce all the hard hearted and rough minds. We all are assigned the task of spreading and sharing the good news to the end of the world and God has promised us that He will be with us, Let us recommit our call, take the challenge and go forward. When the trumpet call let us make sure we are there along with a few more to present before Him. God does not want us to be in our comfort zones but out in the fields where the harvest is full and ready to crop.
Prayer
Heavenly father: enable us to take up the call for mission that you have entrusted us. Strengthen us to overcome all the obstacles and go forward, Empower us with your Holy Spirit
We pray for those who suffer in your name and do this great work. In your precious name we pray Amen.
Thought for the day.
Arise, let us go from here.
Dr Thomas K. Jose
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island