Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Evangelism: Church’s Primary Commission
Bible portion: Acts 28: 23-28“Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” Acts 28:26 .
Paul is on his way to Rome. He is a prisoner. When he reached Rome, he met with Jewish leaders and talked to them about Jesus. He opened the scriptures and witnessed the Messiah. Some believed, and some didn’t. Paul quotes here from Isiah 6:9. Some will hear but never understand. Some will see but never perceive.
As people of God, our calling is to evangelize. Mathew 28: 18 and 19 says, Then Jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. We are called to proclaim the living Word of God. We need to be intentional. We need to be bold. We should not be discouraged if someone rejects the Word of God. Leading to salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Word of God that convicts the heart of men.
Power of God’s Word: Word has the power to penetrate deeply into the heart. Hebrews 4:12 says ‘For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intensions of the heart.’ Word is alive. It is active. It is breathing. It can intervene in our present situation. Jeremiah 23:29 says, ‘Is not my Word like a fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces”. The word is powerful. It can create. It can destroy. It can heal. The Word can turn impossible to possible. When we share the Word of God, the Word will penetrate and enlighten the heart to receive Lord.
Power of Holy Spirit: Christian life is a revelation. Holy Spirit is the revealer. When we surrender completely to Holy Spirit, Lord’s presence will grow in us. It will give us the courage to go to the lost. It will give us the confidence to witness. God has a purpose on where He placed each one of us. Our job is to be an instrument for God in our platform. When we rely on the power of Holy Spirit, we will become influential. Then God will provide us a platform for our calling. Our calling has eternal significance. Power will come from Holy Spirit. We need to boldly share the Word and pray for the lost. We came to God because someone else did the witnessing for us. Will you please start the conversation?
As people of God, our calling is to evangelize. Mathew 28: 18 and 19 says, Then Jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. We are called to proclaim the living Word of God. We need to be intentional. We need to be bold. We should not be discouraged if someone rejects the Word of God. Leading to salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Word of God that convicts the heart of men.
Power of God’s Word: Word has the power to penetrate deeply into the heart. Hebrews 4:12 says ‘For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intensions of the heart.’ Word is alive. It is active. It is breathing. It can intervene in our present situation. Jeremiah 23:29 says, ‘Is not my Word like a fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces”. The word is powerful. It can create. It can destroy. It can heal. The Word can turn impossible to possible. When we share the Word of God, the Word will penetrate and enlighten the heart to receive Lord.
Power of Holy Spirit: Christian life is a revelation. Holy Spirit is the revealer. When we surrender completely to Holy Spirit, Lord’s presence will grow in us. It will give us the courage to go to the lost. It will give us the confidence to witness. God has a purpose on where He placed each one of us. Our job is to be an instrument for God in our platform. When we rely on the power of Holy Spirit, we will become influential. Then God will provide us a platform for our calling. Our calling has eternal significance. Power will come from Holy Spirit. We need to boldly share the Word and pray for the lost. We came to God because someone else did the witnessing for us. Will you please start the conversation?
Prayer
Lord, please use us an instrument in thy hand to be the answer for the cry of others. Amen.
Mr. John Philip
The Mar Thoma Church Delaware valley. Philadelphia