B01 I Count with…
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B01 I Count with…
When it comes to sharing good news with non-Christians, in some believers I observe they succumb to ideas our culture imposes on us. Some may have a bad experience. But mostly they only heard about bad experiences. And most of all, they only have expectations of bad experiences. Negative ideas internally block us in our openness and especially in our natural contact with our friends. We are setting ourselves in defensive position that is very repulsive or at least untrustworthy to people. We need to put aside these deceptions and purposefully replace them with reality. Sometimes it’s just a question of where we focus our attention or what we believe.
When I go to my unbelieving friends, I count with a few important things.
1) Everyone longs for God
I suppose every person in his own way desires God. Yes, according to Romans 3, „there is none who seeks God“ (Romans 3:11). They are not looking for Him – which is a pity – and yet many somehow long for Him. We are „made in the image of God“ (Genesis 1:26). And the preacher says, „God has put desire for eternity into men“ or just „eternity“ (Ecclesiastes 3:11). When people do not know living Jesus, their desire for eternity is manifested, for example, by „talking to the universe,“ others engaging in esotericism, yoga, and everything possible.
2) God speaks to people and works with them
I suppose that God speaks to people and works with them. The Lord addressed Adam and Eve — even after they had corrupted everything (Genesis 3: 9). Similarly, He speaks to their son Cain (Genesis 4: 9) and many others later. In the New Testament, Jesus enters the life of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9: 1-23), who arrested his followers and was sure that Jesus was long dead. And the list of people whose lives Jesus has entered and continues to enter can continue. I reckon that „the Son of man has come to seek and to save which was lost“ (Luke 19:10).
3) God’s word is God’s power to save
When I go to unbelieving friends, I count with God’s word being God’s power to save. The Apostle Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God to save everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) The good news of Jesus is more than words! It is the power of God! Living Jesus himself is behind this! Jesus‘ Good News Changes Lives Even Today. Do you believe that? I know this from dozens of my own experiences.
4) People are looking for good news
I assume that people are looking for a good news. When they do not have the real Good News – that is, of Jesus, His forgiveness, and nearness – they seek all sorts of “pseudo-good news.” They hold on to false hopes because they do not know the real one you have – if you have accepted Jesus. The apostle Paul meditates on this and says, „Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on the one in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without the one sharing? And how can they share if they have not been sent?” (Romans 10:13-15) We are sent!
5) Jesus is always with me
I count that Jesus is always with me. That’s what he says to his disciples in the so-called Great Commission. I will read it to you since the verse sixteen: “The eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28: 16-17) Notice that some doubted! And yet Jesus entrusts this Great Mission to them! “He approached them and spoke to them: ‚I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
When I look at Jesus‘ disciples, how they sometimes spoke foolishly and acted unpredictably, I think perhaps even I have a chance.
1) I reckon with the fact that each person desires God.
2) I reckon that God speaks to people and works with them.
3) I reckon that God’s Word is power to salvation.
4) I reckon that people are looking for good news.
5) I reckon that Jesus is always with me.
Um, I’m counting on other things. I’ll keep them for one of the following lessons…
Lord Jesus, thank you that when you send us, you are with us at all times…