While traveling doing "mission work," I've been struck with some sincere questions regarding sharing the Gospel. Namely: "WHY?"
Why do Christians share the Gospel?
Is it because they're commanded to do it? Is it because it's the righteous, noble thing to do? Is it because they feel good about themselves? Because they get some holy notch in our belts?
Jesus commanded his followers to "go and make disciples" (Mark 28:19). Does that mean make "converts"? Convince people to make a decision and then leave them alone? Are service works overseas just some backhanded method of convincing people to become Christians... to join the club?
OR, are followers of Jesus Christ so motivated by love for God and other people that they want everyone to see the beauty and truth of a life that knows Him. Do Christians love other people so much they couldn't stand to see them live a life apart from God? Not to beat people over the head with God, but to genuinely care about and love them.
That's my prayer for right now, that I would be motivated by love for God and others and used by God how He wants... whatever that may look like, wherever on earth that may be. I'd be delighted if you'd pray that same thing for me!
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These are some of the thoughts I'm sorting through... but I'd love to hear yours. Please feel free to comment on my blog!
3 comments:
Why, love has EVERYTHING to do with it. I hope and pray that I am always drawn to people and motivated to share Christ Jesus with them out of love for both our Lord and for them. And as the love that I have both for the Lord and for people comes from God, and it is a love that knows no conditions nor bounds, nor has any agendas, nor is self-seeking... I pray that the love with which I love will not be my own broken, selfish love, but instead the love of Christ Jesus that is poured into me through his Holy Spirit. And Noel, I am most definitely praying this for you.
many MANY blessings,
Rachel
Dear Noel,
Come on, love's got nothing to do with it. It's all about praying the sinner's prayer with as many people as possible so I can have the most jewels in my crown when I get to heaven. Get with the program, people!
:) (I couldn't resist...just wanted to see how people would react!)
Really, though, I'd have to say that "We love because He first loved us" sums it up pretty well in my book! We're going through 1 John with our young adult small group, and right at the beginning of the letter, John goes into this amazing explanation of why he HAS to share Christ with people. Basically, he says, "I have KNOWN Christ, and seen and touched Him, and heard His voice, and because He has given me life, I HAVE to proclaim that life!" He says, "I write these things so that our joy may be complete." And it's so true! Sharing Christ makes our joy complete, because that is drawing more people unto God, which is the very desire of the heart of the One we love & serve. How awesome! :)
I pray that YOUR joy may be made complete, in working alongside our God in the growth of His Kingdom.
dude. been spending many late nights trying to write a paper about this.
Conclusion: gospel = good news, and the good news is Jesus. If know some good news, spread it.
In Jesus' words, "The Spirit of the Sovreign Lord is on me...to preach good news to poor people, to bind up the brokenhearted, to free the prisoners, and release those in darkness."
The hardest part for me has been the urge to spread "good news" without ever experiencing a real need for this "good news" I was supposed to be spreading. I guess it's kind of important to have poor, brokenhearted, destitute, etc.--have some desperate need for good news and hear it break through before you can preach it. You can't appropriate somebody else's salvation, and in a sense maybe you can't preach somebody else's good news.
ramble, ramble, it's off to pizza night at the Cronks. safiri salaama!
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