Encouragement for Today 8 November 2021 | By Laura Bailey (Proverbs 31 Ministries)
Topic: A Legacy That Points to Christ
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Scripture: “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:15 (NIV)
Have you ever wondered how your friends and family would describe you?
Perhaps they would say that you are kind and compassionate, caring and selfless. Or maybe they would describe you as confident and bold, driven and purposeful. Such traits are both admirable and desirable.
Recently, an acquaintance of mine who embodied all of the above traits went to be with the Lord. Yet when her family chose to remember her, they described her as a “champion of the gospel.”
Wow, what a way to be remembered! I began to ponder: Would people say that about me? More importantly, Does my life demonstrate a desire to champion the gospel?
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans served two purposes: 1) to present the gospel with clarity and 2) to encourage new Christians. Romans 10:1 and 10:9-10 express his heart’s desire for all to be saved and clearly outline how to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10, NIV).
Throughout his epistles, Paul repeatedly presented the Good News and admonished Christians to share the Good News with others. In Romans 10:14-15, he says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (NIV).
Paul’s passion pulsed through these texts, and his deep concern for the lost stirred his brothers and sisters in Christ to go out with excitement to declare the Good News. I imagine that if Paul preached those words today, high-fives and fist-bumps would ripple across the audience, along with “amens” and “hallelujahs” shouted from energized saints.
Nonetheless, despite my shared enthusiasm after reading Paul’s zealous exhortations, my passion soon wanes, usually before I lay my head to rest. With Bible closed, I try to silence the inner conviction of the Holy Spirit with reasons why I don’t share the gospel:
What if they think I’m a hypocrite?
What if I stumble or say the wrong thing?
What if I offend someone?
Friend, stop making excuses and hiding behind the lies that keep you from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul plainly wrote that people can’t call on the name of the Lord to be saved if they haven’t heard the Good News.
God uses ordinary people to share His extraordinary story of redemption. It’s not about how eloquently we present the gospel; we aren’t the heroes of the story, after all — Christ is. By casting aside our “what-ifs” and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to proclaim Jesus crucified, dead, buried and resurrected on the third day, we become champions of the gospel.
Neither do we need to hold seminary degrees or serve as professionally trained evangelists or missionaries. Of course, God uses trained evangelists — but the mission field is all around us. Our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors need to hear that God loves them and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for their sins so they can have eternal life by believing in Him.
Has a colleague confided that she feels overwhelmed and grieved by her current circumstances? Invite her for coffee and share where you find hope when life is hard.
Do you have a friend who is wrestling with her faith? Be a safe space for her to talk through her struggles, gently guiding her to seek out our heavenly Father.
Maybe a family member decided that church and God “just isn’t for them.” Prayerfully consider writing them a note of encouragement, letting them know they are always welcome in the Lord’s house.
We champion the gospel of Christ every time we declare the Good News to one who doesn’t know Him as Lord and Savior. As Paul said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13, NIV).
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins and for giving us eternal life. Be with us as we proclaim the gospel. Put Your Word in our hearts, minds and mouths, and give us wisdom and courage from the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Encouragement for Today 8 November 2021 is written By Laura Bailey
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Head over to Laura Bailey’s website, where she offers resources to help you share the gospel message. Connect with her on Instagram for more encouragement.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 96:3, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (ESV)
Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What are some ways you can initiate a conversation about salvation with that person?
We’d love to hear from you and encourage you! Feel free to share in the comments.
© 2021 by Laura Bailey. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
