The Crown of Boasting

47

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, ESV

 

One of the greatest joys in life for a believer is to see someone come to faith in Christ and experience God’s grace and truth as a result of one's influence on another person. This is what the Apostle Paul highlights here in his letter to the church in Thessalonica. He had been the catalyst to preach the gospel and plant a church there on one of his missionary journeys. His enthusiasm parallels that of the church in Philippi when he says…”I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy. (Philippians 1:3–4) 

Paul like the Apostle John had no greater joy than to see others walking in the truth. (3 John 1:3)

WHAT’S IT LOOK LIKE TO SHARE OUR FAITH? 

One of our greatest responsibilities sharing our faith with others. Parents should teach and instruct their kids to know and follow Jesus. The Kids and Youth workers in the church have the unique privilege as well to share God’s word which is the message of Salvation to the kids in their classes. Research as well indicates that the majority of Christians made their decision to become a Christian before they reached the age of 12 years old. 

Community Group Leaders as well have the privileged position to speak into the lives of adults that attend the group. They can encourage and edify one another, they can as well serve as a witness to others in the group that may not be fully convinced in the claims of Christ.  

Guest Services, who offer hospitality and welcome newcomers, as well have the unique opportunity to show the love of Christ through offering hospitality to all who walk into the church. Some guests for the very first time.  Research says, that most people make up their minds about a church in the first 10 minutes.  

 Think about the Worship Leader as well in the church. They have the responsibility to lead others in corporate worship that reveal truths about God. They are called not simply to sing, but help connect people to God in declaring these truths collectively.

The Preacher perhaps has one of the heaviest responsibilities. He must faithfully communicate God’s Word in a way that is clear and compelling to apply to daily living. This is why the Apostle James said not to let many become teachers for there is a “Stricter Judgment” upon their teaching and personal lives. (James 3:1) 

And lastly, let’s not discount all the members of the church. They as well bear a basic responsibility to be a witness to the world around them. They are to simply share what they have seen God do in their own lives! (Acts 1:8) They must be able to give account for the hope they have in Christ. (I Peter 3:15) God wants to use every church member to build his church. He wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We are all called to give a testimony to someone at work or neighbor going through a tough time. Maybe it’s a family member or friend, that needs us to share and show the love of Christ. Each of us as believers are charged with this responsibility (Luke 10:27, Matthew 28:19-20) But how do we actually do that? I have broken it down into three steps.

HOW TO SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST with unbelievers.

#1 Talk about SELF. – It’s easier to start with you. This is a warm-up opportunity for you to calm your nerves and act normal. It’s also a non-threatening way to witness. Share about how God has made a difference in your life. You need to share with others your experience with Jesus and his church. At this point, it’s good to invite them to join you at a church service sometime.

#2 Talk about SIN. – Be open and honest about sin. Share about its effect on you. You can share about your past or present struggles and how God’s grace forgives sin and how this offer is for all people according to God’s word. (Romans 5:20)  

#3 Talk about the SAVIOR. – Share how Jesus is the LORD of your life. How his life is impacting yours and his offer for a new life is for all people. (John 3:16) Too many people say they believe in God but reject Jesus as the Lord! Jesus is God. Jesus is central to all Christian theology. Jesus claimed that he was the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Talk about Jesus and his offer of salvation to all. Inviting people to church is probably the easiest way to do that! Many times, people attend a service, they hear the preaching of God’s word and at some point prayed to receive Christ as Lord!

When this happens the Bible says… “there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  (Luke 15:10).  Did you get that? The angels actually throw a party! There are overjoyed and enamored by seeing others trust in Jesus Christ for their Salvation.

APPLY

Let’s give the angels something to be excited about! Dare to share your faith today. Take a minute and pray for God to open the door for you to do it today. God’s Word promises a crown as a reward.

 

#LivingInTheLastDays #LastDays #EndTimes #Israel #JewsforJesus #Bible #BibleProphecy #Prophecy #Israel #PeaceInTheMiddleEast

 

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