One of my favorite words is "outreach". When we Christians love non-Christians, we promote outreach.
So, what exactly is outreach? Jesus commands His disciples (us included), "[P]reach the gospel...and make disciples of all nations..." (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, HCSB). This is outreach in a general sense. Proclaiming the good news that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15, HCSB) is an effective means of outreach. But, we must be motivated by love in our approach (see 1 Corinthians 16:14). Otherwise, we would be like "a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1, HCSB).
Often, I encounter young people who wear cross necklaces. I ask them, "What does the cross mean to you?" Some of them answer in terms of their faith in Jesus. However, a few have no idea what the cross signifies. Hence, a door is opened for outreach. I explain to these few individuals that the cross is God's demonstration of His unconditional love for us. As Romans 5:8 (KJV) states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Fellow Christians, let us all do what we can to do outreach in this world. Let us pray for ways that God can work in, with, and through us to minister to individuals who need Christ. I am sure that this "labor in the Lord [will not be] in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58, HCSB).
May God bless you today and every day.
So, what exactly is outreach? Jesus commands His disciples (us included), "[P]reach the gospel...and make disciples of all nations..." (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, HCSB). This is outreach in a general sense. Proclaiming the good news that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15, HCSB) is an effective means of outreach. But, we must be motivated by love in our approach (see 1 Corinthians 16:14). Otherwise, we would be like "a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1, HCSB).
Often, I encounter young people who wear cross necklaces. I ask them, "What does the cross mean to you?" Some of them answer in terms of their faith in Jesus. However, a few have no idea what the cross signifies. Hence, a door is opened for outreach. I explain to these few individuals that the cross is God's demonstration of His unconditional love for us. As Romans 5:8 (KJV) states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Fellow Christians, let us all do what we can to do outreach in this world. Let us pray for ways that God can work in, with, and through us to minister to individuals who need Christ. I am sure that this "labor in the Lord [will not be] in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58, HCSB).
May God bless you today and every day.