May 25, 2024
READ: 2 Corinthians 5 (Focus vs. 12-21)
MEMORY VERSE
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors . . . . We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
BACKGROUND
My college friend Bill Tobias has served as a missionary on a Pacific island for many years. He tells the story about a young man who left his hometown to seek his fortune. But a friend took him to church where he heard the good news Jesus offers, and he trusted Christ as his Savior.
The young man wanted to take the gospel to his people who were “steeped in sorcery,” so he looked for a missionary to reach them. But the missionary told him to simply “go tell them what God did for you” (see Mark 5:19). And that’s what he did.
Several people in his hometown received Jesus, but the biggest breakthrough came when the town’s witch doctor realized that Christ was “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
After he put his faith in Jesus, he told the whole town about Him. Within four years, the witness of one young man had led to the establishment of seven churches in the region.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul sets forth a clear plan for introducing the gospel to those who don’t yet know Christ—and it aligns with what that missionary told the young believer in Jesus. We are to be “Christ’s ambassadors”—His representatives “as though God were making his appeal through us” (5:20).
Every believer has a unique story to tell of how Jesus made them “a new creation . . . who reconciled” them to God (vv. 17-18 nasb). Let’s tell others what He’s done for us.
By: Dave Branon
INSIGHT
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is described in Acts 9. One of the ways the apostle talks about his conversion is that he once regarded Christ “from a worldly point of view” (2 Corinthians 5:16).
This would include the Messiah offering salvation to the gentiles; coming as a servant, not a king; and dying a criminal’s death at the hand of religious leaders.
Viewing Christ from a worldly perspective still happens today when He’s viewed as merely a good man or moral teacher but not as Savior and God Himself.
By: J.R. Hudberg
APPLICATION
What does salvation in Jesus mean to you? How can you be better prepared to share your story with others?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Every believer has a unique story to tell of how Jesus made them “a new creation . . . who reconciled” them to God… Let’s tell others what He’s done for us.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV.
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me share my faith story with others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I COULDN’T KEEP IT TO MYSELF”
Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody
But I Couldn’t keep it to myself
Couldn’t keep it to myself
Couldn’t keep it to myself
Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody
But I Couldn’t keep it to myself
What the Lord has done for me
You oughta been there Sav-a-my soul
You oughta been there Name on the roll
Started walkin’, started talkin’
Started singin’, started shoutin’
What the Lord has done for me
Said I wasn’t gonna Testify,
But I Said I wasn’t gonna Shout for joy,
But I Said I wasn’t gonna tell My Mother
Father, Sister, Brother…,
But I Couldn’t keep it to myself
Couldn’t keep it to myself
Couldn’t keep it to myself
Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody…
What the Lord has done for me
You oughta been there Sav-a-my soul
You oughta been there Name on the roll
Started walkin’, started talkin’
Started singin’, started shoutin’
What the Lord has done for me
What the Lord has done for me…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PSALMS 124-125
