WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

THE STUBBORNNESS OF SINFULNESS

Trumpets of terror will sound in the future time of tribulation coming on the earth. When the Lamb opens the seventh seal, seven trumpet judgments are unleashed. The first four are described in Revelation 8. The fifth and sixth are presented in chapter 9. The final three are so terrible as to be called, “woe.” Indeed, when the angel sounds the seventh trumpet, seven bowls of wrath will be poured out on the earth as that final woe, (Rev. 16). 

Of all the horrors pictured here, I don’t know that anything is worse than what we are told in Revelation 9:20-21, “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

This is the stubbornness of sinfulness!  Despite the torment and terror that generation of rebels against God will experience, they will still not bow to Christ. The pain of the plagues will lead them to curse God in fury and not to call upon Him for forgiveness. They had rather remain in their sin, than repent and be saved. Such is the utter depravity of the human heart. 

Recently, I was in the hospital after surgery and in such intense pain—unlike any I have experienced—so that I was screaming. I was unashamedly calling on the Lord to deliver me, and thankfully He did!  But, that is the inclination of a regenerate heart—a repentant and contrite one. But, for the wicked, they seethe with rage and are fixed in rebellion.

Certainly, to die without Christ is to die without hope. The heart-breaking tragedy, however, is that some—as those described in Revelation 9–have already fixed their fate. They are sinners today, they will be sinners tomorrow, and even when cast into Hell, they will seethe with stubborn sinfulness and rage against God. For Hell is defined as not only a place of sorrow, where there is weeping, but a place of anger, where there is gnashing of teeth.

There is urgency to our evangelism. The longer sinners rebel and reject the Gospel, they may come to the place where it is not that God would not save them, but their hearts are so hardened that they will not repent.

I think of Paul’s witness to the Roman governor, Felix and his wife, Drusilla, as the Apostle was on trial. “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ ” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭25‬‬).  Though under conviction for his sin, Felix refused to repent, and so far as we know his procrastination would bring him to perdition!

Let us call people to decision!  I realize it is not our task to emotionally manipulate someone to mouth a prayer they do not mean from a heart that has not surrendered to Christ. But, neither is it right that we should not call people to salvation today, for tomorrow may never come, and even if it does, the conviction they feel tomorrow may not be as intense as what is known today. 

The Word of God that is preached this Lord’s Day will have an effect. Its power will either draw sinners who will receive it, or drive them farther away, if they reject it.

Later, when Paul would appear before King Agrippa, and a new governor, Festus, we have this account of Paul’s urgency and the king’s intransigency. “But he said, ‘I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.’ ” (Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭25‬-‭29‬‬)

To be almost saved is to be altogether lost!

THE OPEN DOOR

Philadelphia—the name signifies, “the city of brotherly love.” How appropriate then for a church to be birthed there, for love for our Father and for our fellowman is the Great Commandment to Christ’s followers. Out of that flows the church’s commitment to the Great Commission—to reach the lost, baptize them into the fellowship, and disciple them. This church at Philadelphia is pictured as “the church of the open door.”  Christ holds the key and has unlocked the door to evangelism. 

We must seize the opportunity while the door is open. There are three mandates for a missionary church. These are the featured in Revelation 3:8 where Jesus declared. “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

First, we must have A POWER THAT IS SUFFICIENT. “I know your works…you have a little strength.”  From the human perspective, this congregation would not seem impressive. The numbers of people, financial resources, and community influence was minimal. These are often ways we gauge a church’s impact from a human perspective. Yet, what we have here is a heavenly perspective. Jesus says, “I know your works,” and commends them for being a great church as He gauges it. That is the only evaluation that matters! 

An old song says, “Little is much when God is in it.” A shepherd’s staff surrendered to the Lord could be used to part the Red Sea. 300 warriors obedient to God could route an enormous army camped against them. A stone in a slingshot hurled by a young lad could bring a giant to the ground. A pot of oil could be poured out over and over to be used to pay the debt a widow owed. Five loaves and two fish placed in the hands of Jesus could feed 5000. An old rugged cross where Jesus gave all would be the means of redemption. Twelve common men sold out to Christ would turn the world upside down!

Second, we must have A PERSEVERANCE THAT IS EVIDENT. “I know your works…for you…have kept My word.”  Our responsibility is faithfulness and God’s is to produce fruitfulness. We sow the seed and the Lord of the Harvest brings in the crop. Let us not consider what the world wants in order to shape our appeal to them and thereby miss what God requires—obedience to the truth, that is, faithfulness to the Word. An open door that welcomes all sinners to hear the Gospel must never be an open door to allow false doctrine and compromised morality to invade the church. We are to seek the stray sheep, not build a barn for goats. We say to anyone and everyone, “Come,” but to those who would be saved, “Repent!”

The Risen Lord would specifically commend them, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”  Because they would keep steadfast, God would keep them secure. Their perseverance would bring their preservation.

Third, we must have A PROFESSION THAT IS DEFINITE. “I know your works…for you…have not denied my name.”  The missionary church is not about publishing its fame, but proclaiming Christ’s name. “ ‘Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,’ ” (Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬‬). The faithful church is not one to promote the messenger, the music, or the ministries, but to preach the Master!

The name of Jesus is the great dividing line—the difference between heaven and hell. It will be an open door to those who will be saved and an offensive name to those who are to be damned.  The church of the open door preaches that name and lets the chips fall where they may!

The letter closes with this appeal:

“ ‘Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. ‘ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘  ” (Rev. 3:11-13). 

Are we listening?

MILK, MEAT, AND MATURITY

The writer of Hebrews in chapter five, verses 12-14, chides the congregation for their lack of spiritual growth. The foundational principles ought to have been learned and built upon. When they should have been focused on growing, they were still fixated on grounding. The preacher must consider his audience and feed them appropriately.

Babes need MILK, “you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,” (v. 12b-13). They would choke on meat. We should always have some infants in the audience. That means the church is engaged in evangelism and new spiritual babes are being birthed into the family of God. The preachers and teachers must consider them and nurture them. Only as they are given milk will they have healthy growth.

Adults need MEAT, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). If the preachers and teachers only offer milk and do not give meat when the believers need it, then their growth will be stunted and they may well seek another local church where meat is offered. There ought always be grown-ups in the congregation, for this means the church is dedicated to discipleship. Solid, substantial Scriptural truths are given to them to chew on as growth is sustained.

Soul nourishment brings MATURITY. Babies are precious, but if they never develop then there is a problem. As that is contrary to the normal physical pattern, it is likewise in the spiritual realm. 

This is evidenced by duplication, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,” (v. 12a). Children have matured biologically when they can reproduce. They not only have the capacity to do so, but the competency for doing so. Maturing disciples multiply disciples. The taught become teachers. 

It is also manifested in discernment, “that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). The immature are easily led astray. Children are naive and gullible. You have to keep poisons locked away from them or they will consume them. The church may have those prone to drink toxins as if it were truth. Cult members target such. Adults have learned to weigh what is presented to them. There is discernment that detects what is good and they swallow it, but the evil doesn’t pass, “the smell test.” They sniff it, and usually turn from it, but if they taste it they spit it out!

The healthy church family is one where new babies are being birthed and given milk to mature them, and where maturing saints are discipled as they are given meat to multiply them. The church’s preachers and teachers must be mature and model this if they are thus to lead the congregation.

EVERY PRAISE FROM EVERY PERSON IN EVERY PLACE

 

God desires and deserves every praise from every person in every place. This is the repeated refrain of Psalm 67. “Let all the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” That concludes two stanzas, and in summation, “Let all the ends of the earth fear him!”

We praise God for HIS REDEMPTION FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.1-3). The chosen people plead for God’s grace and blessing in order to extend it to all nations. They want to experience God’s shining presence among the Jews that they might express God’s saving power among the Gentiles. God did not choose Israel to the exclusion of the others, but to be the means of inclusion.  In this dispensation, the church is God’s missionary force. We declare His redeeming grace as available to all men everywhere. Jesus paid the price at Calvary, and God is glorified when people receive that forgiveness by faith.

We praise God for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.4-5). We rejoice in redemption because it is desperately needed by all people as none of us can meet God’s righteous standard and thus face judgment. God will judge everyone with equity. The perfect righteousness of Christ must be ours or we will experience the wrath our sins merit.  So the question, “Will God judge those who have never heard the Gospel?”  The answer of the book of Romans is that all are without excuse, as everyone has some knowledge of God. The problem is that sinners reject that light and turn to darkness. The question for those who have heard is why have we not told everyone everywhere?  “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom.‬ ‭10:14-15‬‬). 

We praise God for HIS RICHES FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.6-7). The rains that water the fields of the just also produce crops for the unjust. The Lord gives a witness to His grace in the bounty of His blessings, leaving men without excuse if they do not turn to Him (cf. Rom.2:1-3). “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4).  The harvest from seed in earth is meant to yield a harvest of souls for eternity!

God’s people are to explain this and call all mankind to fear God. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9-10‬‬)

THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF FAITH

The old hymn begins, 

    How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 

    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

That firm foundation of faith is featured in Acts 4. There are several facets of faith that we see. 

FIRST, WE SEE A CONFESSIONAL FAITH (v.1-22). We have the confession of Peter and John. There are core convictions that Christianity has which are compelled to be communicated. Such terms as, “speaking,” (v.1), “teaching…proclaiming,” (v.2), and “the word,”  (v.4). As a result of the preaching, faith was formed in “about five thousand.”  The core message is Christ—“the name of Jesus…crucified, whom God raised from the dead,” (v.10). He is “the cornerstone” of faith (v.11) and the Gospel message declares, “there is no other name…by which we must be saved” (v.12). That confession is a must for true faith (Rom.10:9-10, 13). The Spirit bears witness to Christ through His church (v.8) compelling us to confess Christ, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” (v.20). 

FURTHER, WE SEE A COURAGEOUS FAITH (v.23-31). This courage is required because of the conflict. Proclaiming the Gospel is an assault on the kingdom of darkness. The devil and his minions will fight back, and so we note, “they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” (v.18). Such threats and rage had been predicted by David, writing Ps.2 quoted here (v.25-26). But, the kings of the earth are no match for the King of  Eternity!  The “Sovereign Lord” ( v.24), even uses the wicked to work His will (v.27), “to do whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan has predestined to take place.”  The church’s prayer was not for the removal of conflict, but for the reinforcement of courage, “to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (v.29). Such prayers will shake the world and send us out to speak boldly (v.31). 

FINALLY, WE SEE A COMMON FAITH (v.32-37). Now, by that, I do not mean the faith is cheap and ordinary, but that it is faith all believers have in common. This calls us to do life together in community (v.32). Such common faith produces uncommon fruit—“great power,” and “great grace,” (v.33), inspiring testimony and generosity (v.34-35).

A CHARGE TO THE ELDERS

John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  It is true in all dimensions of life—including the church and the elders who lead it. 

Elders are to exalt the Master (v.1). While they have a duty to the members, their ultimate reckoning is to God. It is a charge that is solemn and sobering for which they will answer to God, and stand before Christ Jesus in judgment. The work is of eternal significance. Therefore, church elders face stricter scrutiny at the Judgment Seat.  They must realize , it is about God’s kingdom and not building their own!  How is it built?

Elders are charged to expound the message (v.2-4). There are many tasks for the elders, but the high calling is to preach the Word.  Elders cannot let church activity crowd out spiritual preparation. To speak for God, first you must hear from Him.  Then, elders can stand with a Bible in their hand and speak with the authority of heaven at their back.  We live in a day, when congregations increasingly demand for preachers to tickle their ears by telling them what they want to hear.  Never let that happen in your church!

  Elders must also exhibit the ministry (v.5). Beyond what your lips say is what your life shows. The character of the elder is to be one of moral purity as they exercise self-control. The commitment of the elder is to be one of endurance and effort. He is to have a heart for souls.  His ministry is Gospel-driven and his message is Gospel-centered.  The elders are not the exclusive soul-winners, but are to set the example as soul-winners. Blessed is the church that has such leaders!

WHO’S. YOUR ONE? Day 31

The Glory to Come

“Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:3-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

These verses are hard to believe because we have only known a world with death, grief, crying and pain. God gives a glimpse of the joy to come when we will finally be with him in the deepest and most intimate way possible. This is what we are inviting people into. As we invite people to come and see, and we share with our one the good news about the One who shed his blood for them, we are inviting them into a kingdom they were created for and a person they were created to know. He promises He is making all things new, and one day His work will be complete. May this picture of his coming reign propel us into our neighborhoods, work places and homes to faithfully share the best news: there is a God who loved them at the highest cost. He gave His life for them, so that they would turn from the evil inclinations of their hearts and find eternal rest in the arms of their Savior. In Him, it is finished. In Him, we find the eternal rests our hearts have longed for.

Pray for the reality of Revelation 21 that is coming. May this moment of being with Jesus propel you to share the gospel with endurance, love and patience. By God’s grace, may we see many more salvations and baptisms in North America in the months and years to come! (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 30

Better Than We Can Imagine

“And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:9-10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The kingdom of Heaven will be far greater than we ever dared imagine. All of our tiresome, stressful and awkward moments of evangelism will be incomparable when we stand shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters from around the world and admire and worship the King. On this day, may we look around and see men and women— maybe even our one—the Lord gave us the privilege of ushering into the kingdom. When we worship Him without the effects of our sin or the brokenness of our world, we will know that this is where we were meant to be all along—with God and with his people.

Pray now that one day your one will be standing with you before the throne of God in worship. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 29

The Mission Cannot Fail

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God will build His Church through the faithfulness of His people. The mission is great, but He promises this mission will not fail! No matter the enemies who come upon us as we seek to share the gospel with our one, the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. The message of the gospel will continue to go forth despite famine, calamity, persecution and hardship. Be encouraged that you are on a mission with God’s people that cannot fail. His power working in and through us will keep us in the fight until the day he makes all things new.

Pray for endurance despite persecution and hardship of the Church as we continue to share the good news of the gospel with the world. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 28

He Cares Deeply

“So the Lord said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. But may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?””
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭4:10-11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Jonah was one of the most successful evangelists in the Old Testament, and he was also the most upset about it. To Jonah’s frustration, God extended mercy to the wicked Ninevites when they repented. He cares deeply for those who do not know Him, and He cares immensely for your one and others you are sharing the gospel with. He does not desire a single person to perish and spend eternity away from Himself, including the vilest of humans. Never believe a person is too far gone to be wooed back into the loving arms of the Savior. We can trust God to work in a person’s heart so they will repent and turn to Him, like the people in Nineveh.

Who have you believed is too far gone from receiving Christ? Repent of this mindset and pray this person would come to know the Lord. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 27

God Is Not Slow

“Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

It’s hard to endure in evangelism. We have friends and family members we have been praying for and sharing the gospel with for years, and there is not the slightest nudge of spiritual interest, let alone conversion. Sharing the gospel can be discouraging, but God’s timing is not like ours. God is patient, and He does not desire anyone to perish. Keep laboring in faith knowing you serve a God who is not slow, but is patient with you and with those you are sharing with, including your one.

Pray God would strengthen your spiritual muscles to endure in prayer for the salvation of your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 26

Beautiful Feet

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Our words are critical. While we can display aspects of the gospel through our actions, sinners cannot come to faith in Christ without hearing the gospel message. According to Romans 10:14–15: we are sent, we preach the gospel, they hear the gospel and then they believe the gospel. We have control over going and speaking. God initiates their listening and accepting. But the proclaimer’s feet are not beautiful because a person came to Christ. Their feet are beautiful because they were faithful to proclaim the message. As you go throughout your day, may you be a carrier of the best news to your one and beyond.

 Find a tool that can help you clearly and concisely communicate the gospel. We recommend Three Circles, which can be found at namb.net/Evangelism. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 25

 


Come and See!

“The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter” ).”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:35-42‬ ‭CSB‬‬

We naturally recruit people to what we are passionate and excited about. When you see a good play, movie, piece of artwork, sports game, etc., our natural inclination is to grab people to share in our joy. Our joy is more fully complete when they look in wonder at what you both find amazing. When we share the gospel, we are inviting people to “come and see” the God of the universe and His deep love for them. It’s natural for us to go to the people closest to us in relational proximity, like a family member. Don’t underestimate the power of saying “come and see” to a family member who is lost. Peter, the leader of the early church, was introduced to Christ by his brother Andrew. Who might God be calling you to say, “come and see!” to in your family?

Say “come and see” by inviting a family member or your one to church with you this week. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 24

God Chose You

“But Moses replied to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent — either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant — because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.’”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When the Lord called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses had an arsenal of excuses why he was not the most qualified person for the job. One of his reasons was his inability—past and present—to speak eloquently. Despite whether this was true or not, God chose Moses for this task. Likewise, there are men and women in your life who God has chosen you to share the gospel with. Not your pastor or your super spiritual friend, but you. One of the reasons we may be hesitant to share is because we simply do not know what we would say. Our culture is enamored by articulate speakers who can speak intellectually about the claims of Christianity. But God has chosen you to share the good news with your family, friends, neighbor or your one. He made no mistake. He made the mouth, and He will show you what to say.  He will help you speak. Are you willing to be used by Him?

 Pray you would not allow the fear of not being able to speak eloquently to deter you from sharing the gospel. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 23

The Power of Words

“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

We are dependent on the Lord throughout the whole process of evangelism. We not only need God’s power to open doors for us to share, but we need Him to give us discernment to know how and when to walk through the doors He has opened. When we find ourselves in a gospel conversation, we may wonder what we should say, do and when we should speak with boldness or ask questions. As the Holy Spirit guides us in our gospel conversations, we should not underestimate the power of our words. It’s not just about what we say in presenting the gospel but how we say it. As the Lord directs us, our words should be gracious and seasoned with salt so we would know how to respond to each person we encounter.

Pray the Lord would open doors for you to share the gospel with your one this week, and pray your words would be gracious as you share the good news of Christ. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 22

 

Be Constant in Prayer

“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” ‘For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’” Then the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Some have labored on our knees and through the verbal proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of those close to us. The years pile high with no inkling of spiritual interest on their part, and we begin to wonder if our whispered prayers are to the white walls in our room instead of to the God of the universe. Why has God not answered my prayers to save my best friend, brother or co-worker? Why is my one still not walking with the Lord? We assume the hard work of evangelism is spent preparing a perfectly crafted gospel presentation, getting the message out there and watching the Holy Spirit work. But perhaps the greater work happens on our knees when no one is watching. God hears our petitions to save those we love. He longs for them to be saved, too. He is not slow, and He desires all to repent and to come to a saving knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9). Take heart, laborer. Always pray, never give up and do not grow weary of the good work you are doing in evangelism. Your Father hears you.

 Spend five minutes praying for your one and their salvation. Pray also the Lord would open doors to speak the truth of the gospel in love to them. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 21

God Leads Through His People

“Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77:19-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God could have led the Israelites across the Red Sea and into the Promised Land without the assistance of any human, but He chose not to rescue them this way. While God’s people were saved through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, He used Moses and Aaron to do it. This is the pattern we see throughout scripture. God’s plan of redemption for the world is accomplished through His people sharing the gospel. He does not have to use us, but He chooses to use us for His name’s sake. God leads His people through His people. Never underestimate the role you can and will play in the lives of those you are sharing the gospel with and discipling. If God is going to do a work in your one’s life, He will likely use you and other believers to do it.

As you go about your day, look for opportunities the Lord has given you to be His hands, feet and mouthpiece to those you encounter. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 20

The Blindness of Unbelievers

“In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The way we live as Christians looks like foolishness to the unbeliever. They are prevented from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and consequently, the things of Christ appear strange and foreign. They are prevented from seeing and being in an intimate relationship with God Himself. As we share the gospel with our one, we do not share in such a way as to make ourselves look great. We proclaim Christ as servant messengers who are praying God would use us to shine light into the darkness of the lives of unbelievers. May this light give knowledge to those we share the good news with each day.

Pray God would give “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” to your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE, Day 19

Pray for Good Soil

“Then he said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand all of the parables? The sower sows the word. Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:13-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

People will inevitably respond to the gospel differently. Some hear the truth, and Satan steals it. Others hear it and joyfully accept it, but the hardship of this world uproot and reveal its shallowness. Others allow the care of this world to choke out the truth, and what fruit they would have produced dies. And some hear the good news, receive it with joy and produce fruit beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. You are not responsible for how your one responds to the message, but you are responsible to share it. God will be with us as we spread gospel seeds and may the good news of the kingdom fall on fertile soil in the hearts of hearers.

Pray the heart of your one would be like the seed planted on good soil, which produced much fruit. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)