Evangelism Archives - My Manna

Prized Possession

MyManna — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:00:12 +0000

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone, everywhere.” Mark 16:15.

According to an article in Turning Point Daily Devotional, “Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away.
So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it.
Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument.
But to his great dismay, it had been sold to a collector.
“Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin.
The collector said it had become his prized possession, and he would not sell it.
Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea.
‘Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?’ he asked.
Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred.
‘I have no right to keep that to myself,’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.
God has given you and me the greatest news and most powerful “music” in the world—the message that Jesus died on the cross to save mankind from the dreadful consequences of sin, so that all who come to him can receive God’s forgiveness and His gift of eternal life.
This is the message Jesus commissioned us to take to the world so everyone, everywhere will hear it and have the opportunity to have their sins forgiven and receive God’s gift of eternal life.
“Dear God, please make and use me ‘as an instrument’ of your love and peace to communicate your great salvation in some way to every life I touch—through being “as Jesus” to all and as opportunity arises share your gospel message of salvation. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
(PA)

The post Prized Possession appeared first on My Manna.

No Other Plans

MyManna — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:00:00 +0000

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
There is a legend which recounts the return of Jesus to glory after his time on earth.
Even in heaven he bore the marks of his earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and shameful death. The angel Gabriel approached him and said, “Master, you must have suffered terribly for men down there.”
“I did,” he said.
“And,” continued Gabriel, “do they know all about how you loved them and what you did for them?”
“Oh, no,” said Jesus, “not yet. Right now only a handful of people in Palestine know.”
Gabriel was perplexed. “Then what have you done to let everyone know about your love for them?”
Jesus said, “I’ve asked Peter, James, John, and a few more friends to tell other people about me. Those who are told will in turn tell still other people, and my story will be spread to the farthest reaches of the globe. Ultimately, all of mankind will have heard about my life and what I have done.”
Gabriel frowned and looked rather skeptical. He knew well what poor stuff men were made of. “Yes,” he said, “but what if Peter and James and John grow weary? What if the people who come after them forget? Haven’t you made any other plans?”
Jesus answered, “I have no other plans. I’m counting on them.”
Twenty centuries later, he still has no other plan. He’s counting on you and me. High on God’s “To Do” list is the evangelization of the world. His early disciples adopted his priorities and devoted themselves to reaching their world.
Christ counted on them, and they delivered. Have we done as well?
(taken from “Lifestyle Evangelism: Learning to Open Your Life to Those Around You” by Joe Aldrich, Multnomah Press).

The post No Other Plans appeared first on My Manna.

Six-inch Christians

MyManna — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:00:28 +0000

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
I met a young man not long ago who dives for exotic fish for aquariums.
He said one of the most popular aquarium fish is the shark.
He explained that if you catch a small shark and confine it-
– it will stay a size proportionate to the aquarium.
Sharks can be six inches long yet fully matured.
But if you turn them loose in the ocean-
– they grow to their normal length of eight feet.
That also happens to some Christians.
I’ve seen the cutest little six-inch Christians who swim around in a little puddle.
But if you put them into a larger arena- into the whole creation-only then can they become great.
Jesus commanded all believers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything [he has] commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20).
There is no room to grow inside the walls of a Sunday School classroom, church building, or your own home.
We have been called to go outside of those walls and reach out to the lost world that needs to know Jesus.
Get involved in doing missions and evangelism-
– in your neighbourhood, city, or state through your church, local seniors group, or Bible study class.
If you are physically unable to get involved-
– become a prayer warrior for the cause of Christ.
Your prayers are needed both on and off the mission field.
Get out of the puddle you’ve been swimming in!
And take your faith to a larger arena-the world.
Pray that God would open the doors for you to reach out to those who are lost in your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

The post Six-inch Christians appeared first on My Manna.