Christian Living

THE TIME IS RIPE

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
04/23/16
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"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong".(1 Corinthians  16:13)

Is the time ripe for us Christians to stand up and defend our faith ? I think yes !  If we Christians would only take the same firm stand, for the gospel (Colossians 1:23), as all the other occults and false religions do for their beliefs, what a world we would have. You would think the "millennium" had just arrived. Why ,it would be heaven on earth.

In these uncertain troublesome times, with which we live, it is of the utmost importance that we rightly divide the truth. As "Christians" , and I use that word scripturally and not politically (2 Timothy 3:16), it is our God given responsibility to consistently apply truths from the Word of God (1 Timothy 4:7-9) (James 1:22-27).    

As we consider the messages of the gospel, be they by TV, radio, newspaper, word of mouth, or in a church setting, let us pray that the Holy Spirit might blend our spirit with that of the various media outlets. For the main theme, of our Christian growth, is to bring glory to God and further His gospel (Psalm 93:6) .

For example, I know from personal experience when I tune in a TV preacher, if he is real or not (Romans 8:16). The TV is a marvelous tool in reaching the lost for the gospel, but it can certainly be miss leading if one is not grounded in the faith.

You see, the scripture is very clear that God wants us to go forth and spread the Word. As His witnesses, part of our duty is to try to reach as many people as possible in sharing the word of God (Mark 16:15).  And to do this, we must be ready at all times to  reflect on key scripture passages, when talking to the populist. To reflect on the truth of God's Word (Jeremiah 1:19).  

One way of sharing the gospel, in these high tech times is the social media. Never before has this been possible (Revelation 14:6-7). If you subscribed to Facebook, then you have access to many friends ,throughout the world. I understand we are allowed to have 5,000 Facebook friends and countless followers. Imagine if we all had 5,000 Facebook friends and shared the good news, the lives that could be reached for the gospel (Romans 10:12-15).

Then there are other social medias, such as "Tweeter", and a host of internet chat rooms. The possibilities are endless. Never before in history, could we begin to realize this fact (Matthew 28:19-20). 

I realize, often times it is  rather difficult to talk to people about Christ. Especially, those we don't know. "I won't know what to say, I'd rather get to know them better first, they don't seem to be interest in the gospel" , and the excuses  go on. Just remember, if God is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31).

You see, people are saved through the power of god, and nothing less (Romans 1:16). And each time you share your faith it gets easier. Read  about the apostle Paul talking with Philemon in (Philemon 6). Just  remember, even our Lord was rejected (Matthew 19:16-30). Being rejected does have its heavenly rewards (Matthew 5:11-12). And remember also, you will always have God's Holy Spirit within you, to help (Luke 12:11-12)

In conclusion, our job is to plant the seeds, and God will take care of the rest. For, we are not promised we will see the results this side of heaven. For if we do our duty, God will never leave us. After Jesus gave the "Great Commission" (Matthew28:18-20, Jesus did not leave the disciples alone (Matthew 28:20)

Now just remember, time is running out, and the end is close at hand (Matthew 9:37). Are you a laborer for the gospel ?

 Author's Post Script

Scripture tells us that we as believers should be ready to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:15).  You never know when an opportunity may arise. Let's be ready and willing to move at a moment’s notice, for those opportunities to share the gospel often come when we least expect them. This is how we gain ground for the Kingdom of God.

So, I ask you, "When is the last time you looked for an opportunity to share the gospel? When is the last time you prayed for an unsaved person by name to come to Christ? When is the last time you personally brought a nonbeliever to church with you? (2 Timothy 4:2)

I must admit, I'm as guilty as the next person, when it comes to sharing my faith. Every Sunday, on the way to church, I pass many neighbors  out and about just doing their thing. And what do I do?  I just keep on going without even a "hello" or a friendly "wave", much less stop and invite them to church.

Remember, the primary way that God reaches people is through people—people like you and me (Romans 10:13–15).