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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hear (07/08/10)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 NAS)
We have heard the saying ‘No news is good news’, and we know in certain circumstances, this may not be true. Such a saying is usually true only in times of crisis where no reported news of injury or death is good news or when sales are closed without any complain throughout the warranty period. In the context of spreading the gospel, however, without the good news, the death toll can only increase and that’s bad news!

The Bible states clearly that the good news of salvation in Christ must be proclaimed in the whole world before the Lord returns (Matthew 24:14). But how can the unsaved call on Christ in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher (Romans 10:14)?

We know faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). If we prove ourselves to be hearers but not doers (James 1:22-25), then in vain we have been called to be God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). Hear this, therefore, if we have been foolish and senseless to have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear (Jeremiah 5:21). Let us give ear and hear the voice of God! Listen and hear His words (Isaiah 28:23)! Let whoever has ears, hear carefully (Mark 4:9). The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, for He does not wish for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Let us therefore take care what we listen to, because by our standard of measure, it shall be measured to us, and more will be given besides (Mark 4:23-24).

Wail, for the day of the Lord is near and will come as destruction from the Almighty to all who are unsaved (Joel 1:15; Isaiah 13:6)! Let us listen to what the Lord is saying, and not hesitate to proclaim to the world the good news (Matthew 28:18-20). The Lord has given us His Spirit who is in us. He has anointed us to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners, and to comfort all who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). Let us therefore hear and obey what the Lord is saying, for there is no other Way by which men can be saved apart from Christ (John 14:6).

How then shall we reach the world for Christ? There are many ways—through missions, personal evangelism, meeting the needs of others, living out Christ in our lives, sharing the reality of the risen Christ and more. In whatever ways we choose to reach out to others for the Lord, what's most important is to get through the message of the good news accurately to the yet unsaved (2 Timothy 2:15). For the word of God, in which the good news is heard, is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4: 12). Let us therefore be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit to let Him guide our hearts as to the best way to reach out to the unsaved. Let us remember that unless the word of Christ is preached, the good news cannot be heard, and faith cannot take place, which end for the unsaved can only be bad news!

Dear Lord, forgive us for being negligent in sharing your good news to those who are yet unsaved. We know Lord that unless they hear Your good news, faith cannot find its way into their hearts and the end can only be bad news. Help us therefore Lord to desire to reach out and touch lives in ways beyond the conventional, to go the extra mile in meeting the needs of others, and to reveal more of Christ in our lives. Thank You dear Lord for the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit in us to bring good news and comfort to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and set the captives free.
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This article has been read 1480 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lollie Hofer 
07/15/10
Amen! Great thoughts - you've given us the meat of the word in this devotional...worthy of further meditation.
Tina Leonard
07/17/10
I enjoyed this from start to finish. It is very well thought out with the scriptures capturing the message in pure thought and edification of the body. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

God Bless and keep writing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
07/17/10
This is a lovely sermon and the Bible passages have been selected with care. I could easily picture a minister reading this passage and stopping to read each verse along the way.

I hope the readers will also read the verses that justify your words. A minor editing note-in the first paragraph you said complain where I think you meant complaint.

The prayer is beautiful and touched my heart.
The Masked Truelovers
07/17/10
Good twist of a common phrase. It was a good message, but I would advise to keep a stronger distinction between your own writing and the scripture references.
Kate Oliver Webb
07/20/10
I'm adding my "amen" in particular to the ending prayer. Truly heart-felt.
AnneRene' Capp
07/20/10
Your heart so shines forth in your meticulous artistry of combining scripture with prayer. Great Job!
Philippa Geaney 
07/21/10
Amen and amen. Lord you do not commission unless You equip. Help me, show me, lead me.
Colin Swann
07/21/10
Challenging devotional which we need to hear and heed. Obviously, the fruits of much study of the Word. Thanks! Colin
Amanda Brogan
07/21/10
Clever title and a great evangelical message that fits perfectly with the topic! May we all pray that prayer from the bottom of our hearts and remember that the lost cannot be saved unless they hear the Good News.