Our world experienced a lot of upheaval over the last year. A global pandemic followed by race riots followed by a contested election did not leave much space for peace. Some of my friends are speculating that the end times have come and Jesus is coming back soon. I honestly have no idea when He is returning. Matthew 25:13 says, ““Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (NKJV). However, I do know is that Jesus is coming one day sooner today than He was yesterday. And I need to be ready.
Sharing Christ is one way I can prepare for the Lord’s return. With the new year, I realize the urgency in sharing the good news of Jesus with my family, friends, and everyone I meet. My life is to serve as an arrow to point people to Christ. Without Him there’s no purpose and no hope. I pray for the spread the gospel, not COVID. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV). Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. This goes beyond trying to save souls from hell to ensuring that they know what they believe and why. Discipleship teaches people how to study the God’s Word and apply it so they can know and grow in Christ. Personally, I started to study the Bible with a few friends last year who were interested in knowing more about Jesus. I pray I remain open to whoever God puts in my path to share the gospel with this year, because we can’t share enough. We must always be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) since the world will know we are Christians by our love. Unfortunately, some Christians can come across as overzealous, and have tried to beat the truth into people’s heads by banging their Bibles. I've been guilty of this myself, but realize I can’t argue someone into salvation. Instead, Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (NKJV). I like the idea of combining grace with salt. It’s the sweet and salty combo of a salted caramel hot chocolate. We need the love from grace, but the salt adds truth to enhance the flavor. Where will you begin? Who has God put on your heart to share the gospel with in 2021? May the Lord make us ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us and share the best news ever with those around us. May His Spirit guide us each day so that as many people as possible can enter God’s kingdom when the Lord returns.
18 Comments
1/26/2021 03:40:18 pm
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 was clearly spoken to me this week and now your post is a second reminder. There are many ways to do this. We need to be open to who God put in our path and be sensitive to their need. and 2 Ti,. 4:2 tells us to be patient.
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:35:27 pm
Praise God He used the blog to reinforce what He was already teaching you. I pray we use every way possible to share His love. May the Lord bless you as you share too.
Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:36:25 pm
I pray I not only take the open doors, but follow through on His invitations to join Him in His work.
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J.D. Wininger
1/26/2021 05:38:32 pm
Amen. So many folks never quite understand the phrase "You might be thee only Bible anyone ever sees." What truth to your message ma'am. And yes, while we can't know the time of Christ's return, we know it's one day closer. Keep ready!
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:38:32 pm
It is a little scary to realize that people actually watch my life for an example of Christ. I pray for all of us God's grace to live lives worthy of our calling.
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1/27/2021 10:37:45 pm
There is an urgency now that I think all of us feel. We know Christ is returning soon and I pray for all who are not ready to heed the call.
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:37:35 pm
You are right. We have to pray for the Holy Spirit to soften hearts because we can't save anyone. May the Lord draw people to Himself.
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1/27/2021 11:14:54 pm
Although I know we are called to be witnesses, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all nations, I'm always nervous about taking this initiative. "What is I say the wrong thing?" I know that God equips us to be a witness and I need to pray for greater confidence in sharing the Gospel. Thank you for inspiring us to do more.
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:40:52 pm
I think everyone is scared of saying something wrong. Fortunately, I've learned when I pray first,even if I think what I said wasn't good enough, I know that God can still use it. I just pray before and after and trust God for the rest. I will pray for you boldness in sharing the gospel.
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1/28/2021 04:43:29 pm
I appreciated your comments that Jesus' return is one day closer than yesterday, and That we should be arrows pointing people to Jesus!
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:43:08 pm
Indeed, Jesus is coming one day sooner today than yesterday. It keeps the immediacy instead of it being some time in the unknown and therefore seemingly distant future. I want my arrow to point straight to Christ and will pray for you life to do the same.
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Jeannie Waters
1/28/2021 06:03:19 pm
Colossians 4:6 is a great verse for our focus along with this sentence: "My life is to serve as an arrow to point people to Christ." I love that, Joanna. Thank you for reminding us of the urgency to share coupled with the reminder it is not our words, but God who saves. I love this section of your wonderful post: "I like the idea of combining grace with salt. It’s the sweet and salty combo of a salted caramel hot chocolate. We need the love from grace, but the salt adds truth to enhance the flavor." Thank you
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Joanna Eccles
1/28/2021 09:47:40 pm
When I realize that I can't save anyone, it takes a lot of pressure off of me. That's God's job. My job is to pray and share. Obedience is what matters in the long run.
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Susie
1/29/2021 01:30:35 am
Joanna - I am so blessed to know you! You let our Lord speak through you to reach others. The Lord knows how He has blessed me with knowing you! Thank you for always being there to lift up my spirits but most all being my Sister in Christ
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Joanna Eccles
1/29/2021 11:28:03 am
Susie - you are a real blessing too! Thank you for being a great sister in Christ to me as well. :D
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1/30/2021 08:25:09 am
We are not the Holy Spirit. And we have to get out of His way to let Him work. We deliver the message. He opens the hearts.
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Joanna Eccles
1/31/2021 07:44:23 pm
I agree totally that we can't save anyone because we aren't the Holy Spirit. I also believe we have to share the gospel using words because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. When we share, then God does what we can't and saves souls.
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AuthorJoanna Eccles has led Bible studies for over ten years and completed the year-long C. S. Lewis Fellows Program. She is passionate about discipleship and helping people know God better. Joanna enjoys coffee, traveling, and reading, and currently lives in Florida. Categories
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