The Gospel "According to You"

There's a sweet old story translated for man
But writ in the long, long ago --
The Gospel according to Mark, Luke, and John
Of Christ and His mission below.

Men read and admire the Gospel of Christ,
With its love so unfailing and true;
But what do they say, and what do they think
Of the Gospel "according to you"?

Tis a wonderful story, that Gospel of love,
As it shines in the Christ life divine,
And oh, that its truth might be told yet again
In the story of your life and mine.

Unselfishness mirrors in every scene,
Love blossoms on every sod,
And back from its vision the heart comes to tell
The wonderful goodness of God.

You are writing each day a letter to men,
Take care that the writing is true,
Tis the only Gospel that some men will read --
That Gospel "according to you."

Author Unknown



This poem fits right in with the theme discussed in the previous post. You never know who is watching the example you're setting as you live life. Do they see someone who is sold out for Jesus, and who is truly different in the way they love God and people -- a born-again, new creation? Or do they just see the same old, same old human nature of those who walk the broad path to destruction? If we are truly citizens of Heaven, let's act like it, and make unbelievers jealous of the Treasure we have in these "earthen vessels"! Perhaps they too will turn to the Lord Jesus, and join us in the camp of those who are the children of God!

 

You Just Never Know!

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Colossians 4:6

You that preach Christ in the streets, go on preaching Him. I saw a man preaching the other day with no creature but one dog to listen to him, and I really thought that he might as well have gone home. But I met with a story yesterday, which I know to be true, and it showed me that I was making a mistake. There was a woman who for years had been in such dreadful dispair that she would not even hear the gospel. She came to be very ill, and she said to one that called upon her, "You sent a man to preach under my window three months ago, and I got a blessing." "No," the friend said, "I never sent anybody to preach under your window." "Oh," she said, "I think you did, for he came and preached, and my maid said that there was nobody listening to him. I did not want to hear him; and as he made so much noise, my maid shut the window, and I laid down in bed; but the man shouted so that I was obliged to hear him; and I thank God I did, I heard the gospel, and I found Christ. Did you not send him?" "No," said the good man, "I did not." "Well," she said, "then God did. There was nobody in street listening to him; but I heard the gospel, and I got out of my despair, and I found the savior, and I am prepared to die." Fire away, brethren! You do not know where your shot will strike, but "there's a billet for every bullet." -- Charles H. Spurgeon 1834-1892
 
Although open-air preaching may or may not be considered the best form of communicating God's truths with others in today's culture, I would like to point out that the principle described in this story will always be valid! You just never know who you might be influencing with your words and actions. You never know what kind of seeds you might be planting as you seek to both say and do things that honor God, while interacting with people day-to-day. So, whether you are admonishing or encouraging a fellow believer, or sharing your Faith with an unbeliever, keep shining for Jesus with the life He has given you! And although you may not always see it, God will use a willing and sincere believer's heart for His eternal purpose and glory, as well as the believer's eternal reward!
 
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Am I a Soldier of the Cross?

Am I a soldier of the cross? Foll'wer of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His Name?
Must I be carried to the skies on flow'ry beds of ease,
While other fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign -- increase my courage, Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy word!

By Isaac Watts 1674-1748

Wise Words From An Unbeliever

"I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him." -- Napoleon Bonaparte