Based on “Advancing the Gospel” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 7/3-4/10,
Message #6053; Daily Devotional #6 - “A Big Deal”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): History often fascinates me. Through the stories of great adventures and heroic exploits, I often find myself daydreaming of what life must have been like in those days gone by. This weekend we celebrated our nation’s independence. It was 56 men who signed their names to a paper, knowing treason against the king meant they’d be hung if they were caught. It was a big deal, and rightly so, because five of them were later captured by the British, and twelve others had their homes burned to the ground. All of this happened so that you and I could have freedom; a physical freedom that allows us life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While freedom in the U.S.A. is a big deal, we can enjoy it for only a lifetime. Jesus, however, spoke of a spiritual freedom that lasts forever and ever. It’s through salvation that we are truly free (John 8:36). As we learned this weekend, salvation is a big deal, and there is nothing bigger.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Living in America we all enjoy the physical freedom we’ve been given, but how many people know of the spiritual freedom offered through Jesus Christ? For those who don’t know of it, there is, for the most part, just one way in which they will hear of it. On the night of July 4th, 1776, John Dunlap stayed up all night reprinting 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence. The next morning those copies were carried all across the colonies where they were read aloud, both to the troops and also to the citizens. The good news of the Gospel is advanced in much the same way. The Bible says: …“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As followers of Jesus Christ it is our job (and our great blessing) to advance the Gospel; to share the good news with others. Jesus said, “Therefore 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). By sharing the Gospel with others, we have the great opportunity to declare salvation through Christ and to bring eternal freedom to those who are spiritually in bondage.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 19:1-7
GH
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All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.