March 23, 2010 Sharing God’s Word

TODAY'S ENCOURAGING WORD

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

-- Psalm 112:7

CREATION EVANGELISM

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

-- John 20:31

John's Gospel is perhaps the best tool with which to lead people to saving faith in Christ, for this was John's very purpose in writing. He presents the claims of Christ and evidence for the deity of Christ, along with His substitutionary death and resurrection, in a uniquely effective way.

It is very important to note, however, that John begins with an affirmation of the truth of special creation. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:1, 3). This creative word was Jesus Christ, for "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (v. 14).

John also points out the world's rejection of its Creator. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not" (v. 10). The world, on the whole, then rejected--and still rejects--its Creator, who was "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (v. 9). But not all rejected, for "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (v. 12).

And what is His name? In context, His name is given as "the Word," "God!" "the true Light," (vv. 1, 9). Only after this is He revealed as the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Messiah (vv. 29, 34, 41), names which imply His functions and attributes.

If we would be more effective evangelists, we would do well to follow the approach used by John. Christ must first be accepted as the omnipotent (but offended and rejected) Creator, before He really can be understood and received as incarnate, dying, sin-purging, glorified Savior.

PRAYER FOR ANXIOUS PEOPLE

Father, I pray for people and others in my circle of family and friends who are carrying heavy loads...

Your Word says an anxious heart weighs a person down, and this is how I think they must feel—as if they're carrying heavy loads, more than they can bear. When they feel upset and beside themselves, calm them down and comfort them with the assurance of Your love. Help them not be overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. (Proverbs 12:25a; Psalm 94:19)

Our hearts are not supposed to be troubled; but that's their struggle—help them trust You and the Lord Jesus, as I know they must. Help them understand that You are the One who makes a way when things seem impossible; nothing is too hard for You! (John 14:27; Isaiah 43:19; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37)

Help them be faithful to You and to the way You want them to live, for You guard the lives of those who are faithful; You protect them and never turn away from them. Help them know You as their fortress, as the rock in whom they take refuge, as One who is good, whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 2:8; Psalm 37:28; 94:22; 100:5)

In Jesus' name, amen.

Forward to your family and friends!

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God Bless You!