“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?
That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
So, faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
Romans 10:14-17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.14-17.NLT
We have more opportunity to get the word of Jesus Christ out than ever before.
Reflection
I am writing this from The Coffee House in Lewisburg TN, where I am visiting family and attending my granddaughter’s HS graduation. The IPAD I use to write with has a “pray now” sticker on it. Often people will stop and let me know their thoughts on this. Sometimes people want prayer.
Today, a man handed me a card with this written on it: “Cornersville Christian Podcast” with the tag line “Your place for Christian content. Reaching the world one listen at a time.”
As I read this passage from Romans, it was clear that the challenge is to take the faith we know and find all the ways we can to share the great news of Jesus Christ.
The part that talks about being sent, reminds me of what Jesus did with the disciples in Matthew 10 and again when he spoke the great commission: “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT.
Jesus also told them about the Holy Spirit. “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts of the Apostles 1:4-5 NLT.
Encouragement
We are meant to share our faith with others. It is important to get the word out.
We are not supposed to do this in our own strength. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we are engaging the world with the truth that can save their lives.
One on one, small groups in coffee shops or around campfires, large gatherings in sanctuaries, stadiums, and fields, social media in all of its forms, spoken and in song.
We are sent with the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us.
Think about your part in this. Some will take the stage. Others will build and prepare the stage. Everyone doing their part to get the word of Jesus Christ out to the world.
Our faith is not meant to be silent for this simple reason: So, faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for reminding us to live our faith in a way that shares it with others.
Holy Spirit, help us to do this under your leadership, guidance, and presence in our lives.
May our faith show up in our feed. May it show up in voice and action. May it be filled with compassion for everyone you hold dear.
Thank you for the words on the wall of this little coffee shop: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen.
Ed McDowell