Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Life-Changing Message

Following up on my most recent post, I’m here to report the Spirit continues to move in Red Hill. Last week, six boys gave their hearts to the Lord; on Monday, three more followed. Not that this is a scorekeeping exercise, but it’s exciting to realize that in the past month 12 kids have come to know Christ as their Savior.

Some who read this might wonder, “What’s the big deal? Jesus died for our sins, so we’re all going to heaven, right?” But following Christ requires a personal commitment. The Bible says until a person takes that step and receives Him into their heart by faith, they are an enemy of God (Colossians 1:21).

Some skeptics accuse believers of pushing their faith on others, claiming they aren’t being respectful to those who believe differently. But as recorded in John’s eyewitness account, Jesus said He’s the only way to God: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John14:6).

It's possible to respect others while not agreeing with their beliefs. For Christians to say a contrary system is equally valid would not only defy what their leader taught (and thus be hypocritical), it would be cruel if what Jesus said is really true. His followers should be compelled to share God’s message of salvation, in both word and deed. To remain silent and let friends, neighbors and relatives die and spend eternity separated from God is tragic.

That's why the first point in Living Hope's mission statement is “to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in a life-changing way and to encourage people to follow Him.”

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