Encouragement and encounters

The gospel means ‘good news’- its what the angels declared at Christ’s birth saying “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.- Glory to God in the Highest!” -Luke 2:14

Jesus said, “the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) has come to seek and to save that which was lost..” -Luke 19:10

This saying of Jesus is one of the best summaries of His life, death and resurrection. Paul the Apostle echoes a similar harmony giving Timothy a concise gospel phrase:

“Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.- This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”
-1 Timothy 1:15

Tanzanian school children

The apostle Paul never forgot the grace of God (which he mentions)- the worst of sins from murder (of Stephen) to ignorance. Its as if he never wants to forget the state of deception from where God plucked him- a powerful form of worship and gratitude present in all of his apostolic writings.

While interviewing witness and victims from the Kenyan ethnic conflict this year, I was told a gripping story about the Rwandan genocide of 1994. I was told that a woman watched her entire household slaughtered with machetes, while she was somehow allowed to escape. Later, she met the murderer in the court. When she was asked to speak, she did the most unusual thing. She said “All my family is gone now, its over- and you (the murderer) have no parents as well. Lets go now, I will take you and be a mother to you- I love you and forgive you, and this is justice for my situation” This is a vivid picture of the Gospel of Christ: new life, forgiveness and the power of a brand new relationship. The Lord Jesus literally gave His up for us, so that we could know Him and live with Him forever.

Snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain- 2008

The gospel is best demonstrated through deeds and actions rather than mere arguments, systematic theology and doctrine. That is one of Paul’s promises to us in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3. Those who truly follow Jesus Christ begin to live like Jesus, possessing His very nature and Spirit. Peter again reiterates this also- 2 Peter 1:2-4 Its not enough to ‘know your Bible from cover to cover’- the synagogue church in Jesus’ day knew ‘all about’ the Scriptures, but rejected God Himself when He walked the earth. We have to live the gospel, be transformed by it not just be able to use Scriptures to prove ‘I am right, you are wrong.” Thats a really low level- probably the one Judas settled for (knowing some facts/ theology about Jesus) and was probably the reason why he was so easily able to betray Jesus Christ. Judas was the disciple who rebuked Mary for worshiping Jesus with her perfumed oil (a dramatic display of worship), while at the same time Judas was stealing from the gifts and offerings. Some settle for just debating doctrines, as if that were enough. In essence, Judas was a ‘parrot’ of doctrines, able to say the right things at the right time, but never able to be deeply transformed by Jesus. Paul has others words for it, warning Timothy of a lifestyle of knowledge and debate without the fruit of godliness to authenticate it. (2 Timothy 3:7)

I want to live the Gospel and fully experience the good news, don’t you? Don’t settle for less, if you desire to follow Jesus Christ.

Its like the difference between ‘reading a book about marriage’ and actually being married. You can read 100’s of stories about marriage for the rest of your life- and it still doesn’t mean you are married or ‘experiencing marriage’. The same is true about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again, this is prophetic picture given to help us fully experience life with Jesus Christ (salvation) Ephesians 5:31-32

The Gospel is literal power- a power beyond ourselves, as Paul again clarifies “My preaching was not with persuasive words…. but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power… that your faith should be in the power of God.” Its the manifest love of God- friend reading this posting, do you know how much Jesus loves you today? He likes you for He made you- He thinks of you and has a plan and purpose for your life- its better than what you think, dream about or imagine!

-1 Corinthians 2:4-5

Western Tanzania 2008

We are saved by His power (His grace) through faith (belief, a choice). Both come from God, and are freely given to all who ask Him. Jesus Christ never forces anyone to follow Him- you can take Him or leave Him, the choice is yours. Salvation is the doorway- walking through the doorway leads to a daily lifestyle of living under Jesus Christ. If you have had enough of your own life/ old lifestyle and are ready for Heaven instead of eternal Hell, than following Jesus Christ is for you- you may never get another opportunity. I have known so many friends in the USA and Africa who died young or had plans for the future of their life. Many of them presumed to have 30 or 50 years, and they lived their life under that assumption. None of us knows when its our time to go. Again, its God’s gospel for mankind, not the creation/invention of any man- All of us will be speaking to Him about it, at one time or another.

I came to the point where I was tired ‘living my own life’ and I too had done the worst kind of sins (1991). I wanted to live in harmony with Jesus Christ and His gospel, so I repented of my sins and gave all my life to Christ. My life has become more difficult as a Christian (people expect you to be totally perfect and think you are judging them all the time) but I continually go back to Jesus asking Him for His Holy Spirit, revelation of His Word and His will and He has been helping me quite a bit lately! I do it ‘imperfectly’ often, sin and make many mistakes. Still, I wouldn’t trade my old life (it has nothing good to offer) for this life of fellowship with God the Holy Spirit and for walking in the great purpose Christ has for my life! He has such great purpose for us, the main purpose being fellowship with us- a fellowship that teaches us about His ways and His will. Repentance is just as much about ‘turning to Jesus daily and calling upon His Holy Spirit’ as it is turning from sin. In fact, without Jesus’ help and forgiveness, we could never overcome sin.  This is why we need Jesus Christ- we cannot save ourselves, no matter how many good deeds we do or because we think we are ‘better off’ than someone else.

Once you choose/walk through the doorway of salvation through Jesus, then you are ready for the lifestyle of love, revelation and sharing God’s plans and secrets (Amos 3:7, 1 John 1:1-4) This is the next stage after salvation, the next level- and we should run like David’s mighty men with all our strength – love the Lord God with all your heart mind and strength and follow in the footsteps of your true brothers Moses and Abraham- If they were alive today on earth they would say ‘Live in every way to be God’s friend. Live every moment to love, fear and serve Him- He is the Burning One who you will meet face to face after this short lifetime… then onward into eternity.”

Soccer with the Serengetti boys 2008

A Prayer of Salvation: (Use your own words from your heart… this was just my prayer):

“Lord Jesus, you are the Savior and Lord. I see the frustration and fruitlessness of my own life- sin, selfishness and destruction. I repent from this and turn to You- Lord I ask for a new life, make me born again. I love that you gave your life for me- I ask that you forgive me of my sins and that you will grant me a new life with You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, reveal to me your Word and show me the great pleasures and joy of serving You. I love you Lord- give me grace to love You with all my heart and strength forever- I love You Holy Spirit- the Bible calls you the Teacher and Helper. Holy Spirit, You are God, lead me closer to You and let me hear Your voice and obey Your will every day. I love you so much, amen.”