Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—They Must Know!
The man, mid-forties told his testimony using a deep and solemn tone prompting one to think it would be a story involving death. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan [USA] in their home God was only recognized as the God who lived above the sky in the heavens. When he was 27, he asked a friend, “How does a person become a Christian?” The reply was, “Read the entire Bible, then you’re a Christian.”
Immediately his eyes shifted from the audience to look at the Bible in his hand. For 36 days, he studied the Bible searching for the answer to achieving the spiritual transformation to become a Christian. It wasn’t until he read the Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that he read about Jesus, the Son of God. The look of shame and embarrassment was on his face, “How could I have made it to my mid-twenties and never heard of Jesus Christ? And by the way, studying the Bible is not enough, you have to have a heart relationship with Christ to be a Christian.”
An overwhelming wave of sadness chilled my inner being as I thought about his question of never knowing that Jesus existed. It doesn’t seem logical that in a country with “In God, we trust” printed on our currency, many still do not know about Jesus, the Son of God. We could have an intellectual conversation about the many social and economic factors that prevent people from knowing that Jesus exists, yet, that would be a waste of valuable time.
My thoughts immediately went to Matthew 25:31-46. The parable of the sheep and goats represents two groups of believers. Both groups were followers and disciples of Christ, but only the sheep were faithful and obedient to Jesus’ commands to witness, make disciples and help those in need. I prayed and asked God to forgive me for the wasted time when I could have shared the Plan of Salvation, but was distracted, intent on pursuing my desires.
Our Christian Predecessors: In Hebrews chapter 11, we read of the many attempts that were made to eliminate Christianity. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance…others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted., were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented… (Hebrews 11:35-37). Even so, Christianity grew rapidly and the early churches were started.
How many children and adults who live throughout the world have never heard of Jesus? Who will tell them?
Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for not sharing the Gospel of Jesus and His great sacrifice that redeems humanity from sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 