Where Are Our Voices?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Trouble? No one can deny that the enemy is having his way in this world. There’s no better time to preach the gospel! We see non-believers committing horrific acts, and we’re fed it daily- and at times are saddened or angered.  Where are our voices?

It’s not just about us, it’s about others.

Jesus tells us:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19 NIV

The world is truly in the enemy’s hands right now, according to God’s plan. God remains completely in control.

“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,” John 14:30 NIV

The prince of this world is here, and he is having a field day.  It may not be enough to simply pray. It may not be enough to simply write or to go to church. It may not be enough to provide food for a hurricane hit community. Those who the enemy controls need to know Jesus! They may not wish to, but they need to. The world continues to spiral downhill in disappointing ways. Jesus is the answer! Now is the time to focus not just on believers, but non-believers, many of whom are dying of thirst for the gospel. The enemy is afraid of Christ. That’s a fact. Yet he is willing to drag as many down and away from God as possible. I submit we don’t oblige.

Paul writes:

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

It is good to remember what our Lord says, as it is written:

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” Jeremiah 22:3 NIV

We need to make it easier, for those who don’t know Christ, to know him.  I submit that preaching, writing books, and supplying food is only a part. We need to share our love of our Lord with all.

It is written:

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18 NIV

With gentleness and respect, we need to introduce Christ to as many as we can.

Remember to Love one another.

Barnabas