Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

As followers of Jesus, we are called to love one another. But do we truly understand what love is? Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice. He commanded us to love. But this commandment was nothing new. Back in the Old Testament, in Leviticus, the Lord commands the Israelites to “love your neighbors as yourself.” Jesus was the first who lived out the truth of this commandment. Jesus showed us that love is action. It’s not just saying the right thing, but showing the truth by our actions. When it comes to offenses against us, this can be hard. But let’s live out his example as the Gospels say: we are to love each other just as Christ loved us. Everything goes well until we get offended and self-righteousness rears its ugly head. We start thinking that we are right, that we are the most important person on this earth. It is in these moments that we need to look to our example. Jesus was called names, spit at, gossiped about. But still he loved those around him. He is the ultimate example for us to follow. Reach your world by actually loving Christ who first loved us. And then, we can love others because we know that he loved us.

Have you ever noticed that people become friends with those who think or act the same way? A secret society in America, may have a secret handshake that only members know. Then there are groups that have a certain dress code. There is always a way to let people know you belong. It helps us to feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we too have a way to show we are part of Jesus’ group. It doesn’t involve a Christian t-shirt or a fish on the back of our cars, though there’s nothing wrong with that.  Jesus himself told us how. In John thirteen, he says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, my followers, if you love one another.” That’s it. That’s how others will know we belong to Jesus. It is not by how we dress but through His love. So show that you are one of Jesus’ followers, one of His disciples. Go out and reach your world by showing the love of Jesus Christ to people with whom you disagree, to people that may even shock you, to people that you would even want to run away from. But by the love of Christ, you embrace them, to lead them to the Savior. That’s what someone did for you. Why shouldn’t you do it for someone else?

There’s a reason we often describe beginning a relationship with Jesus Christ as getting ‘saved.’ He rescues us from our sin and grants us eternal life. But, friends, He also has the power to save us in this life. Before I came to know Him, I was stuck in a haze of recklessness, looking for satisfaction in destructive places and habits. I was on a road that led to death. When I opened my heart to Him, the Lord showed me exactly what was keeping me from His unending grace. He also showed me a way out. Our God is not stand-offish. The Bible is full of examples of God in the thick of the battles and struggles of those who trust Him. In Psalm 94:17 David says, “Unless the Lord had given me help, I would have soon dwelt in the silence of death.” Let the Lord help you in whatever you’re struggling with today. Turn to the Bible – our help manual – and ask Him to show you the way out. God wants you to live a victorious life. This is why He calls us into a relationship with Him. Share this amazing truth with someone who needs to hear it today.

Out of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut have emerged many stories of heroism. There was a teacher who moved her students into a closet and was found huddled over them trying to shield them from the gunfire. A custodian who ran through the hallways alerting everyone there was danger. And the principal was another hero who died protecting the children. When she heard gunfire, she ran out of her office and sprinted directly toward the gunman. She died lunging for him. She didn’t hide to save herself. She didn’t run away to safety. She ran straight for someone who was intent on killing children. What bravery! Her brother said that Dawn felt like she was doing “God’s work” by working with kids every day and I have to agree. Jesus loved children, and Dawn loved those kids with a sacrificial love. A picture of our Lord Jesus dying on that cross of Calvary. The Bible says “that no one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends.” What do I do when I encounter trouble? When I see someone in need of a hand? Do I run away to protect yourself, or do I put other’s needs before my own? That kind of selfless service is a powerful way to love others and reach our world.

Did you know that the Bible says that God is a God of justice and righteous anger? I believe that nothing stirs up the Lord’s righteous anger more than hurting innocent children. Jesus said “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble...” When I think about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I think first about our Lord Jesus, and His love for children. As followers of Jesus, we can model His love, by loving and protecting children. And so many heroes emerged out of this tragic shooting who did just that- they put themselves in harm’s way to defend the children in the line of fire. What an example for us all. We may never be in a situation like that shooting, but we all know children and we can stand for children everywhere because that’s what Jesus did. He loved the little children. He welcomed and embraced them. He made them a priority. He said the Kingdom of Heaven was for children and that we are all to have childlike faith. Let’s love children as Jesus does. How can you make loving and reaching children a priority? There’s no better way to reach our world than by sharing the Good News of Jesus with the children. They understand far more than we give them credit for.  

A few days after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, stories began to emerge as parents recounted their last moments with their children. Imagine, these parents were getting their children ready for school- just like any other day. They had no idea that morning was not just like any other. That it would be their last morning with their child. One dad shared with a priest that the day before he lost his child, his child made a point to ask his parents what death was like. Isn’t that interesting? I don’t know what the parents told their child. They had no way of knowing that the very next day their child would experience death for himself. “Let the little children come to me, of such is the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus said. This is such a good reminder for us all! We never know what this day will hold, let alone the coming weeks, months and years. We often won’t know how important a simple conversation will be.  Make the most of every opportunity to share Jesus with everyone you can. In Ephesians, St. Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” You know, our time is short and it’s so important that we share God’s Good News about his Son with everyone. It’s the best news this world has ever known- especially in days like these.

You know, when someone is going through a hard time, we want to help. But in some situations, the best gift to give to those who are hurting can be a listening ear, and empathy, and very careful, gentle use of God’s Word – Bible promises especially. Recently, nearly 30 people were senselessly murdered in an elementary school in Connecticut.  Most of those killed were innocent children. The only thing to say about this event is it’s horribly evil. And the only thing to do is to pray and offer our deepest condolences to the families affected. Sometimes well meaning people want to offer a bit of advice, or some encouraging word to someone affected by a tragedy like this one. But oftentimes just being there prayerfully and lovingly is the very best thing. Who in your life is hurting today? Perhaps God is calling you to do what the Bible says, and to simply “mourn with those who mourn”. The Bible says God is “near to the brokenhearted” and that He is the “God of all comfort.” And as you seek to love a hurting person, the moment will come when God uses your kindness in that person’s life, to open a door for an important spiritual conversation. God can use you to draw that person to Himself. So be faithful. Be prayerful. And He will use you, as you love those enduring difficult times.

 “I knew I needed to go somewhere, anywhere but where I was.” That’s what Derrik told me as the two of us chatted after church service. Derrik had been sucked into a black hole of drug use. He had come to the place where he didn’t feel safe with his thoughts. He, like I had years earlier, walked down a dark, dark path. He felt trapped, alone, and afraid. But somewhere in the depths of Derrik, he knew he needed God. I was honored to pray with him and elated when he found freedom, forgiveness and new life in Jesus. You don’t have to be a Derrik or an Andrew to experience radical change in your life. Derrik and I shared a common back-story but it might not be yours. You don’t have to be a violent criminal or stereotyped prodigal son for Jesus to rescue you. The Bible says we all “like sheep have gone astray.” All of us are broken and in need of a Savior. The good news is, Jesus is available to each of us. He is waiting for each of us to cry out to Him. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a rough past or have done a good job looking put-together. Everyone needs Jesus and He’s made Himself available to all. I recommend Him to you. If you’d like to give your life to Jesus Christ, right now, I have friends who would love to pray with you. Call 1-888-NEED-HIM and pray with someone this very hour.  

When I was twelve I gave my life to Christ and I knew I had eternal life. For in the book of John it says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hands.” As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, but how do we live this promise out? In my teenage years, I prayed, read my Bible, helped in children’s ministry, preached on the streets. Yet I was still searching for some feeling of fulfillment. I thought that at some point it would just click. But it didn’t until I was 25 and a speaker spoke simply on Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” It wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about my efforts to follow Christ, my self-discipline or my devotion. It isn’t about me, it’s Christ living in me. That’s the secret. We can’t do it at all without Jesus. We cannot bring others the Good News without walking together in the power of the Lord  Jesus. He no longer calls us servants but friends. Share this Good News with those around you in your world. Believe me, they may not talk about it, but in their souls they’re hungry. They’re lonely. They want to know how to enjoy life. Jesus is the answer.

Our life in Christ is a life of victory! Yet triumph only comes if there was a battle before it. I learned this while in Bible College reading the bible verse, 2 Corinthians 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”  After my first semester at Bible College in the USA, I was ready to quit. I felt like a hypocrite and experienced battles of doubt in my spiritual walk. But Christ had other plans for me. We all face spiritual warfare on this earth. Jesus Christ leads us through that warfare to become victorious! It’s a hard battle to face but by resting in the truth that “Christ lives in me” we can overcome our fears and Satan’s attacks. That’s why we need others to remind us of that truth. That’s shy we need our local church. This week let’s reject any lie from Satan. Encourage your friends in your world that are struggling too, and help them take in the truths written in the word of God! Take every thought captive to Christ, be triumphant, spread the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This world needs Him so badly.  There are millions who need Him, and you and I have a chance to tell them.

Finding strength in Christ can be a struggle during difficult times. When my wife, Pat, was first diagnosed with cancer my heart was broken. I came home feeling so helpless. But then I heard my wife on the piano playing, “How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord...” and so on. The Lord spoke to us both on how we desperately needed to base our strength in Him alone. The apostles of Jesus Christ were constantly tested. The apostle Paul was thrown in jail again and again and beaten several times. Paul could have cried out to the Lord, “I’m your apostle. I follow your truth, so why do I deserve this?” But Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” He says I have learned to be content. As with Paul, I had to learn to trust the Holy Spirit that He is sufficient while my wife battled cancer. And He is still sufficient 30 years later, as my wife was healed by His grace. The life of following Christ was not promised to be without trails. To be content in our trials, we must allow the Spirit to speak His sufficiency in every circumstance. So learn to be content and to be a testimony of Christ to others around you. They will notice, and you’ll get a chance to tell them about your Savior. 

Did you know your life in Christ has tremendous and astonishing possibilities? In Psalm 23 it says, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” When we are following and trusting Christ the cup runs over. It’s a life that’s meant to be filled with Christ himself, filled with the Holy Spirit. The enemy throws many things our way to try to knock this cup over. Through trials, illness and financial crisis’ it may seem like a life in Christ is too difficult. Yet when we read the word of God we are reminded of His promise. Through the story of Jesus’ disciples we are encouraged. For His disciples endured hardships too. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the reading of His word, the holy Bible. This week let’s reflect on what is in the word of God and the promises of a life that’s full through Jesus Christ. Reject any lies of Satan, the enemy who tries to keep us from those promises. Then let’s share the wonderful promise of an overflowing life in Christ with the people around us, the people in your world.  

After I surrendered to Jesus Christ, some friends and I went on a retreat. The purpose was to fellowship, spend time in the Word and worship, and let the Holy Spirit speak to us. Toward the end of our time, I felt frustrated. God seemed to have revealed Himself in a special way to everyone but me. I wanted to have one of those miraculous encounters with God too. But, it didn’t happen. So, I pleaded, “God, what is keeping me from you?” And then, God answered. He opened my eyes and I saw all of the unholy things that were keeping me from Him. I saw all the junk in my life – the sin, brokenness, ugliness, and filth. I was horrified. I saw the darkness of my lying, cheating, stealing, addictions, abuse, arrogance, and pride. I was broken. Humbled I cried, “Lord, will you forgive me? Please take this away!” And, you know what? He did! God’s response was straight from scripture. He said, “Andrew, if you confess your sin, I am faithful and just and will forgive you of your sin and purify you from all unrighteousness.” And, He did! As I confessed and repented, He forgave me. He wants to do the same for you too. To pray with someone, right now, call 1-888-NEED-HIM. God wants to forgive and cleanse you, just as He did me.

Christ’s renewal of our lives calls us to a transparent, holy life. This might seem impossible, as if God is asking us to be perfect. But He does not expect us to be perfect, He wants us to be holy and aim for perfection. I am convinced God gives each one of us a great opportunity to bring the light of Christ into the lives of others.  But our level of holiness determines how much God can truly use us.  So how do we keep pure and holy before the Lord?  First you and I must study God’s Word.  Remember Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.”  It’s our weapon of great power because the Bible, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is what keeps us holy. All of us have inclinations to do evil, but it’s the Word of God that keeps our minds on the right track.  The Bible reminds us that holiness is number one.  And the Holy Spirit empowers us. The Bible also says “Make every effort to live in peace with all people and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Our transparent, holy lives will point others to the one truly perfect person: Jesus Christ, our fabulous Lord.

Are you aware there is a war raging about us all the time? A spiritual battle that’s fought right under our noses, and we can only see the effects of it. The apostle Paul wasn’t afraid, though. He said, “Thanks be to God who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” Thanks be to God indeed, for this is good news! When our lives are renewed in Christ, we are guaranteed victory! Victory over what? First of all, the world: the whole ugly, arrogant, self-centered, pride-engendering system that’s out to destroy the lives of those around us. Second, Christ gives us victory over the flesh, the sinful nature within us. The flesh is at war, opposing the Holy Spirit who now, as believers in Jesus Christ, indwells us. A victory over the world and our flesh is a victory against the devil’s schemes. Are you living in victory? Can you say, “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ?” If so, then the fragrance of God will spread to others, giving them a whiff and a taste of joy and victory! Isn’t that the life that you want?  It’s available.