Reaching Your World with Luis Palau show

Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

Summary: Listen in as Luis Palau encourages Christians to share their faith with easy-to-use tips on reaching your world for Jesus Christ.

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 Side by Side | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:17

Evangelism can be a lonely task. After all, proclaiming the Gospel can require leaving your comfort zone and stepping out in faith. The Bible assures us that we will face obstacles and opposition. This is why fellowship with other believers is essential. By working alongside other believers, we get the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, gain encouragement from common ground, and engender a revitalized boldness for sharing the Good News. Even reading the stories of great evangelists and followers of Christ can bring a shot of empowerment when you need it most. Collaboration in evangelism can also help us reach more people more effectively. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” While each of us can accomplish anything with the help of the Holy Spirit, God did not mean for us to serve Him in isolation. To gather as followers of Christ, even by the handful, is a powerful thing. And, as we demonstrate His love in our relationships with one another, we become a testimony to the world. This is Andrew Palau.

 Taking the Light into Darkness | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:21

About 4:00 a.m. little Olivia was startled to tears by an ambulance siren in the street. When the babysitter had put Olivia to bed in the evening, she had forgotten to switch on the night light. However, when her mother turned on the small yellow light, the child quickly went back to sleep. The darkness was gone, and with it, her fear. It is a scientific truth that light always goes into darkness, not the other way around. Darkness cannot overcome a candle, it must wait for the flame to flicker out. But light takes effect instantaneously, as soon as a match is struck, or a switch flipped on. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Going into the darkness of our world can be scary, intimidating, but that is where Jesus wants us to be. Staying in our familiar, comfortable, Christian surroundings is not the way to reach our world. We need to find out where our neighbors and coworkers hang out and join them there. That’s where we can shine the brightest. And that’s where you will find opportunities to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. And by the way, here’s a question: Are you walking in the light with God? Are you enjoying the light? This is Luis Palau.

 How Sweet are Your Words! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:25

I’ve just been reading Psalm 119 again, and I got excited. This psalm is all about how wonderful God’s Word is. Every verse – and there are 176 in the psalm – has something to say about how powerful and how precious it is. The first verse says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” Verse 9 is for youth: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Verse 37 is a powerful prayer: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Verse 114 gives us confidence: “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Do you want to be wise? Read verse 130: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” But read it for yourself, the whole psalm. I hope it will give you a renewed love for the Word of God, and a desire to dive into it. My father taught me at a very young age the value of spending time in the Bible every day. All my adult life I have been an evangelist, speaking to people of all kinds pretty much every day. If I had to rely on just my own thoughts and my own words, I would have run out of things to say long ago. We have an invaluable treasure in the Word of God, and I encourage you to read it. Memorize verses so that when you talk to someone about Jesus, you can quote Him. This is Luis Palau.

 Harvest in Athena | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:24

Bob is a farmer in eastern Oregon. He first heard me preach in 1978 and immediately got the vision for an evangelistic outreach in his home town of Athena – population just over one thousand. We were not able to schedule it at the time, but Bob was persistent. Finally, everything finally fell into place, and I and a few others of our team drove across Oregon to Athena. Over half the town’s population crowded into the high school auditorium, where we had a BMX bike demo and I gave the Gospel message. About 120 people in that small community received Jesus Christ into their lives that day, and Bob was ecstatic. The dream he had for 35 years had come true! Bob’s drive and persistence are impressive. He pushed us all to get on board and do our part. He mobilized the churches in the area and got dozens of believers involved. The success of this event can be laid at the feet of that one man. Do you have a dream? Is there something God has laid on your heart? Don’t be afraid to take the first steps towards making it come true. Trust that God will make something wonderful and fruitful happen if you are persistent and faithful in working towards the goal. Remember what Galatians 6:9 says: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This is Luis Palau.

 An Oasis of Peace | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:16

Did you see the movie, “War Room”? In it, a Christian pastor was viewing a house that was for sale. When he went into a certain closet he could sense that a lot of praying had been done there. I’m reminded of an incident a friend of ours told us about. She was home late one evening when the doorbell rang. A young girl was on the doorstep, crying and shaking all over. It was Linda, an acquaintance of her sons’ who had been there before with a group of young people. Linda’s story was a sad one of taking one wrong step after another, until now she had reached bottom. That evening, Linda had been doing drugs with her boyfriend when she suddenly was seized by a desire to get out. She said that when she had been in my friend’s house before, she had a sense of peace and wellbeing, so now that she was in trouble and needed help, that is where she turned. My friend was able to share Christ with Linda and lead her in a prayer of repentance. In the Gospel of John, Jesus said about Himself, “I am the bread of life … I am the light of the world … I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Let’s make our homes welcoming places where we can introduce people to Jesus, who will fill all their needs. This is Luis Palau.

 We’ve Been Redeemed | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:20

What do think of when you hear the word “redeem?” To be honest, one of the first things that comes to my mind is coupons. You have to redeem a coupon in order for it to have any value. Until you trade your coupon in for that free cheeseburger or half-off a pair of shoes, all you have is a slip of paper and a promise. Redemption turns an idea into a result. The Bible often uses the word “redeemed” to describe a rescue: He redeemed the Israelites from Egypt. Luke 1:68 uses the term in words of worship: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” Yes, past tense! God’s sacrifice of His perfect son Jesus was the catalyst that turned a promise into our salvation. Hallelujah! We have been redeemed; we have been rescued from sin. Because of Jesus, we are made new and welcomed into God’s family with open arms. We have access to the Holy Spirit in the face of struggles, and an ally who has overcome evil. We are called to live in light of this redemption on a daily basis and share this glorious news with others. This is Andrew Palau.

 Evangelism Strengthens your Faith | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:17

There are two main reasons we share the Good News with people who don’t yet know Jesus. One, so that they can be in relationship here on earth with Jesus, and two, for their eternal salvation. But what if I told you that sharing the Good News actually develops you as a Christian? What if I told you sharing the Good News Gospel actually strengthens your own faith? It does! Here’s why: people generally feel timid about sharing the Good News. So many people have approached me and said, “Luis, I’m not a Bible scholar; how will I know what to say when I share the Good News?” To which I respond, “You have to trust that God will give you the right words to say every time.” Sharing the Good News strengthens our faith because it requires us, as believers, to trust that God is already at work in people’s hearts and consciences before we show up. It requires us to lean on God for strength, wisdom, and understanding when we share His message. Today, pray about who you can share the Good News with. Then, actively look for an opportunity to do so. You’ll be surprised!Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came to give life—life that is full and good.” So go and share this truth. This is Luis Palau.

 Because Jesus Died for the World | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:22

A Christian author once said, “Churches should not be a museum of good people; instead, they’re a hospital for the broken.” I love that saying, but I think many people don’t realize this. After all, how many of us actually wear our problems on our sleeves when we go to church? Sometimes, it can feel like there’s pressure to have our act together on Sunday mornings. But the reality is, Jesus didn’t come just to save the folks that appeared to have it all together. He didn’t come for the people who worked the hardest, who had the best families, who appeared to be perfect. Jesus came for everyone—including the broken, the sinners, the people who have lied, and cheated, and messed up big time. Jesus doesn’t require us to be perfect. And unlike anyone on earth, Jesus never runs out of grace for us. All He asks is that we receive Him into our hearts, and then following that, we do our best to live out His love for others. Some people in this nation have never heard that the Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”. This week, think on that, and talk about that. Jesus came for you. For me. For everyone. This is Luis Palau.

 Because there is no Other Way | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

In this day and age, people try hard to be politically correct. And, you know, as a well-mannered individual, I don’t disagree with being kind and respectful towards others and their beliefs…but we must not allow ourselves to water down the fabulous message of the Bible, in order to make the masses happy. The truth is, when it comes to eternal salvation, this is the one way to receive eternal life: it is God’s free gift, and it is through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 in the Bible says, “Jesus told them, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” And He wasn’t kidding! It is God’s gift offered to every single person across the world. Whatever the background or philosophy they hold. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,” God the Father says, “and you shall be saved.” Is that a glorious offer or what? As you consider your agenda this week, think about whom you can share the Good News of Jesus with. We all know somebody who doesn’t know Jesus, or who has questions about Christianity. Pray about them. Be alert. Be respectful in sharing the Good News Gospel—but be gently bold, and be clearly truthful. Jesus is the only way to receive eternal, everlasting life. And some will repent and believe. This is Luis Palau.

 Because Christ Commanded It | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

If you had the cure for cancer, would you keep it to yourself? Of course you wouldn’t! You’d want to share it with the sick to save as many people as possible. What if I told you the Gospel of Jesus Christ is actually more powerful, even, than a cancer cure? When someone receives Jesus into their heart, they’re promised eternity in Heaven with our Creator. Death is not the final stop for them; instead, eternal life is theirs. And it all starts here on Planet Earth. Too often we forget about the power of the Good News Gospel to change lives here on earth as well as for all of eternity. We do spend hours volunteering, feeding the homeless, building relationships—but if these things don’t truly lead to us sharing how someone can have peace with God and eternal life, how shortsighted is that? This week, focus on evangelism—not because I’m telling you to, but because Christ commanded it of all of us. The Bible says in Matthew 28:18-19, in the Great Commission, that Jesus said to His followers, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This week, do just that. Go! Share the Good News. This is Luis Palau.

 Noteworthy News | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

People have always been fascinated by interesting stories, and with the advent of the internet and social media, these stories are now more readily available than ever. When a natural disaster hits - we all know within minutes. If a brutal crime goes unsolved - the whole world waits in anxious expectation. We are interested, consumed, and connected with the happenings of our world.Imagine if you saw headlines that said “Popular Leader Arrested Overnight” or “3 Executed In Suburbs” or “Leader of Movement Brutally Murdered” or even more engaging “Executed Leader’s Body Missing”. These headlines would certainly catch your attention and they are a stark reminder of the radical, life altering, sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible says the Gospel is the “power of God”. We hear it so often that we minimize the enormity of that day and the radical nature of His death and resurrection. I think that the best gospel presentation can be a simple recounting of the cross as described in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Gospel is more exciting than the New York Times or evening news. Get people to think about Jesus, His life, His sacrifice and His death. Boldly communicate the most newsworthy event in all of history. This is Andrew Palau.

 Forgiving Others | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

I just saw a quote that said, “The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.” Forgiving others can be really hard. Especially when they have wronged us on a deep level. But it’s pretty clear that forgiveness isn’t just about the person who committed the sin or the wrong against us, but it’s also about our own spiritual growth. Love and forgiveness cannot be separated. If we choose to live out the love of God as the purpose of our life, then forgiving cannot be avoided. Because the bottom line is, Jesus died for us to offer us forgiveness of our sins. On a day-to-day level, the Bible says in Matthew 6, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” So, consider: whom do you need to forgive? What amends do you need to make? I encourage you to take that first leap and forgive the one who needs it—even if no apology has been made. When you forgive someone, you may feel that the Lord has moved in you, just as we pray He is also moving in them. Showing grace, instead of holding onto bitterness, will give you a wonderful opportunity to talk to them about Jesus – the great forgiver of our many, many sins. This is Luis Palau.

 Abandoned | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Have you ever felt abandoned? Maybe you experienced a tragedy and you lost someone you love. You’re devastated. Maybe you were passed over for the job promotion, and you feel your hard work went unnoticed. You’re discouraged. Whatever situation you face, know that God has not—and will not ever—abandon you. In fact, God is with you now and forever. He promises never to leave or forsake His children. The Bible says in Genesis 8:1, “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” If God didn’t abandon Noah and the animals, why will He abandon you? When you feel alone or upset, talk to the Lord. Reach out to Him. Ask Him for comfort, for wisdom, and for His presence. If you have a friend experiencing a trial or hardship, listen to them and let them know you care. Then, use the opportunity to share about Jesus. Tell them how Jesus will never abandon or forsake them. Share about what Jesus means to you. Your experience could be just what they need to hear. So tell it today, won’t you? This is Luis Palau.

 Hope | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Are you struggling? Do you feel abandoned by God? I think we all go through times where we struggle to feel the hope in God. There was a time in my life when my son, Andrew, had fallen away from the Lord. He was living a wild life filled with partying and worldliness. As much as I tried to share the Good News with him or talk to him about faith, I felt him pulling away. But God kept me convicted. I felt the Lord saying to me “do not give up on Andrew. I am with you. I’m working on him.” So I kept on reaching out, and praying for Andrew.And guess what? At just the right moment Andrew, our son, finally surrendered to Jesus at age 27. At last Andrew understood God’s grace, and repented, and God changed his entire life. In fact, Andrew went from a worldly life of sin to being an evangelist. Can you believe it?! Only God could change someone’s life in that way. Only God is the source of true everlasting hope. Consider the person or situation in your life where you need God to move. The Bible says in Job 6:8, “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for.” Pray to God! Share your request with Him. And be alert and expectant, because He is already at work. Suddenly you’ll get your chance to share Jesus Christ. This is Luis Palau.

 ABCs | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Many times people have said to me, “Luis, how do I share the Good News? I’m not a pastor or an evangelist.” Of course, my answer is that we are all called to share about Jesus Christ, though we are not all gifted to be evangelists. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a professional person, God was talking to you in Mark 16:15 in the Bible, which says, “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.” And the ABCs are a great place to start. Why, you ask? Well, the ABCs are one way to share the basics of the Good News of salvation in Jesus. A stands for “Admit”. We must admit that we are sinful, that we make mistakes, and that we offend God our Creator. We all miss the mark. B stands for “Believe”. We must believe that Jesus is God’s only Son, and that He came to die for our sins on a cross and rose from the dead. And C stands for “Commit”. We must commit to following Jesus by receiving Him into our hearts by faith. So, I urge you to memorize the ABC’s of evangelism. Then, be on the alert. Look for opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Encourage others to admit, believe, and commit so as to receive the eternal life that Jesus Christ offers. This is Luis Palau.

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