Blake Allen, Student and Outreach Minister, LHBC
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 is a verse that pounds at the door of our hearts, pleading to come in. Maybe you have heard this verse once or twice in your life. You may even be able to recite it. I don’t think any of us would deny that God so loved the world. In fact, it’s the reason why He sent His son. Yet there are times in our lives when we deny this truth by our actions or words. Let me give you an example:
There has been some recent controversy in the news. A well known artist released a pair of “Satan shoes” which sparked national conversation. Apparently, only 666 of these shoes were made. They were sold for $1018 which is supposed to be a reference to Luke 10:18 which states, “And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” To add to the cringe you’re probably feeling right now, there is a drop of real human blood in the sole of each shoe.
Of course, as believers, these should be considered detestable acts. But now that you have been made aware about this artist, do you still believe God so loved the world? Does the cringe factor cause you to look down upon him as irredeemable or do you believe that even he can be redeemed? Do you believe Christ died for the ungodly? Do we believe Christ can redeem those whom we would consider the least of these? Do you truly believe the cross is powerful enough to overcome the most detestable sins?
For whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. This is the message of the Gospel. All of us were sinners in need of salvation. All of our sins were just as detestable before God. But God still proved His love for us that even while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Because of what Christ has done, we can have hope in Him.
So how should we respond to news like this?
First we need to pray for those who are lost. Prayer is powerful and effective. Prayer is essential for salvation (Romans 10:8-10). Second, we need to share the Gospel with the lost. We shouldn’t be surprised when lost people act like lost people. We should feel more of a burden to share the Gospel. Every believer has been commissioned by God as His disciples to be faithful witnesses for Him (Matthew 28:18-20).We must not only live the Gospel, but we must share it verbally. The Gospel didn’t spread in Acts by silence. We are called to be faithful witnesses. Third, remember there is a spiritual battle going on. Ephesians 6:12 says, “we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but with spiritual forces of evil.” This is why we put on the armor of God daily.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, would you surround this artist and others who are currently separated from you around faithful witnesses of the Gospel. Would the hard hearts of the lost be softened by the immeasurable grace found in Jesus. Would you empower us to share your word and push back the darkness in this world with the light of Christ. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Philippians 4:6-7- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.