Joy? 4

On Oct. 13, 2010, Thirty three miners who had been trapped underground for more than two months all returned to the surface after a successful rescue operation that inspired Chile and riveted the world. The miners traveled up a narrow, nearly half-mile rescue shaft in a specially designed capsule. Being a part of a rescue mission has to be one of the most gratifying, fulfilling and rewarding things you will ever do in life.

When Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, He came to transform and save people from a horrible pit of sin. Before He left this earth, He said; “Follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men.”  (Matthew 4:19) He said, “Go into the entire world and preach this Gospel.”  (Matthew 28:19) Many people have MISSED OUT on the JOY of reaching people for Christ.

What is the SECRET in Winning people for Christ? It won’t happen without:

ENTHUSIASM:  Webster says; “That’s a strong excitement about something.” Can you imagine how the blind man responded to Christ and others after gaining his sight for the first time? Let’s not lose our excitement after being saved by God’s incredible, indescribable love and grace!

PASSION: Without fire inside an engine, you’re not going to move very quickly in your vehicle, unless a horse is pulling you! Each of us needs God’s passion within us that says, “I must speak up and tell others what Christ has done to save and transform my life.”

COMPASSION:  Ninety percent of those who come to the Lord are in a crisis. Do you know someone who has experienced a loss in their health, marriage, or their job? God wants to use you to reach down and show the love of Christ in their need. It was a simple act of mowing my neighbor’s yard when he had a heart attack that God opened the door for Christ to change his life.

SENSITIVITY:  Every day we should ask the Lord to direct our paths in reaching those without Christ. Jesus was led to a tax collector who was curious to see Him. Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore tree to see Christ. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, Today I must abide at your house.”

AUTHENTICITY: Nobody wants what we have unless we are the “real deal”.

CREATIVITY:  A church member, the other day, said to me, “My old neighbor who moved into your neighborhood is still talking about the pie you brought him.” I ask the Lord, “How can I reach new ones moving into my community?” Listen, God will use acts of kindness to show the love of God. Don’t ever give up on reaching people and YES, you will experience GREAT JOY in Winning People for Christ.