Stan and I were again at our favorite place for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we were waiting for Ricky to bring what Cook was fixing for our breakfast, Stan mentioned that in his morning journaling time he’d seen something that was said about the apostle Paul that people should be able to say about him, but too often they can’t. “What’d they say about Paul?” I asked.
“This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere,” Stan replied.
“That’s quite a statement,” I commented. “Kind of like what Jesus said to do in going everywhere to preach the gospel.”
“You’re right,” Stan agreed. “And too often what people can say about some of us is that, rather than presenting the gospel to all people everywhere, we present the truth of the gospel to some people somewhere some of the time.”
“Or,” he asked, “will they be able to say we don’t present the gospel to anyone anywhere?”
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Bible verses to consider:
This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere . . . . Acts of the Apostles 21:28.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, . . . . Matthew 28:19-20.
. . . repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:47.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity it cannot be said of me that I present the gospel to everyone everywhere. More often it’s to some people somewhere or to no-one anywhere. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in presenting the gospel to everyone everywhere. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted the truth of the gospel? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with presenting the gospel to everyone everywhere? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to present the truth of the gospel to everyone everywhere? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?