Wednesday Afternoon Week 5

Text: Philemon 1: 1-7

What a joy it is to share the Gospel!!!

Paul writes to Philemon and says. "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

Have you ever shared the saving Gospel of Jesus with someone? When I carry out the Great Commission in Matthew 28, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you," I walk away with a feeling of comfort and joy within myself. It is almost as if I were on some sort of 'emotional high.'

Despite knowing what joy can be attained by sharing the Gospel, I am guilty of not spreading the Gospel as often as I should. There are plenty of Christians in this world who have no idea what feeling I am describing.

This week we looked at the reality, that while we are filled with joy in sharing the Gospel, there are many who have never taken advantage of this free gift. Why are we feasting at one end of the table, while others are at the other end of the table starving?

There are many reasons that we choose not to share the love of Christ with others; social awkwardness, fear of rejection, or unidentified opportunities. Whatever it is, we miss out frequently on the chance have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. No Christ follower would want to miss such opportunity, but that is exactly what we do in each of these occasions.

How do we share this love of Christ?

Jesus tells us in John 13, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."Simply stated, the world identifies us as Christ followers, based on how we treat others.

That should make sharing the Gospel a little easier!!!