Thank you to John Carley for the breathtaking featured photo!
And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5 (NKJV)
Look at the stunning picture above. Imagine that the Aurora Borealis represents God’s awesome Spirit. The beautiful lights of space are the lives of believers shining with the Glory of God.
And the darkness…
The darkness of space is vast and symbolizes people who are apart from Christ. There is light everywhere around them, but they choose to stay in darkness.
Have you considered that the person next to you in church could be struggling with their faith? They are friendly and participate in worship. They are always there. We judge them to be redeemed, just like we are.
But what if they are lost?
And only God knows.
Judging people, whether well-intentioned or not, is always sinful. We simply do not know.
But there are people going to church who are walking in darkness. They are surrounded by the LIGHT of Christ—His Church. We are prone to look for lost people in other places—not in church.
I don’t know about you, but those images make me sad. There’s so many on the outside while walking right up to the life that God wants to share.
Yet they just won’t give Him their heart.
That graphic picture motivates me to let Jesus’ light shine through me. It’s about how I practically engage with others, never judging them.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)
What should I do? Should I ask people if they know Jesus? Am I going to offend my friends or other church members?
The answer to each of these questions follow.
What to do?
Let the Gospel flow freely from my life.
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”.
John 7:37-38 (NKJV)
Jesus wasn’t forceful. He was irresistible to those who had soft hearts. Did you read what Jesus said? “Anyone…may come to Me…” How would they know to come to Him? “…rivers of living water will flow from the heart of believers…” The Spirit works through believers who walk with Him. People who are lost can see Him in our lives.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 (NKJV)
Am I supposed to ask everyone if they are saved?
But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy,
ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you.
John 15 I AM the VINE. You are the branches CSB
What’s at stake?
The answer is simply this…
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 (NKJV)
Is God or His Word too Harsh?
God is Love itself. But God has wrath for sin. He is holy, good and patient. He cannot even look at sin. But that did not negate His Love.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:4(NKJV)
But God’s Love provided a Substitute to receive the punishment for sin. Jesus. (1 John 2:2)
Therefore, it is a great kindness that God warns of the reality of Hell and death. Yet, it would be fair if there were no remedy. Justice demands a price. Instead of justice with no hope, we have been provided with grace and mercy. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Here is an idea to get the conversation going.
First, know your own heart. (1 Corinthians 15:34)
Then, pray for God to prepare you to reach someone else. Reach out in kindness. Invite them to have coffee. The Holy Spirit is our wonderful Guide and Teacher. He will help you.
Of course, never forget those on the outside who don’t go to church. But the purpose of this study is simply a reminder that lost people are also in other places where we least expect them to be, not just the obvious.
Share the Good News in your world.
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 