Preach Jesus, Preach the Gospel

 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children.  Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

We just arrived back from Young Lives Ablaze Camp last week with our kiddos and support staff. The week was amazing and one that I personally will never forget. Let me share with you some comments that were shared with me that came from camp.

A leader talking to me about one of his campers raised in the church, who raised their hand to accept Jesus Christ on Monday night- “I never knew that she did not have a relationship with Jesus. I assumed that since she has been here all her life that she already did.”  A leader from another church about a PK who raised their hand on Wednesday night to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior-The Boss of them-“I am shocked. I was just sure that she already had a personal relationship with Jesus because of who her father is He always shares the Gospel during his messages.” And finally a text I received Saturday morning from one of our parents, “Thinking you should have a class for the parents to prepare them for the huge changes that occur at camp. It’s amazing to see the transformation. He is on fire for Christ now.”

During the entire week, I was personally burdened by something spiritual that I could not pin point. Each night’s messages, it became heavier and heavier. As I prayed and sought the Lord each day, His Spirit continually reminded me, “Preach Jesus. Preach the Gospel.” 

After Thursday night’s message, it became clear what that burden was: I, possibly we, take for granted that our own children as well as those we are leading spiritually not only know the Gospel but have made that decision to follow Jesus Christ. We just assume that since they are raised in a Christian home, they have heard the Gospel, it has been explained to them, and that they have already made a decision for Christ. How short sighted is that.

So here are the 2 Truths the Lord made very clear to me this past week.

First, we must never assume that our own children are saved. We should continually share the Gospel with them, by our words and actions and deeds.  We need to take time to fully explain what Jesus Christ did for each and every one of us and what it means to accept that eternal gift of salvation.

Next, once that decision is made and they choose to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, it is now the responsibility of the parents to fulfill Deuteronomy 6:4-9. They need to take the lead to train up their children in righteousness. That also includes being the living example of Jesus Christ to their children.

So in closing, let’s never take for granted the salvation of our children or even our family and friends. Take time to “make disciples and teach them to observe all that He has commanded us.” Matthew 28:19,20  

Are You Peculiar?

Are you peculiar? Do people look at you as odd or different?  Do you find being called “peculiar” offensive?
The definition of peculiar is one who is odd or strange in nature and behavior.  One who is distinctive in character from others.  One who belongs exclusively to one person or group.  Now, does that describe you as a Christian?  Let me explain…
Paul writes to Titus in chapter 2 on the duties and responsibilities of the seasoned followers of Christ to the younger, newer believers.  He closes chapter 2 with a reiteration of the Gospel and who we are in Him.  In verse 14 he says, “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”  emphasis mine
That phrase, “His own possession”, is a Greek word meaning peculiar.  It is a compound of two words that apart mean, to be around.  So let me see if I can better explain just how truly wonderful it is to be peculiar in Him by the way Ken Wuest describes it.
Draw a circle.  In the middle of the circle, draw a dot.  Now label the circle, God and label the dot, follower of Christ.  Let’s notice some things about this circle and dot.
The circle completely monopolizes the dot.  The circle has the dot all to itself.  Nothing can get to the dot unless it comes into contact and is allowed to cross through by the circle. Now do you see how truly powerful it is to be His possession, to be peculiar in Him?  God has us all to Himself. We are His own, private possession.  No temptation or trial can reach us unless it goes through God first, 1 Cor. 10:13. As we walk, stay obedient and repentive, in the center of God’s Will, He will not permit the enemy to confront us with a temptation too great for us, nor can a time of testing or trial reach us unless it comes through the permissive will of god and when that happens, God’s grace will be given to bear that temptation/trial.
So when others look at us, do they see a peculiar person?  One who is distinctive in character from others?  One who belongs to Christ Jesus because of their words, actions, and deeds?  I should hope so.
So here is to being peculiar!