Our Christian Responsibility
Jesus told His followers, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).
When you read the book of Acts, it is very clear that the church increased rapidly as the individual members felt their personal responsibility to follow Christ’s instructions. Many Christians today think that this is strictly the role of the pastor, evangelist or missionary. According to Christ’s instructions, we are all called to share God’s message to lost people.
Acts 8:3 states that Saul, made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Today, if that happened, what would you do? How committed are you know to take care of the responsibility Christ has given us? Acts 8:4 reveals that the persecution was so great that it scattered the Christians abroad. Both James and Peter address their epistles to the scattered saints. But we should note that they were not running from the Lord. In fact, Acts 8:4 reveals that everywhere they went, they preached the Word of God.
We need to recognize that the main reason Jesus Christ left heaven was for seeking and saving those who were lost (Luke 19:10). He came into our world to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15). If we are truly followers of Jesus, then this should be our purpose as well. This is the responsibility He gave us and when we obey we honor His blessed name. We must recognize that we are His representatives on earth. Are you faithful for Jesus’ sake?
Another reason for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for the sake of others. If we truly love others as we say we do and honestly want to do good for others we must point them to Christ. There is no greater good. We need reminding that people without God are really perishing all about us, dying of the deadliest disease ever, even deadlier than the coronavirus. We must see them as God sees them, totally without hope (Ephesians 2:12). Jesus Christ is the only remedy for sin and it is our duty to apply this remedy to those who are perishing.
So, we ought to be sharing Christ with others for His sake, for the sake of others and lastly for our own sake. Ezekiel 33:8 indicates that there is condemnation for us if we fail to warn others, but there is also a rich reward when we are faithfully obedient. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3). The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:3).
Do you realize that at the very instant a person receives the Lord Jesus Christ into their life, the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence within that person, giving him both spiritual life and everlasting life? There could be no greater friend than someone who shares the glorious gospel with another. Romans 8:9 states – But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. When you share Christ with another and they in turn receive Christ as their own Lord and Savior, not only does the Spirit of God immediately indwell them, but they are immediately adopted into the family of God (Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5). They trust Christ and immediately become part of God’s family making them brothers and sisters in Christ. Have you ever said to a new believer, “Welcome to the family?” How many people are now part of God’s family because of your obedience?
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.