STEP FORWARD – 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Mark 3:3 NKJV
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15 NIV
What we do is very important. Our actions demonstrate our heart’s condition. They express our faith, our love for God, and our love for others. When we step forward in what we do, God can do beyond what we could ask or think!
Stepping forward in what we say is just as important! If we do not verbally point to Jesus, how will people know the reason for our actions?
“How can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
When is the last time you verbally pointed people to Jesus? When is the last time you gave Him credit publicly or told somebody that Jesus loves him or her? Our passage for today asks an obvious question that we often overlook- “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
People need to hear about Jesus. They need to hear the “truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) about the One who can make them new. If we don’t tell about Jesus when we serve, how will they know we aren’t just “good” people doing a “good” deed? If we don’t break the ice, how will they know they can ask us their questions?
Our God is alive! He gave of Himself so that we might live. In a world so full of empty religion, we have a powerful hope to share. Jesus loves men and women, all ethnicities, and all ages equally. We can’t shy back, cower down, or be afraid to offend. We must step forward in what we say and lovingly tell people of the hope we have. If we don’t, who will?
APPLICATION
– Set a goal to share Jesus with one person today. Ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share and pray that He will give you the boldness to speak when the opportunity comes.
– Thank God for the legacy of our church. Thank Him that Jesus has been boldly preached for over 100 years. Pray that the Gospel would be boldly declared through our church until He returns. Thank Him in advance for the opportunity to share Jesus with countless people through Connect Groups, Liberty Anywhere, and through new campuses that He will give us.
– Pray that the people in Hampton Roads would know the difference Jesus makes. Pray that someone would share with them today.