Category Archives: Gospel

Bible, Gospel, Proclaim, Scripture, Witnessing

PROCLAIM!

COLOSSIANS 4:4

“that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.”

I was called to full-time ministry as a high school senior. In fact, shortly after my salvation, I knew the Lord was directing me to that. Little did I know all that was involved in that. But there was one thing I knew it involved – proclaiming the Gospel. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are called to preach. You can proclaim the Gospel in a lot of ways.

Paul knew he was called by God on that Damascus road to reach the Gentiles. What?! A Pharisee reaching out to Gentiles? Do you remember what the Lord told Ananias to tell Paul? In Acts 9:15, we read, “‘This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.’” Paul knew he was called to proclaim!

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul tells the Corinthian believers that we all have this calling – to proclaim the Word. “Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.” We have the duty to try to persuade others using God’s Word. Persuade to what? To follow Jesus.

Acts 20:20-21 tell us Paul’s thoughts regarding this call to proclaim. “20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul knew his calling and was always telling others to proclaim and share the Gospel.

Don’t think for a moment that you are exempt from this as a believer. Don’t try to claim Moses’ excuse (stuttering) or Simon Peter’s excuse (too busy fishing). Ask the Lord how He wants you to proclaim the Gospel. You may be surprised at the way in which He leads you. Just proclaim!

O Lord, use me to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in whatever manner You desire.

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Bible, Body, Church, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COLOSSIANS 4:3

“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”

Praying for others is such a privilege. I have been praying for some of my friends and some missionaries I know for over twenty years. As part of my role with Every Man A Warrior, I lead the Prayer Ministry. I ask quite often for prayer requests from our leaders so I can share those with some of our Intercessors. It truly is a privilege to pray for others.

Paul is asking the Colossian believers to pray for him. He asks specifically that they pray for an open door to “proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Don’t miss the point that he is asking this even though he is in prison for doing exactly that. Paul was not afraid. He wanted more and more opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians a similar request. “19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul was asking everyone to pray for him.

2 Corinthians 1:11 gives us another glimpse into Paul asking for prayers from others. “if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.” Even the writer of Hebrews asks for prayers in Hebrews 13:18-19. “18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you more quickly.”

So, what’s my point? Pray for others and let others know your requests. The Body of Christ needs prayer. We need to be praying for others. We need to lift each other before the throne of God daily. Don’t be bashful to ask for prayer. God may just use your request for prayer to spur someone to drop to their knees, thus drawing them closer to Him.

O Lord, I lift up all my family and friends today and ask You to work in their lives according to Your perfect Will.

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Bible, Gospel, Scripture, Witnessing

WITH YOU IN SPIRIT

COLOSSIANS 2:5

“For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.”

Don’t you just love that we can now video chat with others no matter the distance? On my recent trip to East Africa, I was able to FaceTime with my wife and other family as long as I had reliable internet. It was as if I was right there with them. I video chat with people all over the world on a regular basis. It helps so much to see and hear them as we talk.

Paul didn’t have FaceTime or WhatsApp. I wonder how his missionary journeys may have changed. I think he had rather be there in person. He had received reports on their faith and was “rejoicing to see” all that was taking place in their lives. Can you imagine as he sat in a Roman prison how he was encouraged that the gospel was still strong?

APPLICATIONS

In 2 Corinthians 5:3, we see Paul using similar language. “For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present.” In this instance, he was exercising his authority, even though he was not physically present in Corinth. Paul’s words meant something.

How does this apply to us? We cannot be everywhere at once. It’s just not possible. But we have the privilege to influence others in a variety of ways even though we are not physically present. As mentioned, we can video chat through FaceTime, WhatsApp or other applications. This can have tremendous impact.

We can continue to use other media like radio, television, livestreaming or even just phone calls. Is there someone you need to reach out to? How can you do that? Which way will they respond to the best? Tell them, “I am absent in body, but I am present in spirit.”

Lord, use me to reach others around the world. Thank You for the technological advances we can use to spread the gospel.

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Bible, Commissioned, Commitment, Gospel, Scripture

COMMISSIONED

COLOSSIANS 1:25

“I was made a minister of this church according to the commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,” 

I take my calling seriously. Having been called into the ministry at an early age (17 years old), I have been responding to the Lord’s leadership for a lot of years. I was a senior in high school when God called me. There was no mistake about it. I did not want to be a minister, much less a missionary. God had other plans. Now, 47 years later, God is still directing me. That “commission” I received from the Lord back in 1977 is still in effect.

Paul had been a Pharisee before he met Jesus on that Damascus road. His calling was a little more dramatic than mine. I am sure he was also surprised that God intended for him to reach the Gentiles, not the Jews. His calling was to a people that he had despised as a Pharisee. His calling was to “fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.” I think we can all agree (if you have studied Paul’s life) that he did that well. He was faithful to the end. He is one of the first people I want to meet in heaven one day. I am sure he has lots of other stories about his missionary journeys that are not recorded in Scripture.

APPLICATION

The word “commission” is the Greek word oikonomia. Strong’s Lexicon says, “this concept was easily understood by early Christians and was applied metaphorically to describe the stewardship of spiritual truths and the administration of God’s redemptive plan.” According to that, we are all commissioned by God. We all should be good stewards of spiritual truths and should all be sharing God’s redemptive plan.

In 1 Corinthians 9:16-18, we see Paul further explaining his “commission.” “16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission nonetheless. 18 What, then, is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”

You may not be a preacher. You may not be a missionary. But you have been commissioned by God to carry forth His truths to the world. You have in your possession as a believer the greatest story ever told. Fulfill your commission today. Tell someone about Jesus.

Lord, send me out to the world to share Your truths and Your redemptive plan.

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Abundance, Bible, Fruit, God's Will, Gospel, Scripture, Unfruitful

FRUIT BEARING

COLOSSIANS 1:6

“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth;” 

Trees that don’t bear fruit often meet a fatal end. The farmers can’t afford to have a tree take up valuable land and nutrients if isn’t producing fruit. There are so many stories in the Bible about fruit bearing. Jesus told several Himself. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells this parable. “6 And He began telling this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, “Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?” 8 But he answered and said to him, “Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.”’”

The Greek word Paul uses for “bearing fruit” is karpophoreó. Strong’s Lexicon says karpophoreó “is often used metaphorically to refer to the visible results or outcomes of a person’s life or actions, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. The term implies productivity and the manifestation of inner qualities or virtues.” Just as God expected Israel to bear fruit (the image of the fig tree in the parable), He expects us to do the same.

APPLICATION

But Carl, I’m not a preacher. Nobody said you had to be a preacher to bear fruit. Our verse today says the gospel will itself bear fruit, if we will just share it. You don’t win a soul to heaven. God does through the Holy Spirit. You are simply the tool He has chosen to use. If you didn’t realize it already, God still uses people to accomplish His will.

This word karpophoreó is used eight times in the New Testament. Four times it is used in the Gospels (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20, 28; Luke 8:15) where Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Paul uses it twice in Romans (7:4, 5) referring to the battle between law and grace producing fruit for life or death. Then finally we have the last two occurrences in Colossians (1:6, 10). We will see verse 10 in a few days.

Why am I telling you all this? Because fruit bearing is important. Take a minute and read John 15. Look at how the vine and branches are meant to produce fruit. We are the branches designed by God to produce fruit for His kingdom. Share the gospel. Share His Word. Tell someone about Jesus this Christmas season and watch how God will produce the fruit.

Forgive me Father, for not being more bold in witnessing about Jesus. Use me to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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Bible, Boldness, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR PRAYER

EPHESIANS 6:19

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,”

It hard to ask for prayers for yourself, isn’t it? I remember when I went through my second stem cell transplant, I truly believe the Lord told me to not pray for my healing. Instead, He burdened others to pray for me. When I was asked by others how they could pray for me, I told them to pray I would be an example of humility and faith for others to see. I hope I was able to do that well to please the Father.

So, we find Paul here in today’s verse asking for prayer. He didn’t ask them to pray for protection from his enemies (and he had many). He asked them pray for him to be bold in his speech so he could present the gospel well. Remember where he was when he wrote this letter to the Ephesians. He was under house arrest in Rome. Humility and meekness were what Paul exhibited. I truly believe God gave him an audience there in that Roman incarceration.

APPLICATION

Paul asked that he be given a divine utterance. That is what the original language truly says. The word used for “speech” is the Greek word logos. That is the same word used to describe Christ. Just look at John 1. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Paul is asking that Christ fill his mouth. Shouldn’t we ask for the same?

The word “opening” is only used here in the New Testament. Now, let’s just talk about that for a second. We are in the middle of a pretty heated political season here in the U.S. Perhaps if both candidates would pray for the correct “opening” of their mouth, this campaign season would be a lot less volatile. Don’t you think? We should do the same. We should weigh every word that comes out of our mouths.

Finally, Paul asks for boldness. That Greek word means, “leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul wanted all those who heard his words about Jesus to remember them. He wanted to see others come to Christ. We should have the same motive when speaking. Do that today. Share the gospel with someone in your circle of influence today.

Lord, You promise to give us the words to speak when we need them. Stop our mouths with Your Word today.

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Bible, Feet, Gospel, Peace, Scripture, Witnessing

A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES

EPHESIANS 6:15

“and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

My dad used to say there was nothing more important than a good pair of shoes. He had a big foot. He wore an 11 EEE. He was very flatfooted and actually was discharged from the army because his feet couldn’t take the marches. He ordered his shoes from a company. So, when I had to start getting special shoes because of my neuropathy, I thought of him. He would have probably had some good advice for me on this. I sure do miss him. In fact, today is his birthday. Happy birthday, Dad.

Paul had been around enough soldiers in his life to know the importance of their footwear. Roman soldiers wore these special shoes (sandals) in battle that had spikes so they could secure their feet when fighting. I think it is interesting that Paul says we need to strap on our feet “the preparation of the gospel of peace” while perhaps thinking of these Roman shoes. That’s just a guess, though. He definitely knew that footwear was important.

APPLICATION

I thought of Romans 10:15 when I read today’s verse. “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” This is a quote from Isaiah 52:7 which says, “How delightful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

In Mark 6:7-13, we have the story of when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs. Even He emphasized strapping on their shoes or sandals. Look at this passage and see how it compares with our verse today. “7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not wear two tunics.’ 10 And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.”

How does that compare to strapping on your shoes of peace we see today in our verse? The disciples were delivering the gospel to lost souls. We are delivering the gospel to lost souls. We need to do it in peace, not arrogantly. We deliver it. They receive it or not. Are you strapped today, not as in carrying a gun, lol. I mean, do you have your gospel shoes on?

Father, thank You for providing me the right pair of shoes.

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Bible, Choices, Death, Decisions, Eternal Life, Eternity, Gospel, Offenses, Scripture, Sin

YOU WERE DEAD

Ephesians 2:1

“And you were dead in your offenses and sins,” 

Let me let you in on a little secret – dead means dead. I have attended a lot of funerals and burials and have never once met someone who came back from that event. I am not trying to be hurtful or disrespectful if you have gone through that recently. I just know that death is the final act of this earthly body. Unless you are lucky enough to have been brought back medically, everyone who is reading this has never experienced death – yet.

Paul kind of slaps the Ephesians in the face with today’s verse. “You were dead! D-E-A-D, Dead!” Why? Because of their offenses and sins. Remember Romans 6:23? “For the wages of sin is death,…” The result of the fall of man in the garden was death – physical and spiritual death. Without an intervention by God, man would die spiritually because of their sins. Paul wants the Ephesians to remember that.

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking Well, thanks for the good news, Carl. That really made my day! You have to hang on. The first three verses of chapter 2 are all about showing us what we were BEFORE Jesus. In verse four we will see the good news. So, just hang in there. Keep coming back each day to get the full picture. This may feel like a cliffhanger, but I promise there is a bridge in sight.

Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned—” It all sounds so hopeless, doesn’t it? We have all been infected by this germ called “sin.” It is highly contagious. In fact, we were all born with it. Now hang on, Carl. You can’t tell me those precious little babies are sin filled. According to Scripture, yep! I don’t believe a baby or child will be held accountable for that until they are able to hear and comprehend the Gospel (but that’s a whole other discussion for another day).

I love 1 John and how John shows when we have left this sin-filled life and chosen to live our lives for Jesus. He says this in 1 John 3:14. “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death.” This is how we apply this verse. First, we accept Jesus, and then we show the world. Can you live today in that manner? Through Christ, you can.

O Lord, You have given me a new life. Help me live it honoring You.

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Bible, Blessing, Goodness, Gospel, Humility, Kindness, Love, Scripture, Service

JUST DO GOOD 

GALATIANS 6:9 

“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” 

I enjoy doing good. Don’t you? I mean, I really enjoy watching the reaction of people when I get the chance to do something good. Maybe it’s an unexpected, extra tip to a waitress. It could be secretly paying someone’s utility bill when you know they are struggling. We should never tire of doing those things when we have the opportunity. 

Why does Paul bring this up in today’s verse? He has just finished talking about reaping and sowing, flesh and spirit. He needs to remind the Galatians that doing good is admirable and is definitely Spirit driven, not flesh driven. He also knows that doing good, especially towards the unbelievers in their midst, could open doors for evangelism and the spread of the Gospel. 

APPLICATION 

Paul says over in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” In other words, don’t quit. Don’t give in. God’s work is never done. There is plenty to do. 

Paul even tells us there is a promise if we don’t give up. We will “reap, if we don’t grow weary.” Over in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul says, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” 

What work are you doing right now? What good? Don’t stop. You may never hear a thank you from the person you are helping. It’s not about them. It’s all about being obedient to the Lord when He tells you to do something. That’s where you will receive the reward from one day. Don’t grow weary. 

Father God, give me the strength to serve others as You direct. 

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Backbiting, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Destruction, Devour, Enemies, Gospel, Scripture

BACKBITING

GALATIANS 5:15

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”

We have all probably experienced the painful results of backbiting. Backbiting is defined as “malicious talk about someone who is not present.” If that has been done to you, you know the distrust it can bring. I pray you are not the one that has been doing it. It is never edifying and always destructive.

That’s where we find Paul today – addressing the issue of backbiting (or at least the possibility of it) among the Galatians. Paul uses some pretty descriptive words in this verse. In the application below I want to look at three words – bite, devour and consume. He paints a picture that no Christian should want to be a part of.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “bite” is not used in reference to animals biting. It is only used once, right here in the New Testament. It literally means to harm seriously, to backbite, to bite. It is not a little nibble. It is an intentional, meant-to-harm bite. This kind of bite leaves a mark, a wound. If you have experienced this, you know what I mean.

Secondly, Paul uses the Greek word translated “devour.” This word means to “eat all the way down (figuratively) utterly devour, leaving nothing; ferociously consume all the way down,” In Matthew 23:14, Jesus says, “‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses even while for appearances’ sake you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.’” The one doing the devouring intends to completely destroy the other person.

Finally, we see the word “consume.” It is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and in Luke 9:54, which interestingly enough is when James and John asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire from heaven to consume a village. They were upset about being rebuffed by them and wanted them wiped out. Oftentimes, the one doing the backbiting is motivated out of hurt they feel towards the other person.

So, what do these three words teach us about the perils of backbiting? It is never constructive, but always destructive. It brings harm to the one doing the backbiting as well as the one being talked about. It has no place in the family of God and will do nothing to help spread the message of the Gospel. If you are a victim of this, forgive. If you are the perpetrator, stop. It’s that simple.

Father, let us love in word and deed. Let us show others the love of Jesus every day.

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