Our Running Right theme for May is Urgency.
The Christian life is compared to a race, not a stroll. Race implies a sense of urgency. If our goal is to share the gospel with as many people as possible during our time on Earth, and we don't know how long we have, then each one of us needs to live a life of urgency.
There are many ways to reach someone nowadays. Depending on the urgency of the message, you can choose to call, text, or mail a letter. Ultimately, we find a way to make sure our message is delivered! But what do you consider urgent?
In Acts 9:3-20, Saul encountered Jesus along the road to Damascus and lost his sight for three days. Because Aninius was in tune with God, he spoke to God in a vision concerning Saul. He sensed the urgency! Ananias went to Saul and sensed the urgency! Ananius went directly to Saul and God gave Saul his vision back through Ananius' obedience. Because of Ananius’ urgency, Saul’s vision was restored, and he began to preach BOLDLY the message of the Son of God.
There are two points I encourage you to remember when spreading the message and the urgency thereof.
1. Haste: Jesus talked about the end times and final judgment to show the haste we should have in spreading the plan of salvation.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt. 24:14).
Say not ye, There are yet four months and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white ALREADY to harvest. (John 4:35)
2. Dependence: When sharing the good news of salvation, Jesus said we are dependent on the Holy Spirit. God’s power changes hearts. We can't change hearts.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on me;...Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come (John 16: 7-9, 13).
Sharing the gospel will not always have immediate results, but the urgency of the message should always prompt us to share it while we run the race.
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