Do you understand what I am talking about yet? Do you find the Bible less difficult to understand? When you open the Bible to Colossians, Luke, Jeremiah, do you take comfort knowing the audience and the time it was written? Do you understand the unique ministry and writings of Paul? If you answered yes to these questions then you have a secret mission.
Don’t you love a good mystery adventure? Didn’t you always want to be the star in an action thriller? Well here is your chance, this mission requires the greatest of caution and sensitivity as you share the secrets of….THE MYSTERY…dun, dun, dun.
I am being a little silly, but I am very serious. This teaching of the mystery that I have been going over for several months now is an excellent and superior message. Many people who you go to church and Sunday School with don’t get it. They are frustrated, confused or just don’t care about understanding the Bible anymore. It is your job to gently show them the truth from God’s word. However, I have several warnings as you take on this mission, I have seen other agents lose their cool in a tough situation, but if you have the correct tools at your disposal you will hear: MISSION COMPLETED.
Look at 2 Corinthians for your mission if you choose to accept it. 5:11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”
Go ahead and please read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, here are a few points I want to make.
1. Who are we persuading? Those who don’t yet know the riches of the mystery of Christ. However, this is not an opportunity for you to prove you are right and they are wrong. This is not an opportunity for you to be exalted for your brilliance or debate skills. Our arguments should be filled with humility and our speech should be seasoned with grace. In your Bible studies or at church, gently begin pointing out things that differ, don’t argue just bring these things to their attention and let the Holy Spirit show them. Explaining the inclusive nature of the gospel of Christ by acting like you are superior will only turn people away. Remember you are humble, your message is superior.
2. What should control us? Christ’s love. Christ spoke and acted out love. If you find yourself talking more than doing people will stop listening. Be an example out of love to those around you. Search out those who need to see God through you and then be love to them, once you have built trust through love then begin sharing this truth. Be careful that you do both, love and share, no one will mysteriously understand the reason behind your action unless you tell them.
3. You are ambassadors and what is your mission? “Be reconciled to God…or else…?” “Believe as I believe or I can no longer be your friend?” Of course not. I don’t believe that is the kind of ambassador that Christ would want representing Him. The key here is unity. Paul’s writings say more about unity within the body than it does about the mystery.
Maintain unity and a spirit of humility and you are on the right track to show those around you the excellent message of the mystery. This message was hidden from generations, but now we know that at the cross God made a way for people who were enemies of Him to become righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. God revealed this message through His apostle Paul who took this message directly to the Gentile after Israel’s rejection. Now, Jew and Gentile are co-heirs with Christ patiently awaiting glory.
On a personal note I wanted to thank all of those that are reading; it is amazing and encouraging to me. I get private notes from many people, these notes are helping me to keep plugging along. I just got word from my publisher that my book is on track to come out in November. It is a Bible Study book that takes you through Acts and explains the mystery to anyone. Think about a group that would benefit from a study like this, it could be another tool you use on your mission!
I will be on vacation next week so don’t expect a post, take a week off!
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