What's Your Way In?

A few weeks back as a church we were asked to pray for those who don't know Jesus. Whether that person is a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, or even someone you don't know, we asked that you pray for those people leading up to Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The hope is that you would invite that person or persons to church. But inviting someone to church can be difficult. What if you're an introvert and talking to people, especially those you don't know well, can be difficult. What if talk to someone about your faith and they are not remotely interested in what you have to say? Nobody wants to deal with rejection. What if faith or church is simply not important to them?

Instead of focusing on how difficult it is to invite someone how about focusing on this question: Why do people need Jesus?

We live in a world that is increasingly telling us to focus on the wrong things. Amass more wealth. Ignore the stranger because that's not "your" problem. Don't help those in need because someone else will do it so we don't need to worry about it.

But what we need to know is this. We need Jesus, maybe now more than ever. Remember that Jesus came to show us a different way to live. Jesus showed us that we do need to care for others and we do need to look out for those who are less fortunate.

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus states :"For where your treasure is, your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) 

Our heart can't be in what the world tells us is important. We need to be willing and able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. A gospel of hope for everyone. The question of why people need Jesus can be answered, sometimes you just have to find an avenue to share it. I'd like to share a short story with you that speaks to that idea. Three weeks ago we had a sports play-day at Trinity. There were forty kids here from various places such as the Arlington Life Shelter, the Salvation Army, domestic violence centers, and apartment complexes around Arlington. What you need to know is this might be one of only a handful of times these kids can simply be kids and run around and play. And I love to play sports so I was running around playing basketball, gaga ball, and nine square all day. In all that craziness one moment stuck out. I went to get my bible off the stage to mark my place for the lunch devotional and this little girl named Zoey ran up to me and asked what I was reading. I told her I was reading my bible and she asked if she could read to me. Of course I let her and she began to read about the Fruits of the Spirit. Once she was done reading she asked if she could read to me again after lunch.

The point here is that in all the craziness that was going on this little girl wanted to read the bible and learn more. Sports and the play-day was simply an avenue, or a way in, to talk about scripture. I truly believe that each of us can share the gospel in that way. Find a way in with anyone and everyone you meet so that you can share the good news. There is too much at stake for us to leave it to someone else. Find a way in with those that you meet so you can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace & Peace
Kevin