Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

If you went to the doctor because you discovered a potentially cancerous growth, what would you expect the doctor to say? “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning”? No way! I’d want the doctor to tell me the truth. What is this lump? I need to know. If it’s bad, then of course I’d want it removed as soon as possible. No doctor gets pleasure from cutting into a patient in order to remove cancerous tissue. But it has to be done. I feel the same way about dealing with the subject of sin. If we are living with any form of unconfessed sin in our hearts, it’s deadly. It’s a cancer in your spirit. Unless we undergo God’s divine surgery, sin will grow even more malignant. God’s divine surgery is necessary for total life renewal. We begin by asking God to examine our hearts. Our prayers echo the psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” That’s the prayer. That can be a scary request to make of God, but a necessary one. Once God has dealt with all sin in our lives, we will shine with a renewed heart full of love and compassion. With a heart full of the love of Christ, then we can reach out to our world! 

They tell us that a surprising number of dissatisfied Christians fill our churches today. For many of them, life has just become routine. There’s no joy, no victory, no peace. The passion and joy they once had has faded. I know this well; I was once one of those Christians! Until I realized that Christ wanted to renew my life. Not just part of my life, but all of it. The Christian life is a total lifestyle focused on God himself. Christ’s renewal means we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. We should look pretty much like Jesus most of the time! Paul prayed that “you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Imagine how different our lives would be if we were completely, totally filled with God himself. No area of our lives would be untouched! We would ooze the love of Jesus Christ! That isn’t the experience of too many Christians. And it isn’t what the world sees when it looks at a lot of people in the church today. Imagine the difference if the world saw Christ followers renewed in Jesus, overflowing with passion! Allow Christ to renew your life, so others can’t help but desire what you have in Christ.  

Have you heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer? Quite a few years ago, right after I got saved, I came across the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His radical, give-everything faith still inspires me. Bonhoeffer lived right through to nearly the end of the Second World War. He was a scholar and pastor. Eventually, Bonhoeffer was captured and executed because of his involvement in an underground movement to upend Hitler’s Third Reich. But, that was a risk Bonhoeffer was willing to take. He lived 100% for Jesus and nothing else mattered. In his , Bonhoeffer uses the phrase, “cheap grace” to describe us when we are unwilling to pay the cost of following Jesus – me when I am unwilling to give up parts of my very own self. The phrase has stuck with me all these years and continues to remind me to live 100% for Jesus, just as Bonhoeffer did. What about you? When we say “yes” to “cheap grace,” we’re also saying “no” to true devotion to Jesus Christ? It’s easy to do. It’s easy to say yes to the parts of following Jesus that sound nice. “Love one another” and “Follow me” sound simple, but they require 100% of our full devotion, life, and heart. Let’s do that today, following Jesus Christ and telling others of His great way. Then, we’ll be powerfully reaching our world.

Andy Atkins and his family were on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in the Caribbean and decided to take a small plane tour. All seemed to be going normally when the plane suddenly crashed into the ocean. The plane was upside-down under water. When Andy reached the surface, he couldn’t see his wife or four-year-old-son... they were trapped underwater. Before he could even think twice, complete strangers on a nearby boat dove into the water, swimming toward the wreckage. One of the rescuers happened to be a doctor! These good citizens pulled Andy’s wife, and four-year-old son, by then unconscious, out of the plane. Just days later, when the Atkins were interviewed about the plane crash, both Andy and his wife said over and over, “we just can’t believe that strangers would risk their lives to save ours.” What those good citizens did, is a great picture of what Jesus did for us, isn’t it? The Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” And Jesus did it. How are you laying down your life for the wellbeing of others? Maybe you aren’t risking your physical safety, but by sharing the Good News you might be risking a relationship, or your reputation. It’s worth it though- nothing could be more important in your world than saving lives for eternity. And only Jesus does that.

Audie was born to poor sharecroppers in rural Texas. He was one of twelve children. His father was terribly abusive, eventually abandoning the family, making Audie the functional father of his siblings at a very early age. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he felt compelled to enlist in the military. He also saw it as a way to provide for his family. But Audie was rejected by all branches for being too young and too small. Eventually, he was accepted by the Army, and American history was forever changed as a result. Audie went to Europe with the Army, and through many heroic actions, earned medal after medal, eventually earning the title of “most decorated soldier” in World War II. You know, I think Audie’s story is a good picture of the Kingdom of God. The Bible says the “first will be last and the last will be first.” Everything is upside-down in God’s economy. Audie may have been small, young, and uneducated, but when given the chance, his bravery was unmatched! God has the power to use every single one of us to reach our world. As you set out to reach your world, you may feel too young, or unqualified. But God wants willing hearts and He will use you in ways you couldn’t possibly imagine. He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” And as you have the Holy Spirit, you have power. 

A professor of Psychology at on the east coast has led the way on researching a link between fatherlessness and atheism. He began to study the lives of many atheists and noticed a common thread- either an absent father, or one who was functionally absent, or one who was present but terrible or abusive in some way. A brief look at many of the most famous atheists proves this thesis to be true. Isn’t that interesting? It makes sense- these men began to view their father in Heaven as no different than their earthly father. So for many, it was easier to think God didn’t exist. You know, many people these days are without fathers. I actually lost my father as a young boy. And more and more children are growing up without a Dad. When my Dad died, I found comfort knowing I still had a father in Heaven who would always be there for me. And He has been for all these long years. But many people respond differently. Do you know someone without a Dad? Are you yourself without a Dad? The Good News of Jesus Christ can be of great comfort for you. I really believe that. No matter what kind of disappointment your earthly father has been, your heavenly Father promises, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” He is the “father to the fatherless,” the Bible says. This is Good News and it’s worth sharing with your world around you, and taking it to heart yourself.

Alexander admired his father Philip and hoped to one day be just like him. But as Alexander grew older, their relationship became strained. Philip eventually left Alexander’s mother for another woman, and the tension caused by this would lead to Alexander’s exile. Alexander returned after his father’s assassination, and the world was forever changed. You’ve probably heard of him- this is Alexander who is better known as Alexander the Great. Alexander led his military force in conquering most of the known world in just a few short years. Alexander began to view himself as a god – untouchable, immortal, undefeatable! And all of his exploits would eventually lead to his very early death. While generals today still admire his unmatched military prowess, there is something sad about him too, don’t you think? The Psalmist says, “For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.” It is humility that brings true greatness! No earthly pomp or accomplishment will ever satisfy the deepest longings of your soul. Only Jesus Christ can do that. Turn to Jesus! Give Him your heart.  Give Him your life. And make it your life goal to tell the whole world about Him.   

Many of you can relate to my story… I came to the Lord after 27 years of choosing to go my own way and do my own thing. It’s fresh in my mind because I recently wrote a biography. As I look back, one of the highlights was the winter of 1993. It was then that I said “yes” to the Lord. My dad, Luis Palau, had called and asked me to go to a festival. Dad had invited me to tons of festivals in the past – sometimes I went, sometimes I didn’t. Mostly not. Regardless, he kept inviting me, praying for me, and getting me in front of the Gospel when possible. Finally, in 1993, I said yes to one of Dad’s invitations. That “yes” was the beginning of change, and at that festival in 1993 I surrendered to Jesus. My road to Christ was very long. My parents were discouraged and disheartened time and time again, but they didn’t give up. If you have a son or daughter choosing to go their own way, the way  I did, don’t give up on them. Be faithful and patient. Remember that II Peter says God doesn’t want anyone to perish. It’s God’s desire to work in your child’s life. Keep on praying and continue to present the Good News. Someday, your consistency and persistence will pay off when they say, “Mom, Dad, I’ve given my life to Jesus.”  I pray it will be soon. 

John had never been one to play by the rules. From the earliest of ages, he began to take advantage of situations, cut corners, and cheat others. As he got older, the seriousness of his behaviors only increased. He eventually left his family, became a slave to drug addiction, and with a growing list of crimes to his name, was eventually caught for his wrongdoings and placed in prison. But do you know what happened there? John thought his freedom was taken away when he was incarcerated, but it was just the opposite. John met Jesus in prison, and found a freedom unlike anything he’d ever experienced or dreamt of. John lived his first days as a truly free soul, from behind prison walls. John thought his mistakes were unforgivable, but several fellow prisoners shared with him the Good News of Jesus Christ- that by His dying on a cross for us, Jesus forgives us for all of our sin. All of it! No matter how bad we think we are. The Bible says, “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” No one is too far-gone. No sin is too great. If you have not experienced the freedom that Christ promises, turn to him in your heart today. Just as He forgave and freed John, he wants to forgive and free you. It’s never too late to start over with Jesus Christ.

At an early age Jenny’s father had an affair with another woman and abandoned their family. When Jenny was in college, her main support and best friend, her mom, unexpectedly died. After college, nearly all of Jenny’s friends began to get married, have children and move out of town. As a single woman, she felt left behind. The loneliness became almost paralyzing at times. She felt God had forgotten her. But Jenny eventually came to realize that God Himself is her perfect father! That he has a good plan for her life. And Jenny was a new person after that day! No, God didn’t bring her a husband or bring her Mom back. But God provided Jenny with something far greater- Himself. The Bible says that God’s “strength is made perfect in our weakness,” in II Corinthians. While Jenny’s circumstances have not changed, her life has. She has a renewed confidence in God’s plan, even if she can’t fully understand all of it right now. And she’s spending her time finding other people she can encourage with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Are you lonely today? Do you question God’s plan for your future? Turn to Jesus Christ in your soul today. His Good News of grace and mercy and love will meet you in even the most difficult phases of your life.  

As a New Year begins, many people are caught up in the excitement of all that’s in store. As the calendar turns over to January, many anticipate the firsts for that coming year - perhaps they’re having their first baby, or they’re getting married. But some firsts are not as encouraging. As Gloria looked at the calendar for the New Year, the coming 365 days seemed like a very tall mountain to climb for her. Gloria was looking at her first year without her husband of nearly sixty years. If you’re like Gloria, and looking at the New Year only brings a reminder of new pain, I want to encourage you to cling to Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes that God will make everything beautiful in its time. The Bible also says that God has plans for all of us.  In Jeremiah 29 He reaffirms, “I give you a future and a hope.” So, even when the future seems hopeless, cling to God’s promises and His Good News. God’s love never fails and his promises are true. If you are looking at the New Year with great excitement and anticipation, make it your goal for the New Year to share God’s Good News with a hurting friend. It will be the best resolution you ever made for a new year.      

Max looked up to his Dad more than anyone else. But when Max turned 12, his Dad left the family, shattering everything Max had ever believed about him. So Max re-shifted his focus and admiration to an older man his church. He sought counsel and asked for guidance and encouragement. Max had forged a close bond with this man, when unfortunately the man was convicted of several serious crimes and sent to prison. Max was again let down by someone he admired. This pattern would continue for years- Max would look up to coaches, and teachers and professors, and friends - and they would all eventually let him down. He began to feel as if there was no one he could trust. But do you know something? People will always let us down! The Bible says, “We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” So placing our hope in any person is a sure way to be disappointed. Max needed to place his trust in God alone! If you have a friend who has been let down by other people, share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ- that He is the ultimate friend.  You remember the Lord Jesus said, “You are my friends, if you do what I command you.”  He is the perfect father, the ideal mentor- everything we’ve been looking for. That’s jesus Christ, and your friends need to know Him.

In my daily Bible reading, I noticed one little word in Psalm 108. The word that caught my attention was “wicked.” Can you imagine being called wicked? I sure don’t want to be called a wicked person. The context of the word challenged me. Psalm 108 says, “The upright see and rejoice but the wicked shut their mouths.” It’s nice to think about the upright rejoicing, but have you ever thought that shutting your mouth could be wicked? It’s easy to be quiet when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s easy to keep our relationship with him to ourselves and not “muddy the waters” by talking to others about Jesus. But, the Bible hasn’t asked us to be quiet. In fact, this verse is saying that it’s wicked to shut our mouths. Now, we’re not supposed to be obnoxious or rude when talking about Jesus. That will only push people farther from Him. But, I’d guess that nine out of ten times the reason we don’t speak up isn’t because it’d be obnoxious. Today, let’s take this verse to heart and think about how we can be better witnesses for our Savior. Our world desperately needs Jesus Christ. If you and I know him, let’s determine to not live lives of silence and hiding but rather to be bold and, in love and humility, tell others of God’s love.   

All of us struggle with how to open a conversation with someone and talk to them about Jesus Christ. I have found that one of the greatest ways is when a person at work, or at the office, or in the bank, or in the shopping mall or wherever someone tells you a story of sickness, or family problems, or financial problems at work, the best thing to say is, "You know, I'm glad you told me that. Would you mind if I prayed for you and ask God to answer this prayer?" I have never been turned down by anyone. Even an atheist president of Uruguay in South America said, "I don't believe in God and I don't believe in prayer, but if you want to pray for me, go ahead." I prayed for him and his family and he was crying when I finished. Now, here's a suggestion. When somebody gives you a sad story or a problem in their life, you tell them, "I will pray for God to answer your request."  And then pray.  And then say to them, "When God answers would you let me know, please?"  And you know what?  I have found again and again that the Lord answers and people come back to tell you. And that gives you an opportunity to tell them why you trust the promises of God, how you have seen answers to your prayers, and mostly - and particularly - eternal salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Try it, and let me know how it went for you, would you?  

You know, one of the most difficult things for us as Christians is knowing how to get a conversation going when we want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I was praying two years ago and I said, "Lord, what can I do to let the people at my bank know that I care for them, that I like them, and that I want to get going in a conversation?"  So the Lord laid it on my heart, and I decided to buy them Starbucks gift cards. I found out that all of them drink coffee, so I go them the cards. They haven't got to be expensive, it can be $15, 25, whatever, and I did it. I bought them. There are only six employees in this supermarket, and I gave each one of them a card two years ago. I'm going to do it again this year.  You know, it works magic! Now when I walk by they call me by name, they want to talk, they ask me where I'm going, what am I doing this week, why am I going to Asia - and its open doors for me to share the Good News like few things that have ever happened. You can create your own way to get a conversation going, but the Bible says, "Be kind to one another."  And when you show kindness, and friendship, and love, and thoughtfulness, the Lord opens the doors.  Let me know what your style is. I'd like to tell about it on this program.