Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

Why do we go to school? The answer is obvious: To learn. We study so that we might learn things we do not know. Now, stop and think - would God ever enroll in school? I pose the question tongue-in-cheek, of course. I say it to help us realize the simple truth that God is all-knowing.God does not need an assistant to keep Him informed about what's happening in the world. He already knows. He does not need reference manuals on certain subjects, nor does He read background files on people. He already knows. The Bible says, "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." That may be an intimidating thought, but I suggest the contrary. Serving an all-knowing God actually brings utmost comfort and security. Every problem you face, every worry you have, every deep inner need ... God already knows it. You don't have to try to explain it or hope that He understands. He knows. And He cares. If you are resisting God's all-knowing nature, I encourage you to turn your fear upside down. Let yourself instead be comforted and encouraged to talk to Him in prayer.  After all, he knows you and he loves you.  Who, in your life, needs to hear this message?

When is the last time you lost yourself in the act of stargazing? I mean - literally staring up into the night sky, letting yourself be awestruck. There is nothing like the feeling of being so tiny in the grand scheme of the entire universe.What captures me when I'm stargazing is God's greatness. God is the creator of the heavens, and He's the creator of me. He is eternal and He is infinite. The very first verse in the Bible reveals His eternal nature. Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." That means God existed before anything else, even before time! While that may baffle your brain, let it kindle your heart. God stands outside of time and creation. He was and is and will forever be! Do you know someone today who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ, yet is searching for something great and mighty? Our human minds struggle to comprehend what it means to be infinite and eternal ... and yet we long for the One who is. We desire God because He has created us to be in relationship with Him. Who can you take with you to go stargazing tonight? It would be an opportune time to share God's truth and love as revealed in His son, Jesus Christ.

Mark Twain once said, "Most people are bothered by those passages of scripture they don't understand, but the passages that bother me are those that I do." When it comes to discussing your faith with others and prayerfully attempting to lead them to faith in Christ, the roadblocks that come up are often the secondary and third level issues. But those issues are just a distraction from what really matters.  If any person will ever accept Christ, it is going to be a matter of faith.  There are thousands of secondary issues to be argued over, but what about the primary issues? Ultimately there are certain facts that have to be wrestled with- Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus lives today. What do you do with these facts? Faith requires the humbling of ourselves to say we don't understand it all but we do believe it.  We don't deserve it but we want it. It is all about God and it is not about us. The Bible says that if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord that we are saved. It's not necessarily a lack of information that keeps people from loving God- it's a lack of formation, a lack of faith. Pray for your friends. Faithfully share the Good News. And watch as God grows the seed you plant in their life.

The Bible says in Romans, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." Do you think your neighbors can tell that you are different?  If they were to read that Scripture in Romans, would they see you are capitulating or remaining faithful?  Why is it that the church in many ways can become completely blended in with the surrounding culture?  What are our defining characteristics?  Is it okay to blend in?  The Bible calls Christ followers to a radical life- a life that should cause you to stand out.If you are just the same as everyone else- why would anyone want what you have?  The world is hurting.  People are confused.  They have real questions about death and life.  Are you someone they would turn to for answers? Or do they see you as just as confused as them?  You don't have to know everything - but you should be seen as someone who has met the all-knowing God!God has something much bigger for you than blending in. I once heard it said, "Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out." Keep these words in mind as you go about your day.  Stand out and show the world what a life surrendered to Jesus looks like.  Your example, followed by an explanation of who Jesus is, may lead many to the Lord.

Do you struggle making wise choices with your life?  I suppose we all do at times.  I'm reminded often of these words found in Proverbs, "The fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom."  If you're struggling to determine what is wrong or what is right- consider the God of the universe.  Do you have a healthy fear of Him?  This is not the same as terror or being frightened- God is good and He is love.  Rather, this fear is an awe-inspired respect.  It is a healthy awareness of God's power and glory and justice.  It is proper reverence.  Have you become too casual with God?  If the fear of God is the beginning, then we have to start there.  If we are going to live lives that are, as Paul writes in Colossians, "worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..." then we must begin with reverence for our Creator.  Kneel before Him every day and acknowledge who He is.  Humble your heart before Him and give Him glory and praise.  Honoring the Lord is the first step in spiritual growth and wise decision-making.  As you do this, listen for God prompting you to tell others of the personal relationship you enjoy with the creator.  They too, desperately need to know Him.

A great hero of faith, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, once wrote to his fiancee, "Our marriage must be a 'yes' to God's earth. It must strengthen our resolve to do and accomplish something on earth. I fear that Christians who venture to stand on earth on only one leg will stand in heaven on only one leg too."  I think his quote, while humorous, actually reflects Jesus' words in John 17, "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."Jesus has sent us into the world.  He does not want to take us out of the world.  We are on a mission while we're here!  We are not of this world- but we are in it, and we can work to do God's will while we are.  Resist the temptation to separate, vacate, and alienate. Stay when others leave. Build relationships.  Share God's love. This will radically transform you and those you're trying to reach, as well as open doors to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with your world.

What did Jesus mean when he said we are to be a "city on a hill"? We are not just to hear God's Word, we are to do God's Word- but in order to do it, we must understand it.The phrase "city on a hill" comes from a passage in Matthew- Jesus' sermon on the mount.  Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."Are you shining?  Standing out?  Living differently?  Or do you live just like everyone else- blending in with the culture and going completely unnoticed?  As followers-of-Jesus, we need to live differently than the rest of the world.  Our love and service should be evident.  Our lives should be characterized by things of God.  Today, ask God what you need to change so that your life is like a city on a hill- an example for others.  Then, make a correlation between your good deeds and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Tell those in your life that they too can know the same God who has made such a difference in you. 

I've recently been motivated to not only see evangelism happen in my personal life, and on a bigger scale in festival evangelism, but to also take it back to the local church and make a difference there.  We can all work to mobilize and inspire others to be evangelistic.  We can show our brothers and sisters faith in action.  Your actions can be more impactful than just those you share the Good News with- you can set an example for others in your church to follow. You can lead others to more consistently, powerfully, and boldly reach their world!Our role in evangelism, should be to evangelize, but should also be reviving faith and expectation.  Let your pastor know that you're excited and want to be part of helping your church in evangelistic efforts.  Grow your church to the next level.  Be the catalytic person.  Start with a prayer time.  Ask God to spark a revival in the hearts of the people. The Bible says that God is patient, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Perhaps you are the person God will use to share his saving grace in your church and beyond!  Have a posture of faith and expectation and God will use you to make a lasting impact!

So many amazing heroes of the faith died young. Have you ever noticed that? Some lived into old age, but the pattern of many dying young is undeniable.  But, wouldn't you rather live a short life that glorifies God, than a long boring life that accomplishes little? It's not how much time we're on Earth but what we do with the time that we're given that counts.Jesus did not live into old age. He lived on earth 33 years and altered the course of human history. And it was the same for many of His followers. Living a long full life is a blessing! But living fewer years can have even greater impact. It has often been said, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." Isn't this true? Their stories of courage and bravery inspire generations! They believe the words of Jesus, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." God may not be calling you to an early death, but He may be calling you to "lay down your life" by re-ordering your priorities, or by more fully devoting yourself to Him. Learn from those who have given it all for Jesus Christ and share their stories as a way of reaching your world. God will use you powerfully.

Zac and Mandy were a wonderful couple. Their life was blessed and they were happy. And then suddenly, Zac was diagnosed with stage four cancer. At only 32, death was imminent. And then a miracle! After surgery, a scan showed he was cancer-free. They rejoiced and praised God for His miraculous healing.  But then, the unthinkable... A routine follow-up scan months later showed the cancer had not only returned but had spread. Zac was no longer responding to chemo. It was at this time that Zac said, "If God chooses to heal me, God is God and God is good. And if He doesn't and I die, God is still God and God is still good." Zac died several weeks later, full of faith. His grieving wife, echoed her husband's sentiments sharing through tears, "God is still God and God is still good." These responses of faith as people face death, show that they understand that death is just the beginning. Jesus promises life eternal! The Bible says in John, "whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish but have eternal life." If you or someone you know is close to death, share with them that there is life beyond death - an eternal home with Jesus Christ. We can believe and say with faith, no matter what, that "God is still God and God is still good."

For those who love God, death doesn't have to be a scary thing.  The Psalms say, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." God rejoices in welcoming home His children, and His children rejoice in going home. But you know, for those still living, it's not so simple. Even though we know intellectually that our loved ones are home, it's still difficult at times because we miss them so much!  I'm sure you've experienced those feelings of deep grief and pain. Remember that God is a God of comfort and He wants to give you His peace. If you know someone who is feeling this way, perhaps God wants to use YOU to comfort them. Lending a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on can be a powerful way of reaching your world.  When my Dad was dying, he quoted St. Paul's letter to the Philippians saying, "I am going to be with the Lord Jesus, 'which is better by far.'" I've clung to those words countless times.  As I child I wanted my father to be with me, but I was assured by my earthly father's faith that my Heavenly Father's promises are true.  If you feel left behind by your loved one who is with the Lord, believe God's promises, and persevere- knowing that this life is short and you'll be with them soon.

Brandy was beautiful and talented and popular. She seemed to have everything going for her. But what most didn't know was that her parent's marriage had fallen apart and she moved out at a young age. I met Brandy at a London outreach just as all this was happening. After I gave the invitation to receive Jesus Christ, she leapt up and came forward. She told me her story and how she felt hopeless and confused. But God was speaking to her, and the Gospel penetrated her heart.  She was radically changed! Several years later I received a phone call I wasn't expecting- Brandy was killed in a car accident. She was only 16. They asked me to speak at her funeral. I flew to London immediately. The funeral was filled with celebrities, business leaders, and politicians.  They all spoke of how Brandy influenced their life.  Countless people, including her family, came to Christ because of her example. I was overwhelmed by the impact this young girl had in only a few short years! You know, we're all going to die, and it may be sooner than we think. Ask God, just as Moses did, to teach you to "number your days." Remember to make them count! Because we never know when God will take us home. I will never forget the way 16-year-old Brandy changed the world. Will you change your world with God's love? 

When hard times come, it can sadly lead us to ask the question, "Where is God in all of this?" It's in these times of difficulty and doubt that we must look to God's promises. Jesus said, "never will I leave you never will I forsake you." That is a fact. So, even in the face of all kinds of trouble, we can live our lives as more than conquerors.  In the face of all kinds of trouble, we're not separated from his love. Hunger, poverty, divorce, depression, adultery, and cancer can't separate us. Impending dangers, harsh situations, physical attacks and even death can't separate us.  Confidence in God's promises of his faithful love, especially in the face of the inevitable problems in life, is the testimony that will lead others to say, "I want that, I need that." Proving that your life is perfect is not the testimony that draws people.  Proving, through Christ, that we live in victorious confidence, draws people.  God's love in trials is an attractive faith.  With that you can reach your world.  That's the kind of love that's worth sharing.

It's much easier to blame others for our problems than it is to take responsibility.  But, once we take responsibility we are better able to make changes and help others make changes too. Dwelling on how others have hurt you, and focusing on others wrongdoing will only end up hurting you more.  You're not hurting the person who hurt you by focusing on it, you're only lengthening their negative impact!  If you want to reach your world, you cannot allow the people who have hurt you to hold you back. Breaking the blame cycle will lift your spirits, allow you to focus on the big picture, and free you to allow God to work in and through you.  You cannot love others if you're busy blaming them.  Next time you're tempted to blame another person, remember Jesus' words in Matthew, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"  Once we really become aware of our own shortcomings, we will concern ourselves less with the negative qualities in others.  By doing this, we will better love others and most importantly, we will be more able and excited to share God's love with them! 

In order to find true contentment, we must be willing to humble ourselves.  In a culture where contentment and humility are both lacking, the link between the two is self-evident.  If you are lacking contentment, you may be lacking humility.  We all need to humble ourselves in order to find true peace and tranquility. Contentment is a blessing - but it requires humility, which is often difficult.Jesus Christ, the God of the Universe, humbled Himself, so surely we can try.  After all, it's for our own good!  If we willingly humble ourselves we would likely find true happiness and would be better equipped to reach our world. The Bible says that pride goes before a fall. It also says that with humility comes wisdom.  And with wisdom comes the ability to know when enough is enough - to be satisfied with enough - to be truly, wholly content.  This week, focus on being content.  Be content with your job, your home, your car, your possessions. As you model joy in contentment, our discontent world will notice. Then, you'll be well-equipped to share the reason for your contentment - Jesus Christ.