Hackmann Road church of Christ

As I give thought to this myself, I realize I have missed (and lost) many opportunities to teach those around me about Jesus and the Gospel.  What about you?  If you are a Christian, you can teach, and have the responsibility to do your best to help others know the way to heaven.  We, as God's people, are not to sit back, and be satisfied with just knowing the Gospel, and never trying to teach others.  I am talking about our life outside the church building.  I am afraid many are "comfortable" to just come to "church" a couple times a week, and never try to use  knowledge and ability to teach others.  One thing is sure --- if we never try, then we will fail 100 percent of the time.

Let us consider a few Scriptures from the New Testament that teach us to be teachers.  One I readily think of is Paul's letter to the young Timothy. Notice his words in the 2nd letter:

   "And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these ENTRUST TO FAITHFUL MEN, WHO WILL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO." (2 Timothy 2:2)

The early church did exactly that -- went about teaching others the wonderful Gospel that gave them hope of heaven.  Please note with me one of the examples we have of that in the book of Acts: "Therefore, those who had been scattered WENT ABOUT PREACHING THE WORD." (Acts 8:4)

They seriously accepted the challenge to teach, even though their knowledge may have been limited.  In that same chapter, we find Phillip connecting with the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza.  When he found him reading in the book of Isaiah (53) he taught him the plan of salvation -- Christ and the Gospel.  Upon hearing, believing, and confessing Jesus as God's Son, he was baptized.

The Eunuch needed someone to help him understand God's Word. Throughout time, since the Gospel plan has been completed and taught, the same plan has been God's power to save. Beginning from Acts two forward we find that God's way to save man from sin.  (Romans 1:16)  Jesus' death and sacrifice, death, and resurrection put the power into the plan, by sacrificing Himself, and accomplishing victory over death. (His resurrection) (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)  "How then shall they call upon Him, in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)

The opportunities are out there for us today.  We come into contact with folks every day -- opportunities!  To just say a word or two, and invite to a home Bible study, or to worship service, hand them a flier about the Bible and God's Word.  Remember, Jesus Himself did not convert every one he associated with. (Remember the young ruler who would not give up his riches).  And many of the Pharisees who selfishly denied Him and would not change.

We all need motivation.  To never try is to always fail.  Some thoughts that may give us motivation:  THE VALUE OF THE SOUL.

GOD'S WISHES FOR US TO BE SAVED / HE HAS GIVEN EACH OF US ABILITY AND THE PLAN , BUT WE MUST INITIATE USE OF IT/ TO NOT TRY IS TO FAIL/ PRAYER HAS GREAT POWER.   

Ross