What feelings come to mind as you think about sharing the good news of Jesus and being involved in God’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ?
As part of the Thy Kingdom Come initiative, at Grace Church we spent some time reflecting on the different feelings we might have that make us apprehensive or generally negative about speaking or pointing to Jesus Christ – and how we might prayerfully counter those feelings with God’s word…
Feeling like you’re on your own?
Jesus: ”The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37–38).
Feeling like it’s just not politically correct?
Jesus: ”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Feeling like people are too bruised for religion?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Feeling apathetic?
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36)
Feeling afraid of what others will think?
“Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honuor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isaiah 8:12–13)
Feeling inadequate for the task?
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12).
Feeling too weak?
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1–2).
Feeling like Jesus is nothing to be proud of?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16).
Feel like it’s someone else’s job?
“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10)
Feel like Christianity is insignificant?
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Feeling like nothing seems to make a difference?
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6–9, NIV).
Feeling unsure what steps to take next?
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:2–6).
Feeling opposed or isolated?
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:8-9).
Feeling you’ve got nothing to say?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
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What other feelings would you include and what Bible verses would you point someone to in response?
