Getting Evangelical About Jesus

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

I have never forgotten what the pastor James Robinson said years ago: If you can sell anything you can lead people to Christ.

Of course pastor Robinson was not being disrespectful about presenting the Gospel. He was making the simple point that winning people to the Lord is not “rocket science”. It is not something beyond reach of the average Christian.

Most of us get animated about our favorite subjects, whether it is a sports team, favorite hobby, or TV show, etc. We have no problem talking about things we really like or believe in. Just this morning I was talking about the two Internet Service Providers in our area, one of which is awful and the other excellent. I was promoting the better ISP and talking about how it is much better than the other one.

If you have ever sold anything, you put forward the best picture or image of the product. Online sellers do their best to present their products in a good light. Even those having yard sales or garage sales are not shy about setting out all their useless stuff for sale.

How much more should we present the Best Thing the world has ever seen? You need not be nervous, shy, or feel intimidated about telling others about Jesus. Jesus needs no high pressure sales pitch. Just start by telling others about who He is, that He came to earth because of His great love for us. He forgives us of our sins. Tell about all the things Jesus has done for you. For myself, Jesus has set me free from my sins, saved my life, healed me of deadly illness, delivered me from despair, given me strength and peace when I had none. And Jesus has promised me eternal life when this life is through. If you are a believer you have your own testimony and report about the goodness of our Lord that you can share.

We need not sell Jesus. All that is necessary is to talk about our Jesus, He is good, wonderful, loving, and delivers us from our sins. He is our Savior, Protector, Defender, and Deliverer. Are you getting Evangelical about Jesus?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we get excited about many things and will talk about them endlessly. Empower us Lord to be good witnesses about all that You have done for us! Amen

Hygge

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. 1 Kings 4:20

According to a United Nations survey the people of Denmark are the most happy people on earth. Which is quite amazing considering their long winters and cold climate. 

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a word they use to express happiness or “cozy contentment”. Winter is upon us in Ohio and I can count the sunny days over the past month on one hand. I find myself envying these winter-locked people of Denmark who manage to be so happy and content while enduring a winter that lasts from October until April. 

The Danish people find ways to connect, to be comfortable in their surroundings, lighting candles, keeping a warm fire going, and eating good food. They are doing more than accepting their circumstances–they are finding ways to enjoy it.

Too often we depend upon our surroundings to make us happy rather than finding ways to make the most of every circumstance that comes our way. When conditions are bad we gripe and complain and often let the weather outside determine our attitude for the day. We would do well to borrow a bit of hygge from the Danish people.

As Christians we know that no matter our circumstances we have reason for joy and happiness. We have an awesome God and a loving Lord who is with us, who abides in our heart by His kind and comforting Spirit. We have comforting words from Scripture. We have Christian friends and family. There are churches on practically every street corner. And numerous blessings that continually flow from our Creator.

We have more reason than any people on this earth to be happy and content, no matter what is going on around us. We have help from God in the present, and an eternal future with Jesus without end. 

You may be facing difficult circumstances right now. There may be little reason for you to be happy. I would encourage you to find your happiness and joy in the Lord, in His love and presence in your life. He is always there no matter how hard the storm is blowing or how cold the world outside may seem.

Prayer: Dear Lord, too often we are depressed and discouraged by our circumstances. Help us never to forget that our life is not about temporary conditions but about You and our relationship that transcends anything we go through on this earth. Amen.