"So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by he angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your llifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus received evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those pass from there to us. Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my fathers house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.' And he said, No, Father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
Luke 16: 22-31 NKJV
I recently saw the new movie "Risen" with a friend of mine. Although it had the usual Hollywood spin, we enjoyed the film and thought it stayed pretty close to scriptures of the resurection of Christ. I made the comment to my friend that there have been quite a few faith based films coming out in the past few years, he agreed. I recall this past year when we were involved with a few screenings of the film Woodlawn, which still ranks as one of the better movies I've seen. It was not so long ago that the liberals in the film industry would have scoffed at the idea of such films celebrating christianity to be introduced to the American public. Funny thing is, when a few film makers finaly decided to brave this situation, the movies became very popular. Why is that? Well, I believe in my heart that these United States are not the christian hating liberals we've been told for so long that we are. No, I believe that there is a hunger out there for people to learn and know the gospel of Jesus. But who will show them?
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Matthew 28: 19-20 NKJV
Delivering the message of Jesus has always seemed more difficult than actually hearing it. However, christianity is not just some exclusive club that is only available to a few select emebers. No, for in Matthew 28:19, in what has become famous as Jesus' great commision, we are instructed to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations." Jesus never discriminated when delivering the good news of his Father in heaven. No, For he brought this message of love and forgiveness to all the people wherever he went. This was part of His calling. Are we also callled to bring that message today? I believe so. It is interesting that the Greek definition of disciple refers to a "student, pupil or apprentice." So, we have been called to make followers of Jesus of all the nations. After all, isn't this what Jesus' disciples were, followers of their teacher? Now, Jesus was telling them to make followers of all the nations! This, my freinds, is how the good news of our Lord Jesus is brought into the world.
Whatever it is that we do to introduce the gospel of Jesus to those who need it, that is our ministry. Whether it be sports, corporate or just in casual conversation, it is we who believe who will help bring Gods message to a world in desperate need to hear it.
~Scott~
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