Bread for the JourneySample

Sowers of Hope

When we listen to the news and learn about the things that are happening in the world, we can realize that what Jesus prophesied about the last days is already happening. What Jesus called the "beginning of birth pains" is what has been happening for quite some time now. What is written has its faithful fulfillment. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mark 13:8, NIV)

But Jesus also gave a note of hope to His church when He said: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28, NIV) As Christians, we must not forget that we have been called to be the light and salt of the earth. Our faith, as well as our hope, must testify to the world that in Christ there is salvation and eternal life.

Because just as redemption is near for believers in Christ, so is condemnation for those who do not believe. Therefore, we should not only rejoice that Christ will come for His church and that we will thus always be with the Lord. We must also feel sorrow for those who are lost and prioritize testifying to them of Christ's love.

Centuries ago, at the beginning of the church, the new believers felt this urgency, and many of them were martyred for speaking of Christ. Their hearts were so sure of their salvation in Christ that they poured out their lives in service to Him. The apostle Paul had no other goal than to fill every place he could with the gospel of Christ.

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: 'Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” (Romans 15:20-21, NIV)

Love for lost souls moved his heart in such a way that he became the greatest evangelist of all time. Suffering, hardships, torture, and trials did not discourage him; on the contrary, he continued to speak and testify of Christ all his life.

Paul told Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:8-10, NIV)

There is no doubt that the times are bad and that what has been written regarding the end of time will be fulfilled. Therefore, we must not allow anything to hinder our great mission of sowing hope with the good news of salvation.

Let us rejoice in the irrefutable truth that Christ is at the gates, but until that moment comes, let us continue to proclaim the good news of salvation with our words and our lives.

We have been together in this 30-day plan; we have shared the bread of God's Word. I trust and hope that it has been a blessing to your life and that you will continue to nourish your soul every day with God's Word.

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You can write to me at my email: ngfigue@yahoo.com