CHRIST AS HEALER
Choice
Luke 23:32-33, 39-43
Opening Prayer: In all I do, Lord, I choose You. You are my Source of all things; You are my All in all. I choose You, Lord, above all else. I willingly abandon myself and my all to You as I pray all these things in the Name of Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen.
RESPONSE TO CHRIST
The responses to Christ are as varied as there are people in the world. Some hurl insults and some are apathetic. Some declare their self-confidence apart from Him, whereas some simply don’t believe Him. Some say “all roads lead to God”, while others claim there is no God. Some pronounce Him impotent and detached and others become angry. Some say He would not send anyone to hell. But then there are those who have broken and contrite hearts, confess Him as Savior as they repent of their sins, and receive His gift of eternal salvation and the forgiveness of their sins. It’s a choice. Joshua 24:15 says “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Have you made your choice about Jesus? Will you help others choose Him?
Consider these scriptures about God:
Deuteronomy 30:19
John 10:10
Isaiah 45:5a
Deuteronomy 32:39a
Job 38-41
Job 42:2
Acts 4:12
I Peter 3:1-2
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
As long as a person lives on this earth, they have the opportunity to choose Jesus, but, after death, that choice has ended. Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Although healing through salvation may take place up to the moment of death, the joy and peace of life in Christ can be enjoyed for many years in increasing ways when salvation is received earlier. Because God knows the time of our death, it is very risky to assume that we can be saved at the last of our life. For many, death comes quickly and unexpectedly, without warning, without any opportunity to receive Christ as Savior before death. Whether by deliberate choice or by omission, the choice of our eternity will be made by all. How sad it is when there is no opportunity for that choice in our later days due to illness or other incapacities. The choice to receive Christ as Savior is the most important decision a person ever makes. Don’t miss out on a heavenly eternity because of an “I’ll do it someday” attitude. Choose Christ now and encourage others to do the same.
Persevere in prayer evangelism for those who have not yet made the choice of Jesus as their Savior. God is faithful to work in their lives to offer opportunities for salvation as we pray. It is always too early to quit praying for the lost until they no longer live. Today could be the day of their salvation - or yours.
Consider these scriptures about salvation opportunities:
John 6:44
John 16:8-11
Psalm 139:16
I Corinthians 6:2
Colossians 2:5
II Peter 3:9
Lamentations 3:22-23
James 4:13-15
Galatians 6:2
SHARING IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
How miraculous was Christ’s lucidity and presence of mind as He suffered on the cross. He granted salvation to one thief on the cross beside Him as He anguished in pain during His own crucifixion. He emulated Matthew 5:16 before others- “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise Your Father in heaven.” He calls us to do the same.
Even in the midst of our personal suffering, we are told to count it all joy and to comfort others with the comfort we have received from the Lord. Wherever we are in life, we can receive His grace to be content, thus allowing us the privilege to be His instrument of healing in the lives of those around us. By sharing the gospel and our testimony, the Lord will use His Truth to impact others who suffer in ways similar to ours. We are to be available, willing, and obedient to be proclaimers of God’s gift of eternal salvation through His only Son Jesus Christ wherever we are.
Consider these scriptures about sharing the gospel:
Matthew 26:36- 27:56
Mark 13:11
Romans 5:11
James 1:2-4
II Corinthians 1:3-5
I Corinthians 3:8
REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you?
Luke 9:26
Romans 1:16
Romans 6:21
Philippians 1:20-21
II Timothy 1:8, 12
II Timothy 2:15
Hebrews 2:11
I Samuel 3:10
Matthew 25:21
Closing Prayer: Father, may I never be ashamed to be called Your own and to share Your Truth with others. I choose to follow You willingly and obediently wherever You may lead me. Again, Lord, I choose YOU. I praise You as my Lord, my Savior, and my All in all. I love You, Lord, and give thanks for the joy that comes from serving You. In humility, thanksgiving, and praise I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus my Lord and Savior. Amen.