Help! My Partner Is Not a Believer

Scripture: The Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage.” 1 Corinthians 7:14

Perhaps you, or someone you know, is married to a non-Believer. The Bible has advice for God’s people about this. The Bible teaches, “Don’t become partners with those who reject God” (2 Corinthians 6:14). But if you’re already in this situation, be encouraged! The Bible says the godly life of a Christian can testify to unbelieving spouses, who “will be won over [to God] by observing your pure and reverent lives” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Advice to Those Not Yet Married

Find out where your partner stands spiritually -- and only move forward when you know their life has been given to Christ. The Apostle Paul asked, “How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can a Believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Seek God’s wisdom and get advice from mature Christ-followers on whether to continue the relationship. Marriage is one of the most important partnerships people enter into. Don’t simply trust your feelings. The Bible tells us “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9) No matter what your feelings say, make your decision based on the wisdom in God’s word.

Advice to Those Who Are Married

The Apostle Paul wrote, “If a Christian man has a wife who is not a Believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him (1 Corinthians 7:12-13)*. If you are married to a non-Believer, be encouraged: your Christian example and godly living could help your spouse decide to follow the Lord, as well. Go to God in prayer for your spouse and pray that they will accept Christ.

3 Questions to Strengthen Your Marriage

Scripture: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. ” Galatians 5:16

How can you build a stronger marriage that ultimately glorifies God? This week’s questions will guide you toward a stronger godly marriage. And as today’s scripture tells us, it all starts with living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Are We Lovingly Honest with Each Other?

We are called to “speak the truth in love” and grow “in every way more and more like Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15). A healthy marriage is built on mutual trust. Dishonest actions such as keeping secrets, telling partial truths, or hiding information about finances or relationships can hurt your spouse.

If you are concerned or hurt because of dishonesty in your marriage, use the example of Jesus to be lovingly honest with your spouse. Jesus often used scripture to speak the truth to others. Use scripture to remind your spouse of the covenant the two of you made before God and point out the expectations God has for each spouse. By doing this, you aren’t approaching your spouse with your emotions and accusing them, but you are approaching them with the word of God.

2. Are We Forgiving Each Other?

In all close relationships, people will offend each other. But the Bible tells us to “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.” We must remember that the Lord forgave us, so we must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13)

In strong marriages, forgiveness should be asked for and freely granted. We shouldn’t hold a grudge. Holding a grudge will quickly build an emotional wall between you and your spouse, and worse yet, it will invite Satan into your marriage (Ephesians 4:27)!

3. Are We Defending Each Other?

Speaking badly of your spouse to others can hurt your spouse emotionally and have a negative impact on your relationship with them. Make it your goal never to insult, correct or humiliate your spouse in front of others. This is a direct violation of the commands to love and respect each other.

If you must correct your mate, wait until later when you’re alone. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus says "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.” Use this example in your marriage by pointing out an offense privately, not in front of other people. Your husband or wife should be able to trust you to be considerate of their feelings.

3 Questions for Being the "Perfect" Spouse

Scripture: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

Last week we talked about finding the “perfect” spouse. Believe it or not, finding the “perfect” spouse starts with being the kind of spouse you desire. This week, we’ll focus on looking inward.

1. Am I Becoming the Person God Wants Me to Be?

We should always strive to become more Christlike -- not a “Christian” in name only, but a true follower of Jesus. Whether you are new in the faith or have been following Christ for years, you should always seek to learn more about our Lord and grow in your love for him. Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life, and let him make you into the person He wants you to be, for His glory. (Philippians 1:6)

2. Am I Able to Love and Lead God’s Way? (Men)

Husbands are commanded to love their wives “as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25-28) -- sacrificially and unselfishly. The only way to do this is through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. The Bible calls husbands to “love their wives as their own bodies” because “He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28) The Bible says “no one ever hated their own body,but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the Church.” (Ephesians 5:29)

3. Am I Able to Submit and respect? (Women)

All of us, men and women, are to submit to each other (Ephesians 5:21), and ultimately to God. God specifically calls wives to submit to husbands (Ephesians 5:22), and respect them (Ephesians 5:33). God calls husbands to lead. The Bible says “the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23). That means, as a wife, you must “submit yourself to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). Are you willing to submit to your future husband and respect him as God has called you to? This means you must trust the leadership that God has given your husband--even if you don’t always agree. Encourage him, pray for him, and stand by him as a godly wife.

3 Questions for Finding the "Perfect" Spouse

Scripture: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?.” 2 Corinthians 6:14

God made us to desire human companionship in the form of a husband or wife. A husband and wife are made to share each others’ lives intimately -- in ways that no-one else should. In a godly relationship, spouses can improve each other, look out for one another, and build each other up in the Lord.

You might think that God has a perfect spouse planned for you. However, as disappointing as it is, no-one can ever be a perfect spouse; “no one is righteous” (Romans 3:10) or perfect. Only Jesus“committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22).

So what can you look for in a spouse?

1. Is He or She a Follower of Jesus?

The most important thing to desire in a spouse -- and in yourself -- is a close relationship with, and submission to, the Lord. Although no one can be perfect like Jesus, we should still try find someone who is Christlike -- and we should try to be Christlike ourselves.

2. What Is Your Goal for the Relationship?

What do you want in a marriage: Do you want him or her to make you “happy”? Do you want him or her to meet your needs? Do you just want to physically be with someone?

The role of a spouse is not to “complete” the other or to constantly fulfill the other’s desire to be “happy”. No human can complete another -- only God can fulfill our lives. The goal of a marriage -- indeed, the goal of your life -- should be “for the glory of God” ( Corinthians 10:31).

3. How Is God Leading You?

How do you pray for your future spouse? Do you pray for God’s leading in selecting him or her? God can guide you in everything -- and that includes the important question of marriage and to whom.

There is no one way to know if God has led someone to an ideal potential spouse. But when you are walking a Christ-following life and seeking counsel from fellow Christians, you can often tell if furthering your relationship into marriage will help you both continue to lead godly lives.

Is Your Church Making Disciples?

Scripture: “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”Revelation 2:7

In many parts of the world, the Name of Jesus is unknown or hated, making it unsafe to share your Christian faith. However, God calls Christians to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15).

Embedded Missionaries

In obedience to this, my church has formed a team that is ready to follow the example of Jesus' original disciples. Quitting their jobs and leaving their extended families behind, they will rebuild their lives in a place where many people do not know the life-saving power of the Lord that can "truly set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Where they will live, it is dangerous to talk about Christianity; so as our missionaries build their lives there, they will also build relationships with their new neighbors and coworkers, striving to live so that people wonder what's different about them and want to know the Lord. With support from each other -- and other "undercover" Christians in the area -- they will live to share God's love with others.

Reaching Out through Relief

My church also shares God's Word through disaster relief. We send teams to stricken areas, where they serve in Jesus’ name -- cleaning and rebuilding structures, and helping those with medical needs.

The Apostle Paul instructed believers to "use your freedom to serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13). This follows Jesus' example: "the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others" (Mark 10:45). The people from my church can tell those whom they serve that they are helping them because of the Lord.

Online Evangelism

Some Christians don't have the ability or opportunity to leave their homes to minister. Therefore, many people in our church use the Internet to share God's Word. Using email, social media, and sites like this one, everyday Christians can touch the lives of people around the world with God's love -- sharing discipleship tools, prayer, and simple fellowship from a world away. This kind of ministry helps fulfill the promise of Scripture that one day "every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).

Churches around the world use these methods to share the Gospel where it's needed most. How does your church share God's love with the world?

Outer Beauty and Inner Beauty

Scripture: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

Lasting Impressions

Have you ever seen a really attractive person -- someone people can't help but turn and stare at as they walk by? People with great God-given beauty may make a great impression, but it will be forgotten when the next beautiful person comes along.

What about a person who really knows Jesus and walks with Him? God’s grace and mercy flow through this person, resulting in encouraging words and good works. Do others pay attention when someone lives this way? We might not notice them at first, but their godly deeds leave an impression of goodness, and people's lives can be changed because of them.

Each of those two people makes an impression. But only the second can impact others with eternal consequences.

Fleeting vs. Lasting Impact

The Bible tells us that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) God wants women AND men to be more concerned about our character and our “inner” beauty than our outward appearance.

Today’s scripture from Peter tells us not to give so much attention to "outward adornment," but instead to cultivate "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:3-4). There is nothing wrong with making yourself look nice, but we must remember tha outward beauty will fade, and its impact just as quickly. But inner beauty can keep growing your whole life, so that it’s your character people notice instead of your appearance. And then God receives the glory.

Eternal Life

What lasts longer than forever? Nothing! When we share God’s love with others, we can help them find eternal life: "Everyone who believes in [God's Son] will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). And, "Those who listen to My message and believe in God Who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life" (John 5:24).

So in gratefulness and love for God, and by His Holy Spirit working in us, we can do so much more than leave a fleeting impression of beauty; we can let God use us to change someone’s eternal destiny.

Be God's Light

Scripture: “You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No-one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Are You a Disciple?

How do people respond when they find out that you are a Christian? They shouldn’t be surprised, if your life models Jesus’ loving, patient, sacrificial example. Jesus said, "your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples" (John 13:35). The Bible instructs us to "live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people" (Philippians 2:15). We are to stand out because of God's goodness.

Love One Another

The Bible says that God loves us sacrificially, and that "since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other" (1 John 4:11). Christians are to "be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).

God's instructions for dealing with others can be "summed up in this one commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to others" (Romans 13:9-10). Christians have every reason to show love to their brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s easy to be nice when things are going well and people are nice to you. But you are even more a witness of God’s love and mercy when you show kindness to people who are mean or weird or hard to get along with.

Witness

God has given His people the power to tell people about Him everywhere, to the ends of the earth, through the Holy Spirit. You are a witness to God's truth. Your words might be the ones that encourage someone to accept God's life-saving grace. Always be ready to share those words -- and live a godly life to testify to them.

Living Generously

Scripture: “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“God loved so much . . . that He gave.” This sums up the generous heart of God, and is an example for us, His children. In fact, we are most like Him when we are giving generously and even sacrificially.

Giving Beyond their Means

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-3, Paul commends the Macedonian believers: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” These Christ-followers did not wait until they were financially comfortable or even stable, and they gave“beyond their ability.”

Do Good and Share

What has God given you to share? Are His blessings the type you can pass on? The Bible says, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16). Timothy reminds Christians to "use their money to do good, [to] be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others" (I Timothy 6:18).

Generously sharing with others is one way to “store up treasures in Heaven” (Matthew 6:20), and keeps greed and selfishness from growing in our hearts.

Let’s pray for the day when Jesus’ followers are known more for their generosity and kindness than for what they are against.

The Power of Encouragement

Scripture: “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Pray for Guidance

Four years ago, my husband and I were seeking God’s will for our lives. We felt the Lord calling us to ministry, but we needed His confirmation. Of course, we prayed a lot. And then we asked for advice from Christian friends, family, and potential co-workers. They helped us determine what path we should follow.

Now, these same people are members of our support group; they still pray for us and help us seek God's will. This is one of the reasons God gave us family and friends -- to support one another!

Success with Godly Advice

God tells us in Proverbs: "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success" (Proverbs 15:22). We knew we couldn't do anything good or well without God's help, guidance, and blessing. And God often uses godly friends and family to speak His guidance into our lives.

Help from Your Friends

When starting out in any spiritual task or mission, it is a blessing to have a group to support you. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). When life’s troubles get you down, your believing friends can help you get back on track. Their prayers, advice, and encouragement can be God's answer to your prayers for help.

Train Someone to Pray, Care, and Share Jesus

Scripture: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

Passing it On

In Jesus’ time, there were no printing presses, no television and no internet. God’s chosen method of spreading the Good News was person to person to person.

Jesus Trained His Followers

Jesus’ followers learned mostly by spending time with Him, watching and listening as He taught others. When they were ready, He gave specific instructions and then sent them on a mission: "The Lord now chose 70 other disciples and sent them to all the towns and places He planned to visit" (Luke 10:1).

After His death and resurrection, He again sent out His followers; but this time, He was sending ALL who believed in Him. He said, "As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you" (John 20:21). He was sent to call "those who know they are sinners and need to repent" (Luke 5:32), and "to seek and save those who are lost" (Luke 19:10).

Training to Share Jesus

How we wish we could be with Jesus in person today! Yet He made this stunning claim:

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you” (John 16:7). Believers now have God’s Holy Spirit living within them! God, through His Spirit, speaks to us and teaches us as we read and study His word, the Bible; and guides us in what to say when sharing Jesus with others (Luke 12:11-12).

At its simplest, sharing Christ is just telling others what has happened to us, as the man healed from blindness did in John 9:25: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Be An Encourager

Scripture: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Have you ever heard the term "a pat on the back"? When someone does something well, people might congratulate them by patting their back or shoulder. Some people like receiving high-fives, handshakes, or hugs in response to a job well done.

Showing Appreciation

When you do something well, how do people let you know? And how does that make you feel? When someone indicates appreciation for my work -- or even my effort toward a task -- it makes me feel good. It encourages me to continue to work hard and to do my best.

How do you show someone that you appreciate what they have done? And how do they respond? When you show appreciation, you motivate people to continue in the work they need to do -- including the work God has given them.

Encourage Each Other

The Bible instructs us to encourage each other in the Lord's work: "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them" (Ephesians 4:29). It tells believers to "encourage each other and build each other up" (I Thessalonians 5:11). Showing appreciation to others can strengthen and encourage them to walk in God's ways.

Witness to Others

Encouraging and showing appreciation to those around us is also a testimony to non-believers. Jesus said, "let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16). Those who see the love and encouragement among the Christian community can be inspired to follow the Lord and become part of His family. Christians should always obey God's instructions so that "[unbelieving neighbors] will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God" (I Peter 2:12).

The Secret for Success in the New Year

As 2013 winds down, are you making New Year's Resolutions? One of mine is to turn my life completely over to God and stop worrying about the future and having a successful life. Matthew 6:25-29 is encouraging on this issue! “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Showing Appreciation

Scripture: One of the lepers, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. – Luke 17:15

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In Jesus’ time, leprosy was much worse than a skin disease – those who suffered from it were considered “unclean” and thus lost their jobs, families and friends.

I’m sure all ten of the men whom Jesus healed of leprosy (Luke 17:11-19) FELT extremely grateful. Yet only one came back to Jesus and verbally thanked him. The Lord commended this man’s act of grateful appreciation, which was recorded for all of history.

Our condition before coming to know Jesus was much worse than leprosy! We were considered unclean by God (whose opinion is the only one that matters); we had lost our relationship with Him; and we were doomed to eternal suffering and punishment. To put it another way, we were dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1).

Yet through God’s great mercy, we have been “made alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). Because of what Jesus did on the cross, our many sins have been forgiven, we are restored to right standing with God, and we will live forever in joyful fellowship with Him and His children. How much more should we thank Him every day for these and a hundred other blessings!

Giving thanks regularly is not only a command--it is good for us! Numerous studies, even by non-believers, clearly show that people who express gratitude as a way of life are more happy and emotionally healthy.

Reaching Out in Your Community

Scripture: "Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." Jeremiah 29:7

 
"Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16

Recently, my church has started encouraging our congregation to get involved in local community service. Many people already serve inside the church -- as teachers, cleaners, musicians, and more. But by going outside the church walls, we show God’s tangible love and care to many who have never seen it. 

It can be as simple as picking up trash in a neighborhood, or as involved as starting a mentoring program for at-risk children at the local elementary school. 

Also, you may find organizations near you that you can work with or pray for. Here are some kinds of groups that God might call you to serve with.

Rescue Mission

Jesus' brother posed the question, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" (James 2:15-16). Rescue missions help provide for the basic needs of people who are homeless or impoverished. Right now, you can pray for these organizations that follow the Lord's example of caring for the poor. Ask the Lord if He is calling you to serve, donate to, or otherwise partner with a rescue mission.

Women's Shelter or Crisis Pregnancy Center

James gave further instruction: "Pure and genuine religion means caring for orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27). And the Apostle Paul told his disciple, Timothy, "Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her" (I Timothy 5:2-3). Ask the Lord if He is calling you to help protect the most vulnerable in your community -- abused women, or the unborn.

Financial Ministry

Some ministries share the Gospel through loans for small business start-ups, according to this principle in Psalms: "[the godly] are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly" (Psalm 112:4-5). These ministries lend money for people to start small businesses, while teaching the borrowers about the Lord and how to grow in their faith. Successful small businessmen and women are able to provide for their families and build up their communities, repay their loans, and expand the ministry by lending money to other entrepreneurs. Ask the Lord if He is calling you to bless your community by working with this kind of ministry.

Living and Teaching

Scripture: "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." Matthew 28:19-20

A modern proverb states, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." However, for followers of Jesus, a lot of the "doing" is teaching. The Lord has directed His people to share His message of love with the world.

Right Living

While leading others in their faith, we must keep an eye on our own lives, making sure that we are living what we are teaching. Jesus said, "Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye" (Matthew 7:3-5). You will harm your disciples if you display a lifestyle of saying one thing while doing another. "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (I John 2:6).

Bible-based Teaching

The Apostle Paul wrote to his disciple, Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (II Timothy 3:16). To properly lead another in godly growth, our foundation must be God's Word. "Those who obey God’s Word truly show how completely they love Him" (I John 2:5).

Follow Up Faithfully

When you commit to helping a new believer, don't give up on them. Many of the books of the New Testament exist because God didn't let His Apostles abandon the churches they'd planted throughout the region. 

Instead, they wrote to them and visited them to ensure that they learned and obeyed God's Word. St. Paul called his fellow Christians in Philippi "...my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it" (Philippians 1:5). The Apostles' follow-up contributed to the amazing growth of the Early Church, and when you help a new believer, you are walking in the Apostles’ footsteps.

Remembering What Christ Did: Communion

Scripture: "On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, 'This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.' In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, 'This cup is the New Covenant between God and His people — an agreement confirmed with My blood. Do this to remember Me as often as you drink it.' For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again." I Corinthians 11:23-26

What is your favorite fruit or sweet treat? Can you think of it, imagine its flavor? Why do you like that treat, and what happy memories do you associate with it?

God Made Your Mind

The Bible records God, our Creator saying, "I am the Lord, Who made all things" (Isaiah 44:24). He created our minds to work in certain ways. He made your brain so it could build connections and form memories. For instance, if you think about your favorite treat from childhood, you can probably recall a happy experience associated with it.

Jesus Created a Significant Memory

Jesus was building in His Disciples' hearts a similar connection during the Passover meal. Rather than a happy memory, it was a hopeful one. It says "He broke [the bread] in pieces and gave it to the Disciples, saying, 'Take this and eat it, for this is My body'" (Matthew 26:26). He called the wine His blood "poured out as a sacrifice" (Matthew 26:28). He was telling them that His earthly body was going to be destroyed. At the same time, he created a way for His followers throughout history to remind themselves of the sacrifice He made for us. He instructed them to take the meal "to remember Me" (Luke 22:19).

Keep Your Spiritual Focus

After the Resurrection, the followers of Jesus obeyed His instructions, "devot[ing] themselves ... to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper)" (Acts 2:42). This helped them recall that Jesus died for them, so they wouldn't have to pay the price for their own sins. In the same way today, as we take Communion, we associate the bread and the wine with Christ's sacrifice. Our memories are once again stirred to recall our joy in Salvation, and also sorrow over our sins that made the Saviour's agony necessary.

Life in the Body of Christ

Scripture: “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . .” Hebrews 4:25

Last week we learned about being part of Christ’s Body, the Church. We also talked about how important it is for every believer to be part of a local body of believers., a “little c” church. 

These days, you can “attend” church online. You can sing songs, hear great preaching, and even give money. But you would miss your chance to make a difference in the lives of other believers. That’s why Hebrews 4:25 says, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . .” You AND your disciples need to physically “show up” at church or in a fellowship group.

The New Testament is full of instructions on relating to one another. In fact, 56 passages include the phrase “one another” or “each other.”* Here’s just a few:

• Love one another – 15 separate times in the New Testament we are commanded to love each other (John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:9 to name a few). When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He told us there are two: To love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). He said that all the commands of Scripture were summed up in these.

• Serve one another – Galatians 5:13 tells us to “serve one another humbly in love.” Jesus was our example, saying in Matthew 20:28, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This world is filled with people who care only about themselves. When we put others first and serve each other with pure motives, the world takes notice, and God is glorified. 

• Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16) – In music, harmony means not doing the same thing as everyone else, but playing or singing something different that blends with others, increasing the beauty and power of the song. On the other hand, just one person playing the wrong note can make the whole group sound terrible! 

In the same way, when we are in conflict with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, or worse, spreading that conflict to others, the whole body is “out of tune.” It stops functioning as it should. Ask the Lord through His Holy Spirit to use you to build unity instead of conflict.

The Power of a Friend

Scripture: The Lord now chose 72 other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places He planned to visit. Luke 10:1

"I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you." Matthew 18:19

 

Next to Jesus, the Apostle Paul is the most prominent character in the New Testament. His story is told in the book of Acts, and his instructional letters (epistles) to his spiritual children make up about half the New Testament books. Being an educated Jewish man and a Roman citizen, Paul had many privileges, including freedom to travel. This enabled him to spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire, preaching and teaching to establish new churches everywhere.

Did He Do It Alone?

Of course, Paul was accompanied and guided by the Holy Spirit. But was that his only support? No! He traveled and worked with different partners and friends throughout his ministry.

First, one day while Christian prophets and teachers in Antioch "were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way" (Acts 13:2-3). As a team, Paul and Barnabas effectively shared the Gospel and established several churches.

As Paul began his second missionary journey, his team included Timothy, a young disciple whose mother was a Jewish Believer. "They went from town to town, instructing the Believers to follow the decisions made by the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day" (Acts 16:4-5).

Silas was yet another ministry companion, and suffered imprisonment with Paul. Through this trial, the Lord used Paul and Silas to lead others, including the jailer, to salvation. And when Paul and Silas rejoined their team, "they met with the Believers and encouraged them once more" (Acts 16:40).

Are You Alone?

Saint Paul was one of the most gifted evangelists ever. Time after time, God provided him with "faithful helpers who served with [him] in the Lord’s work" (Colossians 4:7). If the Lord allowed Paul to rely on partners, you can be sure it can be good for you! Ask the Lord to send someone to join you in the ministry He has for you.

Spiritual Exercise a Must

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Cor. 16: 13. 

An elevated standard is presented before the youth, and God is inviting them to come into real service for Him. True- hearted young men who delight to be learners in the school of Christ, can do a great work for the Master, if they will only give heed to the command of the Captain as it sounds down along the lines to our time, "Quit you like men, be strong." 

Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which God has given them will have increased ability to devote to His service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God will fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God- given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength which he already has; he becomes a spiritual paralytic. It is those who, with love for God and their fellow men, are striving to help others that become established, strengthened, settled, in the truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire period of life. 

This world is not a parade ground, but a battlefield. All are called to endure hardness, as good soldiers. They are to be strong and quit themselves like men. . . . The true test of character is found in the willingness to bear burdens, to take the hard place, to do the work that needs to be done, though it bring no earthly recognition or reward. 

O that each one would place a proper estimate upon the capabilities that have been given him of God! Through Christ you may climb the ladder of progress, and bring every power under the control of Jesus. . . . In your own strength you can do nothing; but in the grace of Jesus Christ, you can employ your powers in such a way as to bring the greatest good to your own soul, and the greatest blessing to the souls of others. Lay hold of Jesus, and you will diligently work the works of Christ, and will finally receive the eternal reward.

Leading Someone to Christ

Scripture: "But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

I used to feel like a failure when someone I shared the gospel with said “no” to Jesus. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and evangelism became a tension-filled obligation, rather than the joyful privilege it is meant to be.

By God’s grace, this all changed when I attended a retreat on evangelism. The teacher explained to us that a person's path to salvation could take many steps. Maybe first, he said, they will learn about God's existence and Creation. Perhaps later, they hear about God's love. Still later, they find out how God sent Jesus to show us the Father’s heart, to die for our sins, and offer us eternal life. 

Even after someone hears the Gospel, it might take more Christian influence to help them believe and embrace it. Each interaction you have with a non-believer can make an impact, and help them on their journey to accepting Christ.

Desiring Salvation

The Bible assures us that "everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved" (Joel 2:32). When you love someone, you want to help them find God's salvation. God Himself loves humanity so much that He "wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Working Together

Our teacher urged us not to lose heart over those who did not come to faith right away. Instead of seeing people simply as saved or unsaved, he told us to visualize a person’s spiritual journey on a scale from 1 to 10. Just introducing someone to the idea of God, you might help move them from "1" to "2." Another believer might help them the next few steps, and you might have a chance to influence them again, so they can eventually get to "10," coming to a saving faith. After all, all Christians should share God's love, and He has given us different strengths to do so: "the human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Pray over the Message

The Apostle Paul instructed, "pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored" (2 Thessalonians 3:1). When you help someone understand God's loving plan, remember to pray that His Word will have an impact on them. Continue to gently encourage them to accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray that you will "make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response" (Colossians 4:5-6) for those to whom you present the Gospel. 

Finally, remember that you witness with your life as well as your words. Each time you trust God in the midst of trials, or respond with Spirit-filled love to those who hurt you, you encourage non-believers to become Christ-followers as well.