»Jesus Christ makes all things new.
Next: Mission » Revelation
- "You are the salt of the earth..." (Matthew 5:13a NKJV)
- "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out." (Luke 14:34-35 NKJV)
- Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV)
- Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 NKJV)
- Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16 NIV)
- And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (Jude 22-23 NKJV)
- I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22 NKJV)
- ...God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God... (Genesis 45:7-8 NKJV)
- And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4 NKJV)
Our God is a God of second chances. Make that 490 plus chances. When's the last time you offered one?
In the context of the spiritual battle between good and evil, Christians have been called to fulfill a significant mission. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing the preservation of truth, the restoration of the fallen, and the salvation of souls. This mission is outlined throughout the Bible, with various verses emphasizing different aspects of the Christian's duty:
- Salt of the Earth: In Matthew 5:13a, Jesus compares His followers to salt, highlighting their role in preserving and seasoning the world. Salt has unique properties that prevent decay and enhance flavor. Similarly, Christians are called to counteract moral corruption, spread the message of the Gospel, and bring a transformative influence to society. By embodying godly values and principles, believers can preserve righteousness and make a positive impact on the world around them.
- Retaining Flavor: In Luke 14:34-35, Jesus warns against losing one's saltiness, indicating the danger of compromising one's faith and diluting its impact. The metaphor emphasizes the importance of Christians maintaining their distinctiveness and unwavering commitment to the truth. In a world that promotes moral relativism, believers must remain rooted in their faith, consistently reflecting the character of Christ and shining as beacons of light amidst darkness.
- Restoring the Fallen: The apostle Paul, in Galatians 6:1-2, exhorts believers to restore those who have stumbled in sin with gentleness and humility. Recognizing their own vulnerability to temptation, Christians are called to extend compassion and support to those who have faltered. By helping to restore individuals back to a place of spiritual health, believers fulfill the law of Christ, demonstrating love and grace as they bear one another's burdens.
- Turning Back the Wandering: James 5:19-20 encourages believers to reach out to those who have strayed from the truth, acknowledging the profound impact of restoring someone's faith. By intervening in love and guiding them back to the path of righteousness, Christians have the opportunity to save souls from spiritual death and cover a multitude of sins. This verse underscores the urgency of pursuing those who have gone astray and the immense value of their redemption.
- Vigilance in Life and Doctrine: Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 4:16 emphasizes the importance of maintaining a godly lifestyle and sound doctrine. Christians are called to diligently guard their conduct and beliefs, persevering in truth. By doing so, they not only ensure their own salvation but also become powerful witnesses to those around them. This verse reminds believers of the interconnectedness between personal holiness, doctrinal integrity, and the impact on others' lives.
- Compassion and Conviction: Jude 22-23 urges believers to exercise both compassion and discernment when dealing with individuals entrenched in sin. While some require gentle persuasion and understanding, others may need a more forceful approach to rescue them from the destructive consequences of their choices. Christians must be driven by love and a sense of urgency, hating sin while demonstrating genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others.
- Adaptability - Becoming All Things to All People: Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 9:22 underscores the importance of adapting one's approach to effectively reach different individuals with the Gospel. Christians are called to understand and relate to people from diverse backgrounds, meeting them where they are and engaging with them in a meaningful way. By doing so, believers maximize their chances of leading others to salvation and becoming conduits of God's grace and truth.
- Preserving and Rebuilding: Genesis 45:7-8 and Isaiah 61:4 highlight God's providential plan for Joseph and His people. Joseph's mission was to preserve life during a time of famine, while Isaiah speaks of restoring and rebuilding desolate places. These passages reveal God's heart for restoration and salvation. Christians are not passive bystanders in the spiritual battle. They are invited to actively participate in God's work of preservation, restoration, and salvation. By aligning their hearts with God's heart, believers can be instrumental in bringing about transformation in lives, families, communities, cultures, and even entire generations.
As Christians engage in spiritual warfare, they are entrusted with a sacred mission. They are called to be the salt of the earth, preserving truth and making a positive impact in the world. They are to restore the fallen and bring back those who have wandered from the truth. Christians must be vigilant in their own lives, persevering in sound doctrine, and demonstrating godly character. Through compassion, discernment, and adaptability, believers can effectively reach others and save souls. Ultimately, Christians are called to actively participate in God's work of preservation, restoration, and salvation, working hand in hand with Him to bring about His redemptive purposes in the world.
After WWII, the nation-building efforts in Germany and Japan, in large part, laid the foundation for the prosperity of the western economy for the next fifty years.
Next: Mission » Revelation
