“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons,
and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.”
Acts 16:17

How are we doing? If you haven’t read yesterday’s post, please do so first: https://hislightshines.com/2020/03/18/2020-03-18-wake-up-church/

I’m convinced that this is an opportunity like none other. Think about it, folks. God has silenced the entire world with this virus. The streets are empty. Buildings are vacant. Everyone is hiding in their homes. People have nothing but time on their hands and are likely staring at their phones. Why not surprise someone today and make their phone ring?

Seriously. Start calling people. How many contacts to you have in your phone? You have plenty of people to talk to. What will you talk about? Well, let’s see. What COULD you talk about?

Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Why not start by clearing the air and making amends? Go to it with the mind that you are making right any wrongs you may have committed. This isn’t about forcing an apology out of the OTHER person. That might happen, but first, sweep your side of the street. Don’t assume everything is hunky dory.

1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Do we have to sit and wait for people to come and ask us specific questions before we share the gospel? Hardly. Start by asking THEM how they are coping with this crisis. Show them that you care about them. By doing so, you’ll get your opportunity. Especially if you have sought the Lord before making the call.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Recount all the times you have trusted in the Lord and he has carried you through. You may want to make an inventory of this BEFORE you make the call. It’ll do you good to remember just how much God has done for you.

Jeremiah 18:7-8 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck it up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.

How can we deny that the virus might indeed be God bringing us to attention? Think about it. The entire WORLD is quiet right now. Don’t miss the opportunity to point this out. This is probably the most unique moment in our age.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Most people don’t like the word “repent” but it’s all over the bible. Jesus used the word. Everybody in the bible did. We aren’t offering the full gospel if we don’t talk about repentance. Look, there is no salvation without repentance. It’s a good thing.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

See? Then, let’s not forget we must talk about being born again.

         John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

No getting around this one, folks. And everyone knows what born-again is. It’s becoming a Jesus-freak. A bible-thumper. It’s those who have gone off the deep end for Jesus. It’s the ones that talk to anyone and everyone about Jesus – like He really matters.

Hopefully, that describes you.

Father, send out your workers. The harvest is white! Amen.

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers

Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash