Don’t Snooze With the News   

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   I’m pretty sure most of you recognize the magician & entertainment team of Penn & Teller. Penn is a passionate advocate for atheism, but – several years ago – he shared this intriguing story about someone who approached him after one of his shows. At the close of the event, and after complimenting him on the performance, a gentleman approached him and said, “I brought this for you,” as he held out a small New Testament with the Psalms. 

   The man was extremely kind and Penn was moved by the gesture  – he later shared this: “I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe there is a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, do you really think it’s not worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward?

   “How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” Penn then offered this example: “If I believed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you – and you didn’t believe it – there’s a certain point that I tackle you – and this is more important than that.”

   Penn is absolutely right about evangelism. Do we really believe the Gospel? And if we do, do we care enough to share it with others? So – here’s the question – is the gospel of Jesus Christ good news or bad news? It’s good news! It’s the best of news!! 

   Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has taken our place, risen from the dead – and so can we! We can live in eternity with Him forever. And all we have to do is place our trust in Him. What amazing news! But if that’s true – and it is – then why are we so reluctant to tell people? Why do we often treat the Good News as if it were bad news?

   If hell is real, should we not warn people? If heaven is easily possible to attain, should we not divulge that good news? Our bodies are just an ‘earth-suit.’ They will eventually grow old and die, but our spirit, which is tied to our soul, will survive that death. Paul said in 2 Corinthians that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” — if you’re a Christ-follower. 

   Sharing this good news (the Gospel) should be a natural overflow of our Christian life. When we have joy unspeakable and are filled with His light — that tends to leak out. Basically, your life becomes the message!

   A guy recently traveled to a customer site for his work as a computer programmer. He met, along with five other programmers, in a conference room where they had set up some computer terminals. Their makeshift office was right next to the cafeteria and during the course of the long afternoon, he walked over to get some coffee. He found a vending machine; it had coffee, cappuccino and espresso, along with vegetable soup. He looked and looked for a place to put in his money and finally located a little sign – No coins required.” 

   This seemed a bit odd but he punched in his selection (cappuccino) and out popped the little cup and a couple seconds later – here came the cappuccino. It was free!! He wasn’t sure whether or not it was an employee benefit or just a way to keep their people “caffeined-up.” He didn’t know and he didn’t care. Free coffee! So what did he do next? He went back in the room and told everyone else! That’s what you do when you have good news! 

   Lee Strobel once noted, “I’ve seen far too many Christians who are more than willing to travel halfway around the world to volunteer for a week in an orphanage but who cannot bring themselves to take the personal risk of sharing Jesus with the co-worker who sits day after day in the cubicle right next to them.”

   Bottom line = Don’t snooze with The News!

Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org

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