Tag: evangelism

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Gift of Life

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. Because of the trespass of one man, Adam, death reigned. It ruled without mercy, unchallenged. All sinners were helpless to address their fate. Then you came, Lord, and dethroned death! By your sinless life, your sacrificial death, and your death-defying resurrection, you brought life. Truly, the gift is not like the trespass! Where faith in you is present, death no longer calls the shots, but must submit to the eternal life that is your gift of grace to all who believe. Thank you for the grace that makes this gift mine.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For No Fear of Condemnation

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. The judgment resulting from the trespass is condemnation, while the judgment following the gift is acquittal. We rejoice, Lord, for the gift of your grace means no fear of condemnation! Though I am guilty of sin, you do not count it against me. Though I earned condemnation, your gift is justification. As a result of your sacrifice, all sin – including my sin – has been paid for in full, meaning there is no substance to the empty accusations of the evil one. The eternal death sentence of Adam’s trespass has been undone by the gift of your grace. How true it is that the gift is not like the trespass!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Make the Gift Known

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. Through Adam’s act of disobedience in the garden, death came into the world. However, through you, Jesus, the gift of grace overflowed. In Adam, we all die. In Christ, we live. While the result of Adam’s trespass – death – directly affects all people, whether they know why or not, Jesus’ gift of grace has to be made known, for it can only be received by faith. Truly, the gift is nothing like the trespass! Let my mouth speak to others of this gift of grace so that death is not the end of their story. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Light More Candles

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(Matthew 4:12-23)

It’s one of those quotes that has been attributed to so many different individuals that it’s quite uncertain who the original author is. I am also quite certain I’ve referenced the quote at some point in a previous sermon or post. Perhaps you’ve heard it: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” If you’re really concerned about determining who ought to be credited with the saying, feel free to research it and let me know. For my part, and for the purpose of this post, I’m more interested in seeing the quote put into practice than I am in knowing who said it. 

Isn’t light what the world needs more of? I don’t think there would be too much pushback if I shared the opinion that the world is a dark place. Regardless of what your views on anything are, you won’t have any trouble on any given day coming across a story or headline that has you convinced things are going in the wrong direction. The world is going down the toilet. The world is dark.

What’s especially sneaky about the darkness is that we tend to get used to it. It’s called dark adaptation. You’ve experienced this when you’ve left a lighted room and entered a dark or poorly lit room. At first, it’s difficult to see where anything is. In a relatively short time, though, one’s eyes adjust and become accustomed to the dark. We can see things clearly enough to get around, and we get used to it.

You’ve experienced the same thing with sin. At first it shocked you. Now… not so much. Initially, it was absolutely wrong. Then, after a while, it became more of a gray area. It was clearly sinful way back when, but if it has become so common and normalized today, can it still be so bad? We get used to the dark. We get used to sin. 

But getting rid of the darkness isn’t a matter of somehow decreasing the dark. You can’t “put out” the darkness. You can’t take the dark away or remove it. Darkness only disappears in the presence of light. When light is removed, that’s when darkness results.

A piece of paneled artwork in a room at our church depicts this. As your eyes scan from left to right, you notice the piece of art starts out completely covered in a golden light. There is no darkness. That was the world as God created it. But when is the darkness introduced? When sin enters the world.

That may give the impression that the darkness, which dominates the nine middle art panels until the final one, is the introduction of sin in a fallen world. In one sense, yes, but as you consider what sin does, what really happened? The light of holiness and perfection was removed. When that was all the world knew, it was covered in light. But once sin entered, the light of holiness and perfection exited the world. 

But, throughout the artwork, a thread of light is woven in the darkness. This is the good news of the gospel, or the promise of purity and perfection restored. The initial step in that promise has been carried out by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which is reflected in the center of the artwork. The final step, when that promise of purity and perfection will be fully delivered – and the golden light with it – will take place in the Revelation imagery when Jesus returns on the Last Day. When he does, complete light is restored, as it is in the final panel of the art piece. The new world ushered in by our Savior will not know darkness because the light of purity and perfection will be all there is.

So as we anticipate that radiant renewal, how do we handle the darkness in the meantime? What is the solution to the darkness we see in the world? When light is reintroduced, darkness disappears. We don’t “fix” the darkness; we shine the light.

Isaiah’s prophecy revealed when that light was going to be introduced into the world. “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (v.15-16). The light had come into the world at Jesus’ birth, and it was now beginning to get brighter with Jesus’ ministry. The light would shine its brightest in the darkest moment of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and in the full splendor of the empty tomb. The Resurrection would ensure that the darkness would be defeated. 

But the Messiah didn’t just come to save; he came to proclaim. The Messiah had a message: the gospel. If no one had ever heard the message of the Messiah’s salvation, who would have benefited? No one! The message had to be heard. A fully operational light switch with a working light bulb still needs to be turned on to be effective. So it is with the message of the Messiah’s salvation – it needs to be heard and believed to be effective.

So it wasn’t just the Messiah, but a Messiah with a message. “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’” (v.17). Jesus’ message was to turn around, to change your thinking, to realize that the way you were going on your own was only going to result in an eternal dead end. Why? Because a better way – the only way – had arrived. Jesus was there to shine the light of salvation for all. 

The word “repent” tends to get a bad reputation in our day and age. It evokes images of hard-line fundamentalist Christians, protesting and picketing, who seem to find more joy in condemning sinners than in pointing them to Christ.

But another way to think of that word repent in the context of light and dark is simply to acknowledge that we’re in the dark. When that happens, we realize how much we need – and appreciate – the light that has come.

So when we’ve become comfortable in the darkness of sin, we repent. When we see the darkness of sin around us, we repent for simply looking the other way or ignoring it. When we see the darkness of sin in our loved ones, we repent for permitting it. 

And then we’re ready for the light. We’re ready for the light of God’s grace in Jesus to dispel the darkness. We’re ready for the gospel to beam so brightly into our hearts that all darkness is gone. We’re ready for the good news that Jesus preached and carried out to reach our ears, too. Then we see the blessing of being in the light. We see how pleasing and pleasant it is to walk in the light. And we want it for others, too. 

See, it wasn’t just a Messiah with a message, but also a Messiah making messengers. Matthew makes that connection clear for us by first revealing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, then choosing to write about Jesus calling his disciples. “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” (v.18-22). The Messiah proclaimed his message, then he called his messengers. Why? So that more candles could be lit.

It’s easy for us to forget that we are called to light candles. We are messengers. We are the solution to the darkness. We are the ones to spread the light. We are the hope for a world blanketed in darkness. So let’s practice.

Someone brings up the latest crushing headline. We acknowledge it. We lament it. We share our frustration and disappointment over it. But then what? Do we just leave it at that? No, let’s get into the habit of asking each other, “How can we light a candle?” What can we do – because we are not powerless! – what can we do in response to the news just discussed? How can we light a candle to put out that darkness?

I can light a candle by praying right then and there. I can light a candle by ensuring that my children grow up in their faith and develop a relationship with Jesus that I wish I had started earlier. I can light a candle by bringing Jesus into the conversation with my friend who is going through a divorce. I can light a candle by making a difference in my neighborhood simply by getting to know my neighbors and building bridges to Jesus. I can light a candle by volunteering and supporting good causes in my community. There are countless ways for us to light a candle daily!

Call out the darkness. Identify it. Name it. But don’t waste your time or energy cursing it. Ask how you can light a candle instead. When that happens, darkness is replaced with light, and others can see its source – Jesus – more clearly. Brothers and sisters in Christ, “[we, too!] have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Mt. 4:15). Let’s light more candles! 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Win Multitudes Over to Faith

Light of the World,
This week of Epiphany, we reflect on the wise men who journeyed to worship the Savior. I pray that you continue to lead multitudes today to seek him, to find him, and to believe in him. Whatever their motives may be, give them eyes of faith to see their salvation. In their newfound joy, use them to bring others to you. Add massive numbers of souls to your kingdom, using the gifts of all of those added to build up and build out your church. Then, bless and serve the world through your church to such a degree that has never been seen before in all of history. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For All Who Seek Jesus to Also Share Jesus

Light of the World,
On this day of Epiphany, we reflect on the wise men who journeyed to worship the Savior. At some point, in some way, the news about the birth of the Savior had reached their ears and touched their hearts. That wonderful message was shared with them. Undoubtedly, upon returning to their own country and people, they shared not only stories of their travels with others, but also the news that a Savior for all people had been born. Like the angels and shepherds before them, they couldn’t help but make known to others this life-changing news. Lead all who seek the Savior also to share him. Use me to make known to others the life-changing news that a Savior has come into the world – a Savior for all people. Rather than assuming everyone already knows this, which is simply untrue, help me live as if they don’t, so that I approach my interactions with others as if I cannot wait to share something amazing with them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Starting Churches

Lord of the Church,
Energize your people everywhere who are involved in planting a new church. Their ministry is both exciting and exhausting. To be used by you to reach out and connect with the lost and see the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing them to faith is one of the greatest rewards a Christian can experience. But it is also very hard work. Give believers in these settings a great measure of patience and perseverance. Fill them up with a steady diet of your Word so they are prepared and well-equipped to pass along your promises to others as they evangelize. Raise up solid leaders in their midst who are full of faith. Open doors to provide them with strong community relationships and a favorable reputation in their mission field. Infuse missionaries with an abundance of love, support, and encouragement to help protect them from burnout. Use their efforts to add many souls to your kingdom and lead them all to regularly celebrate your gracious work in and through them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Certainty of Salvation

Saving Lord,
While each day has plenty of uncertainties and unknowns of its own, I thank you that my eternal salvation is not one of them! The Bible spells it out so clearly that even a child can understand and believe that you love us so much that you sent Jesus into this world to live and die for us. In Jesus every perfect requirement of heaven has been met. In Jesus every condemning sin has been paid for and canceled. Though faith in him I am never wondering where I stand with you, because he came and carried out all that was necessary for me. Let me find joyful security in my salvation every single day, and lead me to make it known to others in every possible way.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Witness with Confidence and Courage

Savior God,
You alone are the God who saves. While there are more false gods than could ever be counted, whether worshipped through false religions or idols manufactured in the hearts of men, salvation is found only in you, the true and Triune God. I know and confess this, but I don’t always reflect it confidently in my witnessing. Too often, bringing Jesus into the conversation never even crosses my mind. Then, when it does, I quickly imagine several negative scenarios or responses to justify my silence. Help me overcome myself, Lord, and let what I know in my mind and heart bear fruit from my lips. If you alone save, that is reason enough for me to make sure your name and your salvation are clearly made known to all people. Give me both confidence and courage to boldly bless others with your name as I magnify you in my witness to others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Pray for What Pleases God

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(1 Timothy 2:1-7)

What’s the first step? Figuring that out can be the difference between getting a task or project off the ground or sitting on it for days, months, or even longer. When we focus on the scale of a project – how many different steps are involved or how long it’s going to take or the endless questions that will need to be answered or the research that needs to be done or the skills that need to be learned – we understandably get overwhelmed.

And then we shut down. And put it off. It’s too much. It’s more than I can handle. I don’t even know where to begin. 

But knowing – and then taking – that first step, is everything. Yes, hiccups will follow. Yes, things won’t go as planned and will need to be adjusted. Expect all of that. But it all seems so magically manageable once we just take that first step and get the ball rolling. Traction ensues and things get done and accomplished. 

And of course, the more serious the situation, the more important it is to address.

I went through this not too long ago when putting down flooring in the garage bathroom of the parsonage. At about the worst time, the toilet tank started to leak. After realizing the bolts were rusty and corroded, compromising the seal, I elected to turn off the water, empty the tank, and remove it. That’s when I realized the line to the tank wouldn’t shut off completely, resulting in a slow leak on the floor. After not being able to stop that leak, I shut off the main water line for the whole house. Guess what didn’t stop leaking?

I was starting to panic a little, because I couldn’t stop this slow leak, which would have eventually flooded the whole garage floor if left unchecked all night. Eventually, I removed the toilet base and directed the leaking hose directly into the toilet drain. That worked to give me peace of mind until being able to call for some additional help to come the next morning. So the more serious the situation, the more important it is to take that first step – it’s not an option to leave it undone when the stakes are high.

How high were the stakes when Paul was writing to his fellow pastor, Timothy? The first chapter spills the tea: false teaching was creeping in, and it was already having the damaging effect of leading some astray, whom Paul even mentioned by name. So putting off that matter was not an option. Something needed to be done, and done right away. The first step needed to be taken. What was it?

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v.1-2). Prayer. “First of all,” Paul writes, pray “…for all people.” The first step in dealing with the challenges laid out in the first chapter was to pray. 

But we often do it the other way, don’t we? We act first, pray last, after we feel we’ve exhausted all other options. Think of how foolish it would be to paint a room that way. You open up the can of paint and start rolling it on and cutting in the corners. Then, after all the walls are covered with a second coat, you decide to go back and fill any holes or cracks and make any drywall repairs. Then, after you fill all the holes and cracks or make the repairs, you decide to tape off the baseboard and any light fixtures or switches. Why would you do all of that after you’ve already painted? It’s backwards.

Just like our prayer lives often are. We want to figure out what we need to do first. What’s the plan? Who needs to be involved and who needs to be talked to? What solutions do we have to come up with to figure out the problem? Then, after we do all of that, we wrap it all up with the nice bowtie prayer. After all, “all we can do now is pray,” right? Not according to Paul! Paul says that prayer should happen first of all and for all people.

Who is included in “all people?” “Kings and all those in authority” (v.2a). Or presidents – no matter the party. Or government officials – no matter the political affiliation. Or bosses – no matter the dumb policies. Or community, church, and home leaders – anyone in any capacity of authority, regardless of our own personal feelings toward or about them. All of them are to be included in our prayers, and not as a last resort, but “first of all.” 

Why? “That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v.2b). No, by “peaceful and quiet lives,” Paul’s concern is not that you could live the care-free life of a recluse or hermit, a life to yourself, uninterrupted by anyone else’s problems. He wasn’t urging prayers for those in authority with the goal of improving your quality of life by limiting hardship or adversity.

Rather, he urged prayers for those in authority so that their work permits peaceful living, so that we can let our light shine as Christians when we live “lives in all godliness and holiness.” Our godliness and holiness is God’s version of attraction marketing to draw people to the cross and to Christ. Our godliness and holiness is a direct reflection of him. Our godliness and holiness may be exactly what the Spirit uses to create curiosity in unbelieving onlookers. So pray for it and then produce it. You. Me. Live quiet lives in godliness and holiness. 

When you do, you stand out. That sounds odd, doesn’t it? We’re not used to standing out by being quiet and focusing on living godly, holy lives. In a world of “who can yell louder and shock more,” we fall into the trap and get sucked up into all the noise, thinking we can out-scream everyone else. We can’t. But you’ll get the attention of your neighbor or your coworker when your godly, holy living is so awkward looking to them because so few operate within any ethical or moral framework like that. You’ll stand out because you’re odd. 

And that’s part of God’s plan through prayer and producing the kinds of lives he calls us to live. It all fits in with his ultimate goal, which Paul reminds us of in the next verse. “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v.3-4). There’s two pretty good reasons for prayer: one, it pleases God; two, it is directly tied to his desire to see all people saved.

This kind of prayer pleases God. Just stop there for a moment and ask yourself how important that is to you. In general, how much of your time and thoughts are focused on pleasing God? Do you consciously think about pleasing God? How differently would we live if more of our thoughts and words were framed by the ongoing desire to please God? Prayer pleases God. Praying for others and for those in authority pleases God. If for no other reason than that, we have more than enough reason to give more time and attention to prayer in our lives because we want to please God. 

It’s also good because it’s the game plan God put together to accomplish his goal of saving all people who come to know and believe in him. God wants everyone to be saved. Think about it. God didn’t just drum up some plan for salvation hoping that it would stick for a few people; he outlined – and then carried out – the perfect plan, a plan that would disqualify no one, a plan that would be possible for everyone, regardless of social status, intellect, or natural ability. It’s a plan entirely dependent on his work from start to finish, and he wants everyone to know about that plan of salvation and to be saved through it. And your prayers and my prayers are included in that plan. 

And don’t forget, it isn’t just your prayers that are included in that plan: so are you. You are the beneficiary of it. You know the certainty of it. You have peace through it. His desire to save all people has already played out in your life. Paul reminds us how. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (v.5-6a).

A mediator is called in to work with two parties in an effort to get what is best for each side. Jesus alone did that. He satisfied God’s justice and paid the ransom price for our sin and rebellion. He died and suffered hell. He also provided for us the holiness we could never manufacture on our own. He tore down the barricade of our sin that separated us from God. He did that for you and me. What he did for you and me, he also did “for all people.”

Paul backed up that precious truth by reminding Timothy that he was not dwelling in the realm of theory or philosophy or even prediction of what might happen, but confirming that it already had. “This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles” (v.6b-7). The ransom price paid by Jesus was witnessed. It happened.

People saw it. People testified to it. People were still testifying to it – people like Paul. And, people like Timothy, to whom Paul was writing this letter. And, people like you and me, who not only can pray first of all, but also witness, testify, herald the good news to others. When that message accompanies our lives of godliness and holiness, we’re packing a powerful one-two punch for the gospel. 

In the meantime, first things first: pray. Take that first step. Pray for what pleases the God who wants all people to be saved.