The Accepted Time - 2 Corinthians 6:2b

2 Corinthians 6:2b “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (NRSV) 

            The death of American Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham will no doubt bring back memories for millions of people around the world. Many of them may be thankful for his preaching, words, and books which drew them nearer to God. Others may reflect on a personal conversion experience which was wonderful at the time, but never really took root in their lives. Perhaps they may feel sad at such a disappointment, or maybe they will be re-inspired to try to make that connection with Christ which has been missing from their lives. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that Billy Graham was the leading Christian evangelist of the 20^th century and he will be fondly remembered by millions of people on Earth.

            Today’s half verse has been used by many evangelists to make people aware that the only guarantee we have in life is this moment we call ‘now.’ We don’t know what will happen in the next hour, never mind the next month, year, or decade. Time doesn’t stand still, except when it comes to an individual end for every person on this planet. The mission of Christianity is to help and encourage people make a decision to accept Christ as their Savior before Death arrives. At each of the rallies and crusades which Dr. Graham preached, this was the climax to the whole event when hundreds of people would get up out of the audience and walk forward to give their lives to Jesus. For them, this was the acceptable time, this was the day of their salvation.

            When I write and distribute these devotions, I have one purpose: to help people with their lives by encouraging them to draw closer to God and be embraced by Christ. Due to the wonders of modern technology, people in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, France and even the Philippines will read this message. I only know a few of them, but I pray that Christ knows all of them as believers, followers, and servants.

Point to ponder

Have I given my life to Christ? Am I willing to make this the day of my salvation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely, yet You still deal with us mercifully and graciously. We are thankful for Your love and we ask that You encourage us to devote the rest of our lives to Your ministry and mission on Earth, in our community and among the people we know. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to give feedback about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is taken from John’s blog which shows how many folks have read his devotions recently.

Church Growth Devotion - Witnesses to Our People - Acts 13:31

Acts 13:31       And for many days Jesus was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.

As Christians, we are meant to be Christ’s witnesses to other people. We are called by God to mainly serve Jesus in our local communities, so that others may be attracted to Christ. In churches, congregations, and house groups around the world, Christians are constantly developing programs to go out into the world around them, bringing their neighbors the good news of salvation, and compassionately supporting them in times of trouble, distress, and suffering.

The purpose of any church is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples. This involves learning about God in worship and Bible study. We build up our knowledge of God’s words and ways, so that we will be confident about what Christ is saying and doing in the local community. We then find practical ways of applying what we learn, so that we can be effective witnesses who care about the critical needs of others. Every community has its different groups of people in need, which is why there are so many different churches in the world. Churches don’t exist to peddle a competitive Christianity. They are alive in order to augment, embrace, and support the constant work of the Holy Spirit, both at home and abroad. We are all called together to be Christ’s witnesses to our people.

Questions for personal reflection

What ministries and missions, both at home and abroad, do I feel called to support? How am I witnessing for Christ in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You have called us into the service of Your Kingdom through the positive words and ways of other people. We are a part of Your Church because someone led us to You through their commitment, service, and devotion. Enable and encourage us to find similar ways to attract other people to You through our witnessing and support. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings. It’s called “Pentecost Mandala” and is a stained glass design of the Holy Spirit as a dove. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8696570270_10fdb48c7d_b.jpg