THE LIGHT IN LIFE

FOLLOW THE MASTER’S EXAMPLE

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

Everything about your life should focus on winning people to Jesus Christ; there’s no higher priority than that for the Christian. The Lord Jesus Himself was a Master soul winner.

In John 4:6-42, He encountered a certain woman at the well of Samaria, and engaged her in a dialogue. The woman came to draw water from the well. But to get her attention, the Lord initiated a conversation with her on something that was of interest to her—the water.

Upon getting her full attention, the Master witnessed to the woman, who believed and went about telling others about her encounter with the Christ. Matthew 4 tells us another beautiful story of how Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee and saw two brothers who were fishermen: Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew. He said to them, “...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

The Master always knew how to engage others in a conversation on a subject that was of interest to them, in a bid to witness to them. If you’ve often wondered how to engage people in a conversation in order to lead them to Christ, emulate the strategy of the Master. Observe what such people might be interested in, and initiate a conversation along that line.

You can ask that he or she explain something to you about a book or magazine they might be holding or reading, and then you listen with rapt attention. If you do, they’re more likely to also give you their attention when you start witnessing to them.

Of course, there are times the Lord could give you specific instructions about someone you need to witness to. At such times, don’t negotiate; go right ahead and follow the Lord’s guidance. Whatever He tells or inspires you to say at that time and place, that do. He said in Psalm 81:10, “...open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Always be bold, and the Lord will honour His Word in and through you.

PRAYER

Blessed Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives within me, making me an able steward and minister of the mysteries of Christ. I take advantage of the opportunities I have today, to preach Christ to those whom you’ve ordained to receive salvation through me; they’re turned from darkness to light and established in your righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Corinthians 9:16; Acts 17:22-34

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Romans 11:1-24 & Psalms 79-81

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke 14:1-14 & Judges 15-16

OUR CULTURE IS IN CHRIST

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

As Christians, though we’ve been called and chosen out of the world, we still live among different people with different cultures, backgrounds and mindsets. Sometimes, some Christians find themselves caught in a conflict between their Christian faith and what obtains in an earthly culture. First, it’s important to understand that being born again, your primary culture is in Christ Jesus. You must imbibe the culture of the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; you don’t have another nature, or belong to another culture; the Word of God is what guides your way of life and principles. Culture is often simply defined as the way of life of a people, and for us, Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4) and faith in the Word is our lifestyle (Hebrews 10:38, 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Some people like to identify with, or participate in “cultural” ceremonies in their countries, cities, or towns of natural birth. However, such “sub-cultures” or cultural events must not negate or be contrary to the Word of God and your faith in Christ Jesus.

When you’re cultured by the Word, your outlook on life changes. The Word will choose your new norms and become your reference for and in everything. You’ll only embrace and celebrate Christ-values; those things the Kingdom stands for—what you have, who you are—your heritage in Christ. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Righteous Father, I rejoice at the transformation your Word brings to my spirit always; your Word has given me a culture and the mindset of success and greatness. I celebrate my great heritage in Christ—who I am and all the blessings of the heavenly Kingdom to which I belong, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 12:2; Galatians 3:27-28

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke 14:15-24 & Judges 17