First Baptist Church of Diana, Texas

1 Corinthians 9:19-27–For the Sake of the Gospel

One of the major goals of the Christian life is to lead others to Christ. In our Scripture reading for today, the Bible teaches us through the life of the Apostle Paul, adjustments are sometimes necessary in order for us to be effective witnesses.

Last year our church hosted two banquets in which we asked our members to purchase a ticket for themselves and a lost person to bring to the evangelistic event. Several commented that they did not know anyone who was not a Christian. Paul is showing us in this passage that it is sometimes necessary to put ourselves in a different position to lost people in order to gain an opportunity to share Christ. We must go where people do not know Christ.

A few weeks ago several of our members went to a community in Texas that has no Baptist church and that has no evangelical witness to host a Vacation Bible School. They traveled hundreds of miles, took vacations from work, and endured intense heat in Southwest Texas. Why?  They did this in order to put themselves in a position to share the Gospel with some who do not know Christ.

This teaching is not given to us as an option. It is given as a responsibility. If our routines do not expose us to those who do not know the Gospel, we must adjust our routines. This may be as simple as engaging a conversation with someone we do not know when we would normally just not engage. It may mean going on a mission trip with our church. It probably means participating in outreach and visitation in the church outreach ministry. It surely means being intentional. In the closing remarks, Paul says in essence, if we want to win others to Christ, we must play the game in a way that helps us to win. We will never win anyone to Christ if we do not intentionally seek opportunities to share Christ.

Prayer Challenge:
Pray for missionaries who have been sent out by the International Mission Board and by the North American Mission Board. If you know one personally, pray especially for them. The Fletcher family came to our church last fall and currently serve in Poland. They would especially covet your prayers. 

Ministry Challenge: 
As you attend the VBS  family night this evening, take note of some of the workers and send them a card of thanks and encouragement some time this week. 

Mission Challenge: 
Attend the Vacation Bible School family night this evening.  Parents of all children who participated in Bible School this week are invited for a time of celebration and fellowship. You will be an encouragement to them by participating. You  will likely encounter the parents of children who do not go to church and have an opportunity to establish a relationship that could lead to them coming to Christ and being a part of FBC.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?