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by Noreen Tjindra

Having been touched by the presence of God’s great love in our life, I believe that each one of us has someone or people in our mind that we want to reach out to; people we hold close to our heart such as our family members and friends. As Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Often times we do not know how to start, for fear of being too pushy towards them. Maybe, we have tried but nothing seems to change. And sometimes, we become discouraged, not knowing what else we can do. We want to be God’s hands and feet, but somehow we feel that we cannot do it.

I know, I know. I have the same thoughts too. It is never easy trying to speak about Jesus when one does not have the personal encounter with Him yet. In Ephesians 6:19-20, we are encouraged “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Well, patience is the key to our approach towards non believers. We have to speak out of love without bending to the principles of Christianity. What we need is relating to them in a way they can relate to and not being perceived as too pushy. One way to relate is to live the life of a compassionate Christian, having the sincere heart to care for others and help others. We can often recognize Christians by their loving behavior, and others are drawn to this behavior.

Another important thing to remember when evangelizing is the importance of being a good listener. When discussing about faith, do not get too preachy because this will definitely turn your listener off. Instead, be respectful and again, speak out of love. Most importantly, stand boldly and courageously in your belief. You do not have to feel sorry for what you believe in.

Not knowing what to say for real? Well, start interceding when you start to get nervous about speaking the gospel to these unbelievers. Matthew 10:19-20 says “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” So, do not be afraid. Speak confidently and from your personal experience with God.

Maybe we all should instill deep into our mind that we are God’s ambassadors in reaching out to His lost sheep. When you have tasted and seen God’s goodness, how can you retain them all to yourself? Spread the love. Spread the joy. Spread the gospel. Never ever lose hope for people whose salvation we are still praying for.

As for yourself, keep emptying your vessels to be filled again with His words. Never stop being hungry to invite Him into your daily life. Never cease praying for the loved ones so that in the time to come, when they ask you “How do you stay so cheerful when all these troubles are so overwhelming?” That is when you can share your personal experiences and be a living testimony to them about God’s love for you. Living in His kingdom does not take much but faith and love that overcome everything. When someone is perceptive to what you have to say about Christianity, do not be afraid to invite them with you to your next church events or care group. You would be surprised at how a few kind words, or being a good listener or a good friend can present the opportunity to bring others to the Lord.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” – Romans 1:16.

By Mary Fairchild

This incredibly important question involves a matter central to Christianity, yet effectively answering it is often difficult for Christians. We will take a careful look at the question and lay out the answers offered in Scripture.

However, before we answer the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” it’s also important to understand that Jesus clearly understood his mission on earth involved laying down his life as a sacrifice. In other words, Jesus knew it was His Father’s will for him to die.

He proves his foreknowledge and understanding of his death in these passages from Scripture:

Mark 8:31 says.”… the Son of Man, would suffer many terrible things…He would be killed, and three days later he would rise again. (NLT) (See also Mark 9:31)

Mark 10:32-34 says,”… the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans…” (NLT)

Mark 10: 38 says,”… Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink? …” (NLT)

Mark 10:43-45 says,”… the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” (NLT)

Mark 14:22-25 says,”… This is my blood, poured out for many, sealing the covenant between God and his people…” (NLT)

John 10:17-18 says,”…No one takes My life from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. ..” (NKJV)

This last verse also explains why it is pointless to blame the Jews or the Romans—or anyone else, for that matter, for “killing” Jesus. Jesus, having the power to “lay it down” or “take it again,” freely gave up his life. It truly doesn’t matter then, who “killed” Jesus. The ones who nailed the nails only helped carry out the destiny he came to fulfill by laying down his life on the cross.

Now, on to answering the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?”

God is Holy

Though God is all merciful, all powerful and all forgiving, God is also holy, righteous and just.

Isaiah 5:16 says,”… The holiness of God is displayed by his righteousness.” (NLT)

Sin and Holiness are Incompatible

Sin entered the world through one man’s disobedience - Adam, and now all of us are born into this “sin nature.”

Romans 5:12 says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race…” (NLT)

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)

Sin Separates Us from God

Isaiah 35:8 says,”And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. (NIV)

Isaiah 59:2 says,”But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (NIV)

Sin’s Punishment is Eternal Death

God’s holiness and justice demand that sin and rebellion be punished. The only penalty or payment for sin is eternal death.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB)

Romans 5:21 says, “so just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)

Atoning Sacrifice

Our death is not sufficient to atone for sin because atonement requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way. Jesus, the one perfect God-man, came to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for our sin.

1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life…He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (NLT)

Hebrews 2:14-17 Says,”…Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death…For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way…”(NIV)

Only Through Jesus Christ

Only through Jesus Christ can our sins be forgiven, thus restoring our relationship with God and removing the separation caused by sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 says,” God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)

The Messiah - Savior

The suffering and the glory of the coming Messiah was foretold in Isaiah chapters 52

Tinggikan DiriMu
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Tiada SepertiMu (True Worshippers)
AnugrahMu kepadaku tak pernah berubah
PerbuatanMu terlukiskan di dalam hatiku
Tercengangku dibuatMu, kukagum padaMu
Tak ada hal di hidupku yang luput dariMu

Kau indah, Kau mulia tiada sepertiMu
Kuingin hidupku menyenangkanMu

Kau terawal dan terakhir, pencipta segalanya
Seluruh bintang pun bersinar oleh ucapanMu
Engkaupun mengasihiku, penulis hidupku
Tak henti segenap nafasku menyembahMu selalu

Kupuji, kusembah tiada sepertiMu
Kuingin hidupku menyenangkanMu

Segala puji, segala hormat
Segenap hatiku menyembahMu
Terimalah segenap hidupku
Sebagai persembahan yang hidup

Bukan kehendakku
Namun kehendakMu
Hidupku bagiMu

Forever
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My Savior Lives
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O Praise Him
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How can I keep from singing
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Lord I thirst for You
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