“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Why does the Pickens Baptist Association emphasize evangelism and missions so much? Well, it is our responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ starting in our Jerusalem and going to the rest of the world. Over the next couple of months, our mission teams will continue that task. They find themselves going to Alaska, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico and Kentucky. In March, a team was on the ground in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is great to see what God is doing through the PBA. Who could ever imagine that an association and its churches of no more than 1800 active members can touch so many areas for Christ. PTL!! Honestly, I am overwhelmed. You, PBA, have a missions and an evangelistic heart. There’s no other way to describe it.
However, this heart does not come from our “obligation”, but from our call. As I read this passage this morning, I wept when I realized that it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. He is the one who loves me and gave his life for me to know Him. Why wouldn’t I gladly desire for others to know this Jesus that I know. I am not under any obligation, but I am moved by my love for Jesus, and his love for me and His world. We must never forget…He was crucified in order that “whoever believes in Him will not perish but experience eternal life.” (John 3:16)
What about you? What motivates you to share your faith with a lost and dying world? Will you be ministering this summer through VBS, through local church outreach activities, through neighborly visits, or some other way that the Lord impresses upon you? Remember, He, Jesus, lives in you and me in order that we share what He has done and is doing in us.
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle