Word@Work Eph23 - Ephesians 2:17-18
Published: Tue, 10/28/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
PEACE DECLARATION
Read Ephesians 2:17-18 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (NIV)
A 'good news' announcement has an amazing effect. Those fearing the worst from the cancer doctor are relieved and then joyful - they feel free. They are free from the uncertainly with its worry, and from the chaos of life into which a more sombre diagnosis threatened to plunge them. Forgiveness of all sin, and acceptance into the intimate household of God, is good news indeed - that is why it is called the Gospel (that just means 'good news').
Gospel preaching took place at the command of Jesus (cf Matt 28:18-20). Christ was speaking through the apostles (cf 2 Cor 5:20), and that is how we too heard the Gospel. For us, someone took the apostles' words (in the Bible) seriously enough to help us to see the truth in the Gospel; and when we believed, the Holy Spirit declared peace in our hearts. At that moment we were granted free access to Father God and were made His children. That same peace declaration remains true for all who will hear it and respond in faith. And it does not matter how far away they may seem to be.
D.T. Niles (a 20th Century Sri Lankan evangelist) described evangelism as, "one previously starving beggar telling another 'down and out' where to find the bread". The Gospel is Christ preaching through His people. If you mainly link 'preach' with pulpits and hard pews (and therefore think it is not for you), think of 'victory broadcast' or 'group email about vast salary increases' or the excitedly gossiped announcement of an engagement or a new birth. It is good news that you want to share, and cannot hold in. But it is not all up to you, because the Holy Spirit will also be at work. He will help you to see the opportunity, and help you to speak the truth (and to be sufficiently bold). Then He will apply the truth to your friends' heart, and help them to respond in faith and receive Christ's peace. So although it is not all down to us, none of us should wriggle out of playing our part.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that You want my friends and colleagues to hear Your announcement of peace, as they trust in Jesus. Help me to be bold to see the opportunity to tell the message, and then trust You to apply it to their hearts. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
A 'good news' announcement has an amazing effect. Those fearing the worst from the cancer doctor are relieved and then joyful - they feel free. They are free from the uncertainly with its worry, and from the chaos of life into which a more sombre diagnosis threatened to plunge them. Forgiveness of all sin, and acceptance into the intimate household of God, is good news indeed - that is why it is called the Gospel (that just means 'good news').
Gospel preaching took place at the command of Jesus (cf Matt 28:18-20). Christ was speaking through the apostles (cf 2 Cor 5:20), and that is how we too heard the Gospel. For us, someone took the apostles' words (in the Bible) seriously enough to help us to see the truth in the Gospel; and when we believed, the Holy Spirit declared peace in our hearts. At that moment we were granted free access to Father God and were made His children. That same peace declaration remains true for all who will hear it and respond in faith. And it does not matter how far away they may seem to be.
D.T. Niles (a 20th Century Sri Lankan evangelist) described evangelism as, "one previously starving beggar telling another 'down and out' where to find the bread". The Gospel is Christ preaching through His people. If you mainly link 'preach' with pulpits and hard pews (and therefore think it is not for you), think of 'victory broadcast' or 'group email about vast salary increases' or the excitedly gossiped announcement of an engagement or a new birth. It is good news that you want to share, and cannot hold in. But it is not all up to you, because the Holy Spirit will also be at work. He will help you to see the opportunity, and help you to speak the truth (and to be sufficiently bold). Then He will apply the truth to your friends' heart, and help them to respond in faith and receive Christ's peace. So although it is not all down to us, none of us should wriggle out of playing our part.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that You want my friends and colleagues to hear Your announcement of peace, as they trust in Jesus. Help me to be bold to see the opportunity to tell the message, and then trust You to apply it to their hearts. For Christ's sake. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph23 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2008 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on