I think that the United States – compared to countries like Asia and Latin America – sees fewer conversions to Jesus Christ because we’re just not sure if God can convert people on the spot. Many people subscribe to a view that says, “If you believe in Jesus, get into a therapy group, hang in there a few years, and then MAYBE … one of these days … He just might free you from addiction.” That’s a wimpy gospel with wimpy conversions!

In the Bible, the Gospel preached by the Apostle Paul came “with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” That’s in 1 Thessalonians 1:5. This Gospel says: Christ can set you free right now! If we proclaim the biblical Gospel, I believe that thousands of Americans can and will be changed overnight. THAT is the power of the biblical Gospel – the truth! Won’t you reach your world with this Good News today?

When our zeal for the Lord is not balanced with humility, we become arrogant. We get “puffed up” about our own work and accomplishments. Not only that, but it is futile to try to please God in our own strength! After all, as the Bible says, “it is GOD who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

So, how do we pursue the things of God with humble zeal? We look to Jesus Christ as our perfect example. In His zeal for the salvation of the world, God’s one and only Son left heaven for earth. Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus, “being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” I encourage you – be on fire for the Lord Jesus, yes! But balance your zeal with a sincerely humble heart.

Unfortunately, millions of people are just like him. They are trusting in their own efforts – particularly religious rituals – for salvation. From the moment Adam disobeyed God in the garden, man has sought his own way to cover his sin and cleanse his conscience. We human beings are DOERS. In John 6:28 the people asked Jesus: “What must we DO to do the WORKS God requires?” And He responded in the next verse: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

I told him there isn’t a better way to help them! The people of this world create the problems of this world. And if we can lead people to Christ, positive and practical changes will begin to happen. Do you believe that? It’s true! The Bible says that if you know and follow Jesus Christ, you have the spirit of the living God within you. First John 4:4 states, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” That means that by the grace of God and the presence of His Holy Spirit within you, you are a changed person! And changed people change our world.

It is important to serve the people around us. But nothing makes for lasting change without the Good News of Jesus Christ. So, as you Reach Your World by SHOWING the love of Jesus Christ, remember what’s most important is SHARING the love of Jesus Christ! Tell someone the Good News today.

Let me tell you a story. There was a great missionary. Once saved, his life was focused solely on reaching the world with the Good News- no matter what the cost. During his ministry, he was stoned, jailed, tortured, shipwrecked, and eventually beheaded. All for the sake of the Good News of Jesus Christ! This is the story of the Apostle Paul- author of much of the New Testament, and passionate evangelist.

Most of us are not called to that place of ultimate sacrifice. So why do we still let fears and insecurities keep us from sharing our faith? Paul had reason to fear for his life, and yet he continued sharing Christ all the more.

In fact, Paul writes in Romans, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Most of us will never encounter the kind of hardship that Paul experienced and yet we’re afraid of something as little as ridicule or rejection.

Today, don’t step back. Don’t back down. Share your faith, regardless of the cost. It’s worth it.

We are commanded by God to share the Good News with the world.  But ultimately, the results are in God’s control – not ours.  You can make a flawless argument.  But, when it comes down to it, the Holy Spirit still has to change the person’s heart!

Do not use this reliance on God as an excuse to get lazy, however. Instead, find it empowering!  If you know that God is in control, it keeps you humble and gives you courage.  Do your part, and God will use you mightily!  In the book of Romans, Paul writes that, “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.”

Remember to show a lost friend God’s kindness as you share the Good News.  Lovingly share the truth with friends and then rest because God is in control and He knows exactly what He’s doing!

If followers of Jesus truly believed that Jesus finished what none of us could, they would live differently.  You know, someone may be very religious, yet not know Jesus at all!  Jesus came to free us from “religion”.  Righteous deeds are a natural outcome of a love for God, but they are not the source of our salvation.

Jesus did all the work so we wouldn’t have to! Sometimes “religion” can be about what we do.  But, faith in Jesus Christ is not about what we do – it’s about what God has done!  Instead of relying on yourself, rely on Jesus Christ.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  Remember that we are all sinful. Nothing we do is good enough for God.  Boast in the Lord Jesus, not in your religious deeds, and you will find true joy, peace and contentment.  Once you understand that you cannot earn the grace of God, you will be equipped to reach your world and share this truth with others!

If you claim to be a follower of Jesus then think through His words.  Do you truly believe He’s the only way?  The Bible is very clear.  While it is not popular to say there is only one way to heaven, it is the truth.

Lovingly reach out to someone today. You can be God’s instrument to help others see Jesus.  Don’t buy into the vague spirituality of our culture.  Stand on the authority of Scripture and once again proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.