We have been so thrilled to get to serve our community for 43 amazing editions of Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine. Our goal to change the world, one story at a time has been successful and effective.
It’s been my personal pleasure to have the opportunity to share many stories of everyday people who have stepped into God’s call for their life and found God to be Faithful and True. Some of these stories have changed my life, so I know they’ve changed others, perhaps even yours.
There is nothing more powerful than sharing what God has done in your life. Sharing your own experience of the Living Christ with others is the most powerful opportunity God’s people have to spread the gospel effectively in today’s sound-bite society. While many in the world today may shun the validity of the Bible, it’s difficult to debate what God has done in your life.
What if a hurting person heard someone boldly testify of God’s goodness: “Because of the love of God, my marriage made it through a tough season.” Or, “When I prayed to the Lord Jesus in a moment of despair, I was able to begin my road to recovery from addiction.” So many need to hear this. “Because of the cross, I’ve been totally forgiven of…..adultery, abortion, promiscuity, lying, cheating, gossip, jealousy, the list goes on.” Or another big one: “God has given me a new identity and a sense of purpose.” One of my favorites is: “I was lost, and now I’m found. Jesus met me at my lowest point in my life and accepted me at my lowest.”
The world is hungry for authentic faith and a road map to fulfillment. Many are hurting and even more feel isolated and lonely. Because of this, many great people are wondering how to change the world via some vibrant ministry or large platform that offers significant opportunity. While that is a great goal, it’s in the everyday that we can have the most notable impact.
The real opportunity is right in front of us! So close we’ve missed it more times than we can count! Too often, we believe the continual cycle of bad news and too quickly fall prey to believing there is nothing you or I can do.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) says it best: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” In whom is your hope? In this world that shuns God altogether? In our government? In material possessions? If so, you have already been disappointed.
Believing in Jesus makes your life better, and He makes you better at life. His earthly plan was to offer all we needed to have a right relationship with our Father and Creator. God sent his Son Jesus to save our souls and offer eternal life. He fills us with His life, His Holy Spirit, so that we don’t have to wonder what to do next. We just ask, listen patiently, and then let Him lead.
It sounds so simple because it is! Jesus modeled a clearly communicated plan of salvation and way of life. The Bible is God’s love letter to help instruct us to a better way of life. Yet in our culture we have invited chaos and confusion by allowing so much hatred and division when the Bible clearly calls us to unity in Christ.
Coming together is the way to build a strong foundation that lasts. First at home, then in our churches and communities. That is clear in Mark 3:25 (NIV) “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” No wonder so many families are falling apart. We start by being one with the One and then one with others.
Thank you for reading! We will continue to publish online and will keep our social media sites active and updated. As we shift the way we reach the world one story at a time, stay tuned!
