Romans 10:14 - How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Traditionally, the Olympics begin by transferring the flame torch from the site of the original contests in Olympia, Greece, to where the games will be held next. It is a privilege to be chosen as a torchbearer. Athletes, actors, musicians, sports figures, and politicians have all carried the Olympic torch, passing it on to the next person in the procession as it moves toward its final destination. It is an impressive sight with millions of people watching the centuries-old pageant on television. This initial spectacle concludes when the fire lights the hosting stadium's torch. Then it's time for the contests to begin.
The sharing of our faith works something like this. With the atoning work for our sins accomplished by Jesus Christ's death and resurrection two thousand years ago, His message to His disciples was to take the Gospel out into the whole world. He told them, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Since then, the fire of faith has spread to the earth's distant corners, as we see many people around the world sharing the flame of the Gospel with others.
The apostle Paul knew, too, that reaching others with the light of salvation means sharing the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). As God's people in this great marathon of faith, preaching is our duty and a blessed opportunity to participate in the growth of God's kingdom on earth. It is our obligation and responsibility to bring the torch of faith to all we meet along our road of life.
How wonderful it is when God uses us to share the Gospel with others. Furthermore, how we rejoice when we see people throughout the world who are moved by the Holy Spirit to receive in faith Jesus as their Lord and Savior. These people can then say, along with the apostle Paul, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
How blessed too when these same people—newly redeemed by God's grace—take up the Gospel torch and join in sharing His story of salvation with others!
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give us the strength to carry the torch of Your Word to a world groping in darkness. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
From the message, "The Marathon Of Faith," by Igor Savich, director of LHM-Russia
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever been to the Olympics? If so, what did you like most about them?
2. How important is it for us to "get the word out" about Jesus and the salvation God offers?
3. In what aspect of sharing your faith would you like to get better at?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 113-115 1 Thessalonians 3
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