2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God calls people to Himself, but He almost always does it through other people. The Good News is that salvation for eternal life is available by grace through faith, but if people don’t hear that, how will they turn their hearts to God in repentance? No human being can save any other human being by their own strength, wisdom, or righteousness, but what we can do is let people know that God has already done all the work through Christ Jesus our Lord, so all they have to do is repent and believe. Of course, this does imply a change of life. Thinking that all you need to do is say the right words is actually an attempt at magic. My grandfather called it “into bliss and out of blister” theology. Paul’s famous statement in Ephesians 2 about salvation by grace through faith also includes verse 10, that talks about living the life that God has prepared for us. Likewise, the Great Commission in Matthew 28 includes, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (verse 20) All of that said, people are definitely in the loop when it comes to salvation. Paul was telling the Thessalonians that God had called them to Himself through Paul, and he wasn’t wrong. We too have the incredible privilege of being part of that process, if we will make ourselves available for it. Some people are gifted in this area and some are not, but every believer has the privilege of sharing the Gospel, and if we are open, God will supply the necessary opportunities.

For many years I retreated behind being a teacher rather than an encourager, and so considered myself less equipped for evangelism. However, teachers are definitely part of the process, as in Jesus’ words in the Great Commission. In recent years I have discovered the joy of sharing, regardless of whether the person actually receives and acts on the Gospel. Yesterday in the service, one of the testimonies was of wanting to share the Gospel, but at the same time recognizing that, in Japan at least, going to a friend and simply saying “Do you believe in God?” is going to generate concern for your mental and emotional health, rather than openness to Christ. As a pastor, I am thrilled that believers are desiring to share the Gospel, and I need to grow in that area right along with them. Japan is a notoriously difficult place to evangelize, for a variety of reasons, but nothing is impossible for God! I don’t think there’s a “magic key” to unlock this nation, but I do believe that God has wonderful plans for it, and I’m to be faithfully, humbly available to Him for however He wants to use me, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the three excellent testimonies in the service yesterday. Thank You for the evidence of growth in the believers. May I not get in the way of that, but encourage and equip them for the work that You have for them, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!