Saved to Tell Others

                God saved you from every stain of sin. He washed you with the precious blood of His Son Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). It was His grace that brought this salvation — it was not our own works of righteousness (Eph. 2:8-9). But God expects a return on our part. You were “created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Further, even as was true of the apostles, He expects “that you might go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).

                Having been redeemed, you must start working for God. This is where your good works come in. By your good works men will be led to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12). There are two avenues through which we must be diligent in order to lead men to the Lord.

                1. The life we live in the midst of a sinful world must be of such a nature that it stands out as a glory for Christ. Men must “see” our good works. We are to be like “a city set on a hill that cannot be hid.” If we live no differently than the man next door, how can we ever influence the world for Christ? If we use the same questionable language and go to the same questionable movies, what difference will people see in us? If we have the same hostile attitudes and have the same yelling, fussing, and fighting in our homes as do others, what kind of light we letting shine? Christian, your life must be different! Remember Jesus’ words, “... what do ye more than others?”

                2. Along with our godly life there must be the positive teaching of the word of God — holding forth the word of life in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Your godly life alone will not convert anyone. “They shall all be taught of God.” Teaching is essential. Since faith comes by hearing, faith cannot be implanted by your life by itself. The word must be taught. Now, in all seriousness, are you trying in any way to teach anyone else the gospel? We need to really get serious about this matter. Souls are dying and being lost, and we might make the difference in their eternal destiny. I plead with you to do what you can for the salvation of mankind.

Forrest D. Moyer (1989)