October 15: The Key to the Missionary Message

First some definitions:

mis-sion-ar-y n. - 1. A person sent to propagate religion... hence, one who spreads any new system or doctrine. 2. A person sent on a mission; a messenger; an ambassador.

pro-pi-ti-a-tion n. - That which causes one to be favorably disposed, appeased, or conciliated. An offering, action or sacrifice that makes the governing power kindly disposed toward the offender.

Bottom line:

The Bible repeatedly makes it clear that ALL Christians are supposed to be missionaries. In today's reading Chambers makes very clear exactly what the new doctrine is that we are to be spreading.

Although the following messages are true, our primary message is NOT:
-what Jesus has done for me.
-God is love.
-life is so much happier with Jesus.
-God will protect you.
-He can heal you.
-etc., etc.

THE "missionary message" is this:
The sacrifice of Jesus choosing to die on the cross when He had never done anything wrong to deserve death was the action that took away your sin and the sin of the whole world. This was the offering, the ONLY acceptable offering, that causes God (the governing power) to be kindly disposed to us, the sinners.

Nope, this isn't politically correct or an easy feel-good message, but it IS the fresh breath of hope and peace that we all need.

Dear Jesus, please keep us all focused on this message. As a matter of fact, Lord, first of all make sure that we are all immersed in this message! Are there any parts of us remaining that think that we somehow deserve Your gift of salvation? Are we still trying to earn favor with You by what we do? Are we still clinging to closet sins and attempting to "cancel them out" with other good deeds? Bring those dank closets to light by the probing light of Your Spirit!! (I know that I'm squirming right now.) As You streamline the focus of the children of my heart, please make them more spirtually aerodynamic so they can efficiently make a difference in our world!!