25 February 2024
THE FRUIT OF SALVATION
(Going Forward in Christ: GFIC 8)
When John and Andrew found Christ, they both hurried home to share the Good News with their elder brothers. Andrew was the first to lead his brother Simon to Christ. Philip also found Christ and he told Nathanael immediately and brought him to Jesus (John 1:40-42). The excitement of knowing Christ gave them so much joy that they hastened to tell their loved ones and friends about Jesus. This is what every Christian should be doing – to be an immediate witness for Christ when we have experienced the Joy of Salvation.
We can learn some precious lessons from these few early followers of Christ. John and Andrew went in search of their brothers. Preaching the Gospel should begin first with our family and relatives. Then Philip found his good friend Nathanael. It is so much easier to share with our family and friends than with strangers. When Legion found Christ and was set free from demonic bondage, Jesus said to him: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” and he did just that (Mark 5:19-20). All these were only one day old believers and followers of Christ.
Andrew was a “nobody” but Simon became a great preacher and the leader of the Apostolic Band. On the Day of Pentecost, he preached and 3,000 souls found Christ. He then opened the door of the Gospel to Gentiles in leading the first Gentiles to Christ in Cornelius’ House. James and Nathanel because part of the Apostolic Band. We may be insignificant people with no great gifting, but those we lead to Christ may one day be great servants of God.
We don’t know who brought C H Spurgeon, D L moody, Billy Graham and Reinhard Bonnke to Christ; but think of what great men they were and how mightily God used them. Think of this seriously. You will never know what the one you influenced to Christ will become one day. A good number of people I led to Christ have become pastors, missionaries, leaders of Churches and Christian organisations. Some have a greater ministry than mine. I thank God for what He has done in their lives and in their ministries. Praise the Lord!
The Lord Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16). We are also commanded to “preach the Gospel to everyone” and “make disciples of all peoples” (Mk 16:15; Matt.28:19). He called us to salvation and chose us to “go and bear fruit” by preaching the Gospel. Then we are to “make disciples” so that our “fruit will remain” for life as faithful followers. What a great calling! Let us be faithful to this calling and glorify our Lord by bringing more and more souls to Him and to Heaven.
The Bible says, “The fruit of the righteous is a Tree of Life; he who wins souls is wise” (Prov.11:30). Wisdom is living for Christ and winning souls for His Kingdom. Wisdom is living with Heaven in mind – where we will one see Christ and receive our reward!
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