Reflection Paper: What Matters to Jesus

What Matters To Jesus

Angela Tanner

Liberty University

Abstract

In this reflection paper What Matters to Jesus three topics will be discussed: 1. A 'Christians' influence is reflected through their personal testimonies. Personal testimonies is a way to open the door to sharing the gospel, a fundamental tool that God commands and commissions Christians to do. 2. The way Christians choose to live their lives outside 'church walls', the way they walk their walk and talk their talk reflect their 'Christian' influence to others. 3. And, the 'Christian's' influence is projected through the way the local church communicates God's love to their communities.

A Christian's Personal Testimony

Our personal testimonies in sharing the gospel are a fundamental tool that God gives us through His grace by the saving work done on the Cross at Calvary. A quote by Guest, Edgar A. 'I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.' It is important to have and develop a personal testimony. When a personal testimony is developed it will support you in sharing the gospel to others. In sharing what your life was like before Christ (without boasting, bragging or reminiscing of the 'good ole days') you connect and allow others to relate to where you have been which often is where they are now. As you continue with your personal testimony you begin to share how you came to Christ, to trust in Him. In describing the circumstance, situation, moment or period of time that brought you to that place help give others a deeper connection to how you came out from under your rubble (Satan's yoke). As you share this you are witnessing to them how you came to make the decision to commit wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, completely submitting to His authority. Then, share with them what your life has been like now that you have turned your life over to Christ.

In a forum at www.christianunite.com it was stated, "We are commanded to be ready to give an answer for the hope He has given to us." In 1 Peter 3:15 '...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have...' "We are also commanded to witness to others." In Mark 16:15 'He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. "We are commissioned to witness to others." In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 'On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.' And in, 2 Corinthians 5:20 'We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.' Wow, what an awesome privilege we have been given to give our testimonies and share the gospel to 'all creation'. It is an honor and responsibility to cherish, take seriously and deliver with joy.

The Christian outside 'Church Walls'

The way we live our lives outside of the 'church walls' is crucial in our walk with the Lord. Christianity is our personal relationship with Christ and if we do not have an intimate, servitude relationship it is often reflected in our 'daily' lives. We can be the wonderful church family at church and around other church goers, but how are we when we go to a restaurant and receive a lousy meal or service? Do we curse, ridicule, throw out some rude statements about our experience and tell everyone we see for the next week about it? Or do we consider what Jesus has commanded and instructed us to do and then do it. The food or service may not warrant you coming back to that restaurant but, humiliating, boasting and being downright rude are true reflections of your heart and walk. And, Satan is always in the shadows waiting, ready to pounce on his prey. You will at some point reap what you have sown. Let's say, the following Sunday while you are given the charge of greeting those who come through the door for that mornings service, you look up with a welcome, smile and hand shake. To your surprise and horror it is them! The cook, waitress and owner (a family, new to the area) of that very restaurant you dogged out to all within earshot, email, texting and phone just a day ago; Now at your church for the first time being greeted by you. So, again the way we live our lives is crucial! Your influence can be attractive for Christ or repulsive for Christ. God's Word tells us that in Galatians 6:7 'that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.' What are you sowing and reaping. Many reading this do, have or know the Christian who comes 'dressed up' for church from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet. They look all cleaned up, their mouth speaks clean, polite language, their faces are smiling, and they seem full of life and vitality. But, behind man's get up and outside the church walls slithers the lying lips that speak wicked