Are You Living for Jesus to Add to Our Number?

Sunday, December 14

Acts 2:46-47 (NIV)

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Devotion

What are you doing toward Jesus, adding to our number daily those who are being saved? Do you live in a way to enjoy the favor of people around you? Do you have a glad and sincere heart, praising God? Are you willing, as the Apostle Paul, to become “all things to all people, so that by all possible means” (1 Corinthians 9:22) you might win some to Jesus? Even supposing your gifting is not direct evangelism, what are you doing to be hospitable and show support to those with more evangelical calls and gifts?

Loving our neighbor in such a way to win them to Jesus means adapting to their needs. It means considering the needs of others as more important than our own. Are you comfortable with the food they like, the music they listen to, and the language they speak? Are you willing to dress like them, look like them, smell like them? Without compromising faith or conscience, prayerfully consider how you can better welcome those around you into the family of Jesus by tearing down cultural barriers and showing hospitality in ways that prove your faith is more about following Jesus than becoming like you culturally, socially, or politically.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Shine the light of Jesus into my heart and show me how much of my religion is traditional or cultural, and not really essential to following Jesus. Strip away the extra baggage, and show me how far I need to go to “become all things to all men,” so that I may win more to Jesus without compromising faith or conscience. I do not want to make disciples for my culture or politics, but for Jesus, our risen Savior. Show me what I need to change so that You will add more, daily, to our number those who are being saved. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

As you “meet together” with friends, family, or even co-workers in the next few weeks, try asking God to make you the fragrance of Jesus’ life to them, rather than telling God how they need to change. Look for opportunities to gather two or three believers for prayer on behalf of unbelievers in your family or friend group. Look for opportunities to ask someone, even a stranger, whether there is something you can pray for or something they would like God’s help with.

Resources

• Join us this morning in person or online on YouTube, Facebook, and right here on the App for an inspiring service! Experience the joy as the children of Generation Praise lead us in heartfelt worship, followed by a powerful message from Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Services at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM – you don’t want to miss this!

• Celebrate Christmas at Free Chapel all December long! Each Sunday, join us for special moments, festive joy, and gifts for the whole family. Come experience the warmth and wonder of the season with us! Click here for more information.