The Events Following Advent

 The Events following Advent 

What happens now? Christmas came with all its excitement as we were once again filled with wonder and awe that God would come to earth in the form of His Son as a tiny babe born to live and die for the sins of the world so we could one day live with Him in heaven! 

 Now the year is coming to an end and we are commissioned to go out and lay hold of a new season, a new calendar year, reminded of what our purpose really is. 

 Last week we discussed the Announcement, the Birth and the Witness. This week we reflect on what Jesus called us to do after He completed His purpose here on earth just before ascending to heaven. Let’s look at each account of this at the end of each gospel account. 

 In Matthew 28, Jesus said to His disciples to go… ”Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.“ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

 In Mark… ”And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.“ ‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

In Luke…

 ”Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭46‬-‭48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

 And John… 

 ”So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

 After each declaration of love in response to Jesus’ questions, the Lord was giving Peter an assignment - to feed His sheep. In every gospel account, these faithful witnesses heard Jesus give a command to go out and preach the Gospel to the world. And go they did! 

 Today, you and I are born again witnesses of what Jesus did in our lives. We are called to do exactly what was written in His Word and go and tell others! 

 Just yesterday morning, I went to the lad to have some blood drawn. It was quiet and I was the only one there. The young lady who helped me was so nice. When we got all done, I asked her if she would like a sticker. I told her she could even pick the one she wanted. She got excited and the door was open to talk about Jesus! 

 It was another amazing experience of explaining the gospel. She was all ears and as she mentioned things she was concerned about, I was able to ask questions to keep the conversation going. She knows of God and prays but had never asked Him to be her Lord and Savior. 

Step by step, I explained what the Bible says about each of her concerns, and about the specific things she needed to know. Holy Spirit had led me to be a witness to her yesterday and I was so blessed to be used to lead a lost soul to Jesus! 

 I want to encourage you as our Lord did long ago to go and be a witness! Use whatever it takes to turn the conversation from the natural to the spiritual. For me it was Christian stickers I picked up from the Christian bookstore. You can use all kinds of things as I have over the years. Just get something that works for you or helps you to tell your story. People are dying to hear it. 

 Thank you for listening! Now go in Jesus Name! You’ll be blessed if you do! Denny and I are praying for you every day. 🙏🏻 Much love and blessings be unto you in your coming and going in Jesus Name for the New Year! Much more in 24! 

 Feel free to share this message with anyone. You may give them my number so they can receive these messages too. It is sent out individually, so you can respond if you like. 

 Denny and Hanny Stearns Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc. EST. 2016 “Multiplying God’s Word around the world. 🌍