Advanced Notice from God

For centuries God has sent out notice of His plans. Long before His Incarnation, God sent angels and prophets to announce that He was coming, culminating with the message of John the Baptist. Once He began His ministry, Christ sent out Apostles to spread the Good News that He had finally come. What’s next?

Today the Church commemorates The Seventy Apostles, who were sent by Christ before His Passion to spread the Gospel of His arrival. These Apostles, and the Bishops ever since have gone into the world to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. There is still more work to accomplish.

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Luke 10.1-9

There are still places that have not heard the Good News of Christ. There are still people living in your community that have not heard the Good News of Christ. Even if they have heard of ‘some guy names Jesus’ the message has been so twisted by the devil, they do not know Him.

That’s were YOU come in. As a believer in Christ, it is YOUR job to let people know that God has come to save His people. The question isn’t whether you should or shouldn’t tell people. The question is HOW you should tell them.

Here’s what NOT to do. Don’t berate them. Don’t belittle them. Don’t compel them. Don’t act like you’re better than them. Don’t judge them. By all means don’t try to twist their arm. God is love and love does not compel nor belittle. Love invites and comforts.

There is a difference between sharing the Gospel with friends and being a missionary. In the Church, only those who are called and sent by the Church should ‘go up to strangers’ and preach. If you feel called to such a ministry, it is crucial and proper to meet first with your spiritual father and receive his blessing.

When it comes to sharing the Gospel with your friends, here is what you SHOULD do. SHARE with them how God has blessed you. SHARE with them how God has helped you change. SHARE with them how God has comforted you in your struggle. SHARE with them how God has shown you a new way free from the darkness of the world. Finally SHARE with them where they can meet Him.

The Apostles were sent by God to let people know that God was coming to them. It is not our job to let others know where they can find Him. His is waiting for them in the Church. INVITE your friends to a service. INIVTE your friends to visit the Church, even if there is no service going on, to feel God’s presence. INVITE your friends, then leave the rest to God.