Guest post by Naty Matos
I think I love the topic of redemption because at some point in my life I thought I was beyond that point and God proved me wrong. I also think that once we have achieved that point when God starts working in your life and you are slowly learning how to live right, you want to share it with the whole world.
Yes, you want to tell everyone how wonderful it feels to be truly loved. You want to share the freedom of forgiveness. You even start to forget where you were and not understand why others refuse to accept Christ. This is also very true for new believers, that first love that you want to share with the entire universe. The reality is that’s what we’re supposed to do. Jesus tells us in Mark 16:15 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Even more in Mathew 28:19, he said, “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” So sharing the news of redemption and love of Christ is not only natural for those who know Christ but it’s what we’re supposed to do.
It’s easier said that done First we find that we are not received with the expected joy. When we tell others about the good news of the Gospel. we think we will be received like when you open the door for those bringing a check from Publishers Clearing House. Instead we are received like if we were coming on behalf of the IRS.
The other thing is that sometimes we have ideas of how we should “evangelize” the world that may not be well received. I believe we all have a different path to the same purpose. God didn’t create us with cookie cutters and our way to spread the Gospel will be different than the person next to me and it is perfectly fine.
For example, I could not be a preacher. God knows that I do speaking engagements for my books and I’m fussing at him all the way before and after. I love to talk to people on a personal level, microphones are just spooky to me. However, I feel like the best way to attract someone to God is allowing them to read the living bible in me. Its for them to witness first hand what God has done for me and how my life is being transformed before their eyes.
I know we all have people in our hearts whom we would wish that they new the joy of living for Christ. Preaching to them may not be the best way to bring them to the kingdom. I know it breaks our heart. I have my own list of family and friends that I wish would be saved. All I do is pray and wait.
I think it was not easy for Jesus to be on the cross and look at all the stupid things I was going to do. But he didn’t give up on me because he hoped for this day where I would be in love with him, and although far from perfect, I would live to strive for his love and desire. I take that as how I need to be with those I love that do not know Christ. They have until their last breath on earth to make that important decision. While their hearts are ticking, there’s still hope and I’ll keep praying.
LINESPACE
Will Amelia have hope for redemption?
Find out in my new novella “Season’s Greetings from Amelia.” This great novella brings mystery, suspense and the best stocking stuffer for your favorite e-reader. You can get your copy for just 0.99 cents on Kindle, Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.
LINESPACE
Book Description
Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it?
Daisy’s life is flipped upside down by strange letters that are sent to her by her best friend, Amelia. And as her life continues to quickly spiral out of control, she realizes that something BIG is about to happen. Can she put aside her confusion, hurt, and anger in order to solve a mystery that may have a horrific ending????
Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal regardless to whether she does or doesn’t?
LINESPACE
Author Bio
Naty Matos was born in the city of New York. She grew up in the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico and now lives in the city of Atlanta. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Minor in Mass Media Communications and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Naty writes Christian fiction and non-fiction. She maintains a blog on Christian Living Topics at www.therisingmuse.com