Roger Storms, pastor of First Christian Church in Chandler, Arizona, tells this dramatic story of helping someone during a potential “life and death” crisis.
“One Sunday, a car had broken down in the alley behind our facilities, and the driver had jacked up the car and crawled underneath to work on the problem. Suddenly, we heard him scream for help. The jack had slipped, and the car had come down on top of him.
“Someone shouted, ‘Call 9-1-1!’ and a couple of people ran for the phone. Several of our men gathered around the large car and strained to lift it off the trapped man. Nurses from our congregation were rounded up and brought to the scene. Somehow the men were able to ease the car’s weight off the man, and he was pulled free. Our nurses checked him over. He was scratched up and shaken, but otherwise okay.
“When this man was in peril, people did all they could to help – risking themselves, inconveniencing themselves. Whatever was necessary to save this man, they were ready to try.
How we need this same attitude when it comes to rescuing those in greatest peril – the danger of losing life eternally!”
People recognized an emergency situation was happening and it was everyone to the rescue. They knew every moment, and every helper, counted. Thankfully they had a good outcome; it could have ended much different.
In the same way, as Christians, we face an “emergency situation” every day, every moment of the day. People we pass may be going on their merry way, not giving their future a second thought, but they are facing an eternity without Christ. It is literally a choice of life or death for them, and they are ignorant of the crisis. May we have a heart of love and compassion to share with them the Good News of salvation that can only be found through Jesus. He has explained it plainly and clearly: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ!
The Apostle Paul was separated from the believers in Thessalonica and wanted desperately to know how they were doing spiritually. Were they continuing in the faith? Or had they become discouraged and given up? Paul had great compassion for these new Christians who had embraced the Good News of salvation and had turned from their previous lives of sin. He wanted to make sure they were not going to give up and quit. Thankfully his friend and colleague Timothy was able to bring Paul an encouraging report. The Thessalonian Christians were staying strong in their relationship with Christ. Their faith in the Lord was a great encouragement and inspiration to Paul.
Do we have the same passion for people to know Christ that Paul had? I pray that we do. Let us agonize in prayer for those who are far away from Jesus. And let us be ready to speak the word of salvation to them when the Holy Spirit prompts us. It is truly a “life or death” situation. May we be stirred to action for their salvation.
This Sunday, October 6, we will continue our study series through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, entitled “Live READY!” This Sunday is “A Loving Friend!” (1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13). Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Ladies and keiki, come this Saturday, October 5, for “Sweet Surprises” at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall, a fun time of sharing together plus preparing for December’s Treasure Trade. Bring something delicious to add to the table. Our October “Drive-through Prayer” outreach in the parking lot is also this Saturday from 11am-1pm.
Aloha ke Akua!
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