What will you Do?

In July 1980, Professor Bruce Riggins of McCormick Theological Seminary shared with 3800 young people at the International Youth Triennium in Bloomington, IN, about how he met a very dedicated Christian woman working in an amazing way with underprivileged people in London, England. He wanted to know what inspired the woman’s Christian faith and ministry. She shared this story of how seeing another Christian’s faith converted her.

She was a Jew fleeing the German Gestapo in France during World War II who knew she was close to being caught and was ready to give up. She came to the home of a French Christian where a widow lady told her that it was time to flee to a new place.

The Jewish lady said, “It’s no use; they will find me anyway. They are so close behind.” The Christian widow replied, “Yes, they will find someone here, but it’s time for you to leave. Go with these people to safety. I will take your identification and wait here.”

The Jewish lady then understood the plan: the Gestapo would come and find this Christian widow and think she was the fleeing Jew.

As Professor Riggins listened to her share her story, the Christian lady of Jewish descent looked him in the eye and said, “I asked her why she was doing that and she replied, ‘It’s the least I can do; Christ has already done that and more for me.’” The widow was caught and imprisoned, allowing time for the Jewish woman to escape. Within six months, the Christian widow was dead in the concentration camp.

This Jewish lady never forgot that. She became a follower of Jesus Christ and lived her life serving others. She met God through the greatest love a person can give – personal self-sacrifice. In faith, an authentic Christian lives his or her life serving others, saying, “That’s the least I can do, considering what great sacrifices Jesus has already given for me.”

Jesus Christ died on the cross in your place. He was your Great Substitute! He died that you might live. His body was broken and His blood was shed that you might be forgiven of your sin and reconciled to the Father. And He rose again the third day, proving His victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave. What will you do in response to what He has done for you?

CT Studd gained fame as a cricket player at England’s Cambridge University, a star athlete in his day. His life changed at a DL Moody revival, and he dedicated his life to Christ’s kingdom. You might be familiar with his famous poem, “Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past”. When Studd understood what Jesus had done for him, he made this powerful declaration – one I will never forget. “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then there is no sacrifice too great for me to make for Him.” That was not idle talk. He went on to become a missionary to China, India, and Africa.

What will you do as a result of what Christ has done for you? Will you completely surrender your life to Him? Let’s do it!

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This Sunday, April 5, we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday at the 10:35am worship service. Let’s celebrate Christ’s glorious resurrection. The tomb is empty!

Studies consistently show that 4 out of 5 unchurched people (80-82%) would attend church if invited by a friend. A personal invitation is considered the most effective method for church growth, with 63% to 77% of people stating it is an effective way to get them to visit. Sadly, while many are open to an invitation (80%), only 2% of church members invite anyone to church each year. Big request: I ask you to pray about who you can invite to the service this Sunday and then give do it. Please invite them to join you this Sunday 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 to both locations, so let’s join together and give all praise and worship and adoration to our Risen Lord! He is worthy!

Coming Up: Missionaries from Hawaii to SE Asia, Bruce and Teem Dirden, will inspire us on Sunday, April 19. We will have a Potluck Fellowship Lunch that day, so bring your favorite foods to add to the table.

Aloha ke Akua!