Approval (Blessing): Building up or affirming another person, particularly for who they are (as opposed to what they do); affirming both the fact and the importance of our relationship with another person. (Ephesians 4:29; Mark 1:11)
What an awesome opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to church on Easter to hear about Jesus and His resurrection! There are a few times a year that non-believers or those not connected to a church family are more open to attending a new church. Easter Sunday is one of those times!
How does Jesus’ resurrection relate to approval? Think about it…God sent His only Son to this earth to die for us, to take away the separation that sin causes between us and our Heavenly Father. When we accept God’s invitation, God fully adopts us into His family…. forever. Sin no longer separates or rejects us from entering into His presence.
God loves you so much…He absolutely approves of you otherwise He would not have made a way for us to come freely into His presence through the death of His Son! This is a perfect time to reach out. We want the approval of others, to feel we matter to someone…why not tell those you are thinking about inviting, that God wants a relationship with them and how important they are to Him.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Approval
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12) Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus. (Approval)
Would you think about sharing your first encounter with Jesus with those you are thinking to invite to Easter service with you? Would you share about the growing relationship you have had with Him since? I believe God wants to use your testimony to reach others. I believe as you or I develop a relationship with a friend, God begins to open doors and opportunities to share. I believe as we rub elbows with those in our world, God will often use our past experiences with him to reach others, to meet needs, and to share the Gospel.
What was your first introduction to Jesus? Do you remember? Maybe you were very little when you first heard about Him. Do you remember the moment you asked Him into your life? What was it about that moment that made you say “Yes, Jesus…forgive me? I need you.” These are the encounters with Jesus that we can share with others. If you haven’t really thought about those moments, would you do that now, maybe write them down? Ask God to use you and your testimony to reach out to maybe just one!
You could think of it this way: by placing faith in Jesus Christ you have been made both acceptable and worthy of approval from God. Our sins are forgiven, a right standing with God has been granted, not based on behavior, but on whose you are. We belong to him and are adopted sons and daughters of God. God values you and the relationship He has with you.
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do: 1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Are you ready to give an answer? It can be a little frightening if you need to actually think about putting it down in words, can’t you do that? I felt very intimidated by it when I wrote it down for the first time. Afterall , for most of us we had many encounters with God over time before we actually said “Yes, Lord.” It is working through your feelings, emotions and thoughts about these encounters that can be a little tough to narrow down. But….I want to be ready! If/When the opportunity comes I want to honor Christ and reflect Him as I share my incredible redemption story…don’t you?
Easter…a wonderful time to remember ALL Christ has done for you. Go ahead -Write it down. 🙂 This may make the Easter season more of a weekend of gratitude.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with believers and others: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
If your family has not heard your story, maybe you could share a little about how Christ came to be your savior. What was your journey to faith like?
It would be amazing to share your faith story at the Easter table with those you invited to church with you or simply with family! To take that extra step and invite them into your home…that is approval in action as it shows you value them and the relationships! Plus, what a great time in a relaxed atmosphere to talk about the service! They may have questions, you may be able to share that personal testimony you have written down! Maybe it is just a step towards a developing relationship with that person that will open up other doors to share down the road.
Good eye contact, a gentle touch on the shoulder, inviting someone into a friendship, sharing your life, a smile, a personal note of encouragement, a shared meal, all equal APPROVAL. Bringing others into your circle…inviting them. Sounds a lot like Jesus, huh???