The Gospel Must Be Seen and Heard: Luke 10:36-37
“36) Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37) And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”” Luke 10:36-37
Before we leave the story of the Good Samaritan, I want to make a closing observation; “Jesus wants the gospel to be both seen and heard.” He wants it to be accompanied by deeds of agape love.
These deeds of love often opens the door for the verbal gospel. Certainly, we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit both in what we do and say. Let me illustrate the importance of the gospel being both seen and heard with a few more passages.
First, in Luke 7:18-23 when John the Baptist sent his disciples to evaluate the ministry of Jesus; “22) “And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk… “. Then immediately He ministered healing to many people and preached the gospel to them. In the story, the Good Samaritan also ministered to the physical needs of the victimized traveler as his first response.
Second, the book of James repeatedly screams this same message. James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” The gospel involves taking care of the physical needs of the poor, orphans and widows. If we do not, they will be targeted for horrific exploitation, abuse and human trafficking!
Finally, James 2:14-26 emphasizes this same point. In the text it goes beyond merely praying for people to stepping in the trenches with them by providing food, clothing and shelter. This is long term agape love.
When done right, caring for the poor, orphans and widows is not an entitlement program. Rather it combats poverty, creates the ultimate gospel culture, impacts an entire region and turns out the next generation educated, godly, mature and responsible believers who can contribute to national building.
That is why fresh water, food, housing for the poor, schools, medical ministry, agriculture, and Bible conferences are added to the mix. When that happens it goes way beyond an orphanage. The Holy Spirit uses it to impact entire regions with the gospel.
That is the amazing story of the work of GoServ Global in Haiti. We have empowered Haitians to reach and care for their own people. As a result the entire region has been greatly impacted with the gospel. Regional awakening has come to the surrounding area. We are in it for the long haul!
But things are very difficult in Haiti right now. The country has collapsed and gangs have taken over. Many western led ministries have closed. But the Consolation Center remains open. Food is scarce, but school is still in session for over 1,200 children.
The black market has taken over the country. Prices for everything have soared. We need your finance help now more than ever.
Meals have been reduced to one a day or sometimes less for many of our godly widows, orphans, teachers, students, nurses and staff. Yet they remain faithful to Jesus and the spread of the gospel.
Could you please step up and help us through this crisis until relief comes to Haiti. The situation is now urgent!
I promise 100% of every gift will go directly to the needs in Haiti. Nothing will be held back for administration overhead. That is our unshakable policy for designated giving.
Right now, Haiti is one of the most oppressed, poor and suffering stories in the world, but the story is not being told. Because of the lack of news coverage, support for Haiti has dried up. We must not abandon them at this time.
Let me say that I am deeply humbled by our Haitian staff who are working through this growing crisis with great sacrifice and resolve. They daily deny themselves and put Jesus and others first. Their agape love puts me to shame.
Please consider sending a generous gift through GoServ Global at this time for Haiti. The situation is more dire now than after the big earthquake. Better yet, step up and become a monthly supporter until change and relief comes to Haiti. Become a Good Samaritan to the many victimized people in Haiti. To give go to our GoServ Global web page.
Thank you in advance for your compassion and generous gifts! The hardest part of being a cofounder of GoServ Global is having my heart constantly ripped out with tragic stories like this! I firmly believe it is my job to tell the story, it is Gods job to move the mountain.
My dear friend, Ken DeYoung would say the same. But the impact of the past fifteen years is beyond measure thanks to many of you who have stood with us as faithful supporters and volunteers. To God be the glory!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“36) Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37) And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”” Luke 10:36-37
Before we leave the story of the Good Samaritan, I want to make a closing observation; “Jesus wants the gospel to be both seen and heard.” He wants it to be accompanied by deeds of agape love.
These deeds of love often opens the door for the verbal gospel. Certainly, we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit both in what we do and say. Let me illustrate the importance of the gospel being both seen and heard with a few more passages.
First, in Luke 7:18-23 when John the Baptist sent his disciples to evaluate the ministry of Jesus; “22) “And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk… “. Then immediately He ministered healing to many people and preached the gospel to them. In the story, the Good Samaritan also ministered to the physical needs of the victimized traveler as his first response.
Second, the book of James repeatedly screams this same message. James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” The gospel involves taking care of the physical needs of the poor, orphans and widows. If we do not, they will be targeted for horrific exploitation, abuse and human trafficking!
Finally, James 2:14-26 emphasizes this same point. In the text it goes beyond merely praying for people to stepping in the trenches with them by providing food, clothing and shelter. This is long term agape love.
When done right, caring for the poor, orphans and widows is not an entitlement program. Rather it combats poverty, creates the ultimate gospel culture, impacts an entire region and turns out the next generation educated, godly, mature and responsible believers who can contribute to national building.
That is why fresh water, food, housing for the poor, schools, medical ministry, agriculture, and Bible conferences are added to the mix. When that happens it goes way beyond an orphanage. The Holy Spirit uses it to impact entire regions with the gospel.
That is the amazing story of the work of GoServ Global in Haiti. We have empowered Haitians to reach and care for their own people. As a result the entire region has been greatly impacted with the gospel. Regional awakening has come to the surrounding area. We are in it for the long haul!
But things are very difficult in Haiti right now. The country has collapsed and gangs have taken over. Many western led ministries have closed. But the Consolation Center remains open. Food is scarce, but school is still in session for over 1,200 children.
The black market has taken over the country. Prices for everything have soared. We need your finance help now more than ever.
Meals have been reduced to one a day or sometimes less for many of our godly widows, orphans, teachers, students, nurses and staff. Yet they remain faithful to Jesus and the spread of the gospel.
Could you please step up and help us through this crisis until relief comes to Haiti. The situation is now urgent!
I promise 100% of every gift will go directly to the needs in Haiti. Nothing will be held back for administration overhead. That is our unshakable policy for designated giving.
Right now, Haiti is one of the most oppressed, poor and suffering stories in the world, but the story is not being told. Because of the lack of news coverage, support for Haiti has dried up. We must not abandon them at this time.
Let me say that I am deeply humbled by our Haitian staff who are working through this growing crisis with great sacrifice and resolve. They daily deny themselves and put Jesus and others first. Their agape love puts me to shame.
Please consider sending a generous gift through GoServ Global at this time for Haiti. The situation is more dire now than after the big earthquake. Better yet, step up and become a monthly supporter until change and relief comes to Haiti. Become a Good Samaritan to the many victimized people in Haiti. To give go to our GoServ Global web page.
Thank you in advance for your compassion and generous gifts! The hardest part of being a cofounder of GoServ Global is having my heart constantly ripped out with tragic stories like this! I firmly believe it is my job to tell the story, it is Gods job to move the mountain.
My dear friend, Ken DeYoung would say the same. But the impact of the past fifteen years is beyond measure thanks to many of you who have stood with us as faithful supporters and volunteers. To God be the glory!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
