Pastor Ben Dixon

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Are we willing to do what it takes so people can come to know Jesus? Today Pastor Ben Dixon looks at how a group of friends were willing to do WHATEVER it took to bring their friend to Jesus and shows us how we too, can have that same heart for people in our lives.

We live in a world that has seemingly normalized and legitimized being offended. The Bible is clear that we will offend each other because of sin, but it also clearly outlines how we are to deal with this both among Christians and those who are outside of the faith. However, what about our perceptions, expectations, and even interpretations of the conversations and situations that we are a part of? Should we be offended by everything going on around us, or should we adhere to a higher standard as we follow Jesus?

One of the great lessons of Jonah’s failure and forgiveness is that God can continue to use those who return to Him. Thankfully, we know that God gives second chances to each one of us. Just like Jonah, throughout history, many spiritual leaders received a second chance to do what God had called them to do. Adam sinned in the garden, and God covered him. Moses murdered a man, and God called him. Elijah quit and complained then God re-commissioned him. Peter denied the Lord, and then at Pentecost God still used him. John Mark deserted the mission team at Pamphylia, yet God moved upon him to write the second Gospel.

God’s goal for each one of us is to walk with Him closely and to be a part of His plan in this world. However, like Jonah we can often run from, resist, and rebel against what God wants to do. That doesn’t always look the same, and many of us have even learned how to hide the reality of our running. However, God is committed to pursuing us, and even disciplining our lives if need be, in order to turn us around and get us back on track.

Part of the "Evangelism is for Everyone" series.