Welcome to Wednesday, July 21st!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Apologies!

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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This is Pastor Warren Swanson - creator and host of the Serving Jesus Christ podcast site with your Wednesday, July 21st Cross Talk Daily Devotional.

May these words and thoughts bless you and provide you with ideas to think about as you live out this day!

Today’s episode is titled:

Apologies!

Today, there is a movement within the greater sphere of Christianity to apologize to various aboriginal groups such as the American Indians for introducing them to Jesus Christ.

This is also happening in other nations amongst other aboriginal peoples. These apologies are based on the belief that Christianity destroyed their traditional spiritual practices.

By implication, those apologizing are, in essence, saying that traditional aboriginal spiritual practices are on par with Christianity.

Men and women have sought out God since the beginning of time. As a result, they created various rituals and traditions seeking to both contact and please Him.

Though the traditions of many peoples are a valuable heritage, they do not have the eternal answer. Therefore, they cannot appease a righteous and holy God.

Upon entering Athens in Acts 17, the Apostle Paul observed the many gods and traditions of the people.

When addressing the academics and the curious in the Areopagus, he notes:

Acts 17:23 NAS95

“For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

Paul does not tell those listening that he is blessed by how spiritual the people of Athens are. Instead, he realizes that they are still searching for the one true answer, as illustrated by the Unknown God inscription.

He informs them that he can tell them for whom they are searching.

The people that you meet every day are also searching for the true meaning and purpose of life. Though they don’t worship carved gods, they worship all sorts of things in this world – money, position, technology, sports, etc. They continue to try out different gods, trying to find what they are looking for.

These people of the world are not safe in their natural spiritual state. The people you meet every day are not safe.  They are walking in the darkness near the cliff.  Friends, your neighbors, even family members are one step away from an eternity without God.

As a believer, you have the answer to life – the answer to eternity. When you boldly share and model your faith, you are sharing how a sinful human being can be found righteous in God’s sight.

Not everyone will appreciate the Gospel message. However, when it comes to the matter of eternity, there are only two choices.  That’s it — whether they like it or not. However, we are to continue in the task of evangelism.

For the Church or an individual to apologize to someone for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, you are saying it was a mistake to present the saving truth to them in the first place.

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be your passion – my passion.  Think of your neighbors, friends and even family in light of the reality of hell.  If you are not going to share the Gospel with them, you are, in essence, allowing or even telling them to go to hell. 

Our faith is not to be just a part of our lives; it is to be our lives.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank You for saving us from our sin and setting us on the true path of life.

We ask for a burning passion for the lost.

Strengthen our desire to know you.

Help us always to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!