the mission to the unbelievers
"It has been a point of honor with me never to preach in places where Christ's name was already known." —Romans 15:20
Paul focused on proclaiming Christ to people who had never heard of Jesus. We may not have the same call, but we should maximize opportunities to share our faith with unbelievers. For example, we should join groups in which unbelievers participate. This gives us a forum in which to share our faith. We should invite unbelievers to share meals with us. We love them whether or not they accept the Lord, and want to show it in simple, practical ways. We should develop the habit of striking up a conversation with anybody, even strangers. Sometimes this will open up the opportunity for us to give others the most precious gift, life with Christ. We should also pray to meet unbelievers. We will better recognize opportunities to share our faith if we make ourselves available for the Lord's work with unbelievers. Finally, like Jesus, we must be willing to suffer at the hands of unbelievers and for their benefit. We want so much for them to live for Jesus that we are willing to die for them.
Prayer: Father, bring more unbelievers into my life. Help me love them and share You with them.
Promise: "God has given me the grace to be a minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles, with the priestly duty of preaching the gospel of God so that the Gentiles may be offered up as a pleasing sacrifice, consecrated by the Holy Spirit." —Rm 15:15-16
Praise: Jack continues his membership in groups he belonged to before his conversion to Christ, but now lets his Christian faith shine.
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003