I was inspired by our church's recent "Baja build" mission trip to build two houses and a church .... AND to provide VBS (vacation Bible school) ... AND to participate in street evangelism.  In the frenzy of working under deadline to finish construction, I overlook the very reason we go to Mexico on these short term mission trips in the first place, which is to tell people about Jesus Christ.      

It's all about sharing the Gospel story, the good news that ... "Jesus saves:" that in Christ, we are called to repentance; that in Christ, our sins are forgiven, we are delivered from eternal destruction and saved unto eternal life, ever conforming to God's image and likeness. 

As important as it is to build houses, churches, and clasrooms, it's eternally more important to share the Gospel upon which one can build an eternal dwelling! 

We are commissioned, enjoined, to share the Gospel truth.  That is the story: that "God so loved the world that ...."  I bet you know it by heart.

I was inspired by our trip to Mexico.  I was inspired anew by walking the streets with Bob Sanders, my wife Karen, Amy Moore, and others, and telling the people about Jesus.  In response to our invitations, about 100 people turned out for a street rally, where we shared testimonies, the love of God, and the Gospel truth.  We planted a lot of seeds.  I bet several came to faith in Jesus Christ.  More than 60 people requested the "purple books." (bible study books)  

I was inspired to go and re-read the charge in Acts 1, where the risen Christ COMMISSIONS  his disciples to tell the STORY.  This week's study gets at both.  Do we know the story?  Can we articulate it in down to earth, practical terms?  And, do we appreciate the gravity of Christ's commission?  We are commissioned by Christ.  It's not an option.  It's a commission that comes with duties, obligations, and responsibilites, not to mention temporal blessings and eternal rewards.  It's a high calling, and I know of no higher.  What a privilege.   

May God continue to bless you and your loved ones this Christmas season as you live out your calling by blessing others with the story of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Saves!