In our M3 disciple making trainings, we equip local disciples with an evangelistic tool called the “3 Circles.” It is a simple, biblical, and reproducible tool that any Christ-follower
can use to invite the lost into a relationship with Jesus. The first of the three circles (upper right corner) illustrates the broken world we live in along with a few of the unsuccessful ways people try to escape that brokenness. Things like drugs and alcohol, riches and fame, even works-based religions, may offer temporary relief from worldly problems but they soon snap us back into the ongoing brokenness. You can click on the image to learn more about the 3 Circles.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that the brokenness of the world is destined to increase before His return. Christ-followers will be hated by “all nations,” handed over to be persecuted, and even put to death because of their faith in Him. He goes on to warn that many will turn away from Him in these last days and, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (24:12). HOWEVER, Jesus goes on to offer three amazing promises: (1) “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved,” 2) “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations,” and 3) “then the end will come” (24:13-14). So, even in the middle of all this persecution and turmoil, all nations/people groups will still be given a fair opportunity to repent and believe in Jesus before His return and final judgment.
If we’re honest, we should acknowledge that following Jesus may bring pain, grief, injustice, tragedy, etc. But we also find great comfort in His promise to be with us in and through all circumstances, “unto the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The Bible is clear—becoming a disciple requires faith, and trust, that comes through hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17). By God’s grace and His continued presence in our lives, we can rest assured that anything that might come our way is worth it when souls are being saved and the Father is being glorified.
Consider the words and attitudes of the first Christ-followers:
“Now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness” (Acts 4:29-31).
Did you notice in this passage that there’s no revenge thinking by these early Christians? No hatred toward the persecutors? Only a request for God to move, and that all His children would respond with obedient boldness. Will you join us in believing and praying as the early church did? May it be so as we live out our life with God in a lost and broken world.
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For His Global Glory!
