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Murdered…

With about 3 months left until local elections in Colombia, at least 21 political candidates have been assassinated just this year by illegal armed groups. Perhaps they stood for issues that were against the group’s agenda. Perhaps they were vying for control over an area already controlled by these groups. Perhaps they were simply in their way. At this rate, I really don’t know why anybody would have a desire to be in the Colombian government!

It burdens me when I read headlines like these about Colombia or other parts of the world, knowing that they so desperately need Christ. If we could only get them the Gospel it would change everything!

Transformation…

Check out what Paul said in 1 Corinthians:

“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

If you are familiar with the story of the Apostle Paul, you’ll know that God really took him from one extreme to the other. He killed, imprisoned and persecuted God’s people until Christ became his Savior, upon which time he then became a catalyst for new church plants, leader training and early church edification. Not to mention God used him to pen at least 16 books of the New Testament portion of the Bible. Incredible.

Now, though the people who are responsible for the violence in Colombia aren’t necessarily targeting Christians (though they’ll take out whoever stands in their way), could you imagine what God could do with their lives if they ever became HIS disciples!? That passion that once was used for a violent political agenda would be channeled into a purpose for God’s glory! We would never know the full impact of a life that is won for Christ. As one man put it, “You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can never count the apples in a seed!”

Responsibility…

But what is standing in the way between these extremist groups and others becoming sold out for God and where they are now?

They don’t have the Gospel!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” 2 Corinthians 4:3-5

The Gospel is what changes people. It is the story of Christ’s undying, sacrificial love demonstrated for us on the Cross, paying for our sin. It is the truth that only He can save, only He can change, and only He can give us hope.

The Gospel is powerful.

The Gospel never changes.

The Gospel is our most effective weapon against the dark forces that have blinded the world.

The Gospel is what needs to be preached.

But, the Gospel is being hidden. 

We haven’t taken them the hope we hold so dearly in our own lives. How shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach except they be sent?

Pray that we can get to Colombia soon. Will you pray about coming with us?