Jesus Go!

The latest video game craze these days is Pokémon Go! People play it on their phones and they are playing it by the thousands! Or should I say . . . millions.

It's an interactive game where you actually, physically participate in the game itself. That can be fun, but it also can be dangerous, especially when you get close to busy highways.

Why are people so "into" this game? People all over the world are playing it. But the game is nothing new, really. People have been playing a similar "Go game" for thousands of years. Open up your Bibles to the Book of Matthew.

"16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:16-20

We are instructed to GO and tell everyone about Jesus! But before we can begin our mission we need to download the app - The Holy Spirit app.  We can do that by placing our faith in Jesus, the Son of the Living God. If we repent of our sins, turn from our worldly ways and follow Jesus we will get a free Holy Spirit download and incredible powers in the game of life.

We can't heal the sick or raise the dead but we DO know someone who can. Jesus! We have no power in and of ourselves but we know someone who does. Jesus! When Jesus commands us to "GO", do we? Or do we stay at home with our butts on the couch and not even play the game we have been commanded play? Hmm. How can we call ourselves Christians if we don't follow His instructions? That's part of the basic game instructions.

Can a Christian who doesn't evangelize, in one form or another, truly call themselves Christian? Can we be considered followers of Christ is we don't follow Him? If we don't . . GO?

At the end of this story there is a link to a video called Tic Tac Toe evangelism. The concept begins with a simple act of kindness to those we know - our neighbors. Use that act as a springboard to open up conversation. Somewhere in that conversation, as you get to know one another, tell them about Jesus and what He's done for you. It's that simple.

In Pokémon Go, players earn experience points and earn their way to the top by battling make believe creatures. In Christianity we don't have to earn anything. Everything has been accomplished for us when Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross. All we have to "do" in the Christian faith is believe in Jesus, that He was, and is, the Son of God, that His death paid the price for OUR sins and that through our faith we are given eternal life through the loving grace of God our Father. And then GO!!

Isn't that worth going and telling the whole world about?

I Will Follow - Chris Tomlin

Tic Tac Toe Evangelism - Mike Henry