The Purpose of Salvation?

I am finding that being a father of two little girls has this affect on the heart of a man. The tendencies I have to be cold and well... less than compassionate... are starting to melt away and I am beginning to have a heart for things which I never even realized existed in this world. A few weeks ago I was teaching in 1 Peter 2 and we were discussing that the purpose of our salvation (as taught clearly in this chapter) is that we would proclaim the excellencies of God.



While studying this passage God placed on my heart and mind a very practical application for this holiday season. While so many times this can become a season of self-indulgence and gluttony, God blazed through my cold heart the realization that I can proclaim His glory and greatness in many way. One way - the one which jumped at me that day - was through an organization called WorldVision. (http://www.worldvision.org/)



I presented this to my Bible Study and we have decided to do a fundraiser through our local congregation by giving up a Saturday to wrap presents for donations. All proceeds (along with funds from our own pockets) will go to impact the lives of people around the world who have so little. From purchasing something as simple as a goat by which someone can have milk to rescuing a girl from the sex slave trade in Asia by providing her with training and shelter while giving her the Gospel message... we can make an impact and God has strategically placed us in a nation of great wealth and influence that we might open doors for others to proclaim His excellencies to a world beyond our reach.



This Christmas... are we proclaiming the Glory of God? Are we focused on declaring the arrival of salvation through Christ in a little manger 2000 years ago? This is not a popular message, even this time of year... but it is the very purpose of our salvation and should be the delight of our hearts. May we be bold and unashamed of the Gospel of Christ, and may His excellencies be proclaimed today and forever to the dead and dying world around us! Merry Christmas, Glory to God!