In what ways can we share God's works with others like the shepherds did? The Shepherds’ Pattern: Glorify and Praise Luke 2:20: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Their two-fold response—glorifying and praising—guides how we share God’s works today. Glorifying God Through Storytelling • Speak plainly of what He has done in your life, just as the shepherds repeated what they “had heard and seen.” • Psalm 40:9-10: “I proclaim righteousness…I do not hide Your faithfulness.” • Make the story God-centered: His initiative, His faithfulness, His grace. Praising God in Public Spaces • Let worship spill into daily routines—work, school, neighborhoods. • Psalm 96:2-3: “Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations.” • Simple phrases like “Thank You, Lord” or playing Christ-honoring music invite conversation. Witnessing With Bold Verbal Testimony • Acts 1:8 promises power “to be My witnesses.” • Share how the gospel saves, guides, and sustains. • 1 Peter 3:15 urges readiness to explain the hope within us—gentle, respectful, straightforward. Living Evidence That Points Upward • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father.” • Integrity at work, patience with family, honesty in transactions, compassion to strangers—all magnify the Lord’s work. Hospitality and Table Talk • Invite others for meals; recount answered prayers, Scripture discoveries, and providential moments. • Luke 24:35 shows disciples sharing “what had happened on the road” over supper. Acts of Compassion as Platforms for Praise • Mark 5:19: “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” • Food drives, hospital visits, mentoring—meet needs, then point to the Merciful One who motivates service. Scripture-Saturated Conversations • Weave God’s Word naturally into dialogue; His works are revealed most clearly in His Word. • Isaiah 55:11 assures that His Word “will not return void.” Singing and Creative Expression • Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19) proclaim God’s deeds memorably. • Share playlists, write poetry, paint, or film testimonies that highlight His faithfulness. Digital Witness in a Connected World • Post verses, testimonies, or answered-prayer updates on social media. • Livestream devotionals or share gospel resources—reaching beyond immediate circles. Partnering in and Supporting Missions • Romans 10:14-15 links proclamation to sending. • Pray for, give to, or join missionary efforts; recount missionary reports in church and home. Continual Return to Awe • Like the shepherds “returned” but never lost wonder, keep revisiting the manger—the gospel itself. • Ongoing amazement fuels authentic sharing; routine gratitude keeps testimony fresh. As we glorify and praise Him in these tangible ways, we echo the shepherds’ first-night chorus, making Christ’s birth, cross, and resurrection known in our generation. |
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