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<b>Given a Reprieve</b><br>
<p>Jonathan Falwell</p>
<p>I was very saddened to learn this week that NBA legend Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia. I was
pleased, however, to discover that his doctors are hopeful that they
can
manage his illness.</p>
<p>When I was a kid, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his unstoppable sky
hook
which led to19 All Star seasons with the Lakers and Bucks. He was one
of the most dominant players in NBA history. I think like most guys,
we like to believe the sports heroes of our era are virtually
invincible. But like all of humans, they are not.</p>
<p>Noting that he’s “been given a reprieve,”
Abdul-Jabbar said on MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith
Olbermann,” on Wednesday, “I need to spread the good
news” regarding the advances in treating his illness.</p>
<p>I believe that statement should strike a chord in every
Christian. You see, we too have been granted a reprieve — one
with eternal significance. As such, I believe we should be constantly
talking about the ultimate Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ
every chance we get.</p>
<p>Listen, I understand that it’s often difficult to talk about
Jesus, especially in this culture that rejects the absolute truth the
Gospel claims. We get intimidated about speaking to people about God
and often convince ourselves that our words will be met with
opposition.</p>
<p>In the MSNBC interview, Abdul-Jabbar noted that he is a private
person
not prone to talking about personal issues. But he is so thrilled
with his health prognosis he feels it is essential to tell the good
news.</p>
<p>I fear that many Christians today have lost that fresh feeling that
comes with the newness of salvation in Christ. We forget the wonder
of that first love and, in our humanity, we get sidetracked and focused
on
temporal matters and maybe we even begin to have doubts about God’s
interest in us. </p>
<p>We need to rediscover the joy of salvation.</p>
<p>Let’s look at a pivotal section of Scripture, Mathew 28:18-20,
where Jesus is addressing the disciples, some of whom the Bible tells
us
had their own doubts even though they had witnessed His resurrection.
Jesus said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and
on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you,
and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV).</p>
<p>How can we remain complacent when reading Jesus’ stirring
words? How can our hearts not swell with utmost praise to God when we
understand what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross and through the
empty tomb? How can we not tremble with gratitude when we understand
that Jesus literally is with us, no matter what challenges we face or
what
hurts come into our lives?</p>
<p>You know, I think we need to regularly return in and minds to that
day
when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior so that the freshness of
that
day again resonates in our hearts. If we were to do this regularly, I
think it would encourage us to be more vocal about calling people to
follow
Him.</p>
<p>In 2000, a conference called Amsterdam 2000, organized by the Billy
Graham Association, saw more than 10,000 people gather to focus on ways
of
fulfilling the Great Commission to all nations.</p>
<p>The conference prepared a declaration, which read in part:
“Deliver us from ignorance, error, lovelessness, pride, selfishness,
impurity, and cowardice. Enable us to be truthful, kind, humble,
sympathetic, pure, and courageous. Salvation belongs to you, O God,
who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. We ask you to make our
Gospel witness effective.”</p>
<p>I believe such a prayer should be on our hearts at all times so that
we
are always prepared to proclaim the love of Christ and the truth of
God’s Word. My friends, please join me in praying that God will
grant us the joy, confidence and boldness to never be ashamed of the
Gospel
and to humbly call people to a personal relationship with Christ.</p>
<p>Just as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is spreading the good news of his
reprieve,
we must commit to spreading God’s Good News to mankind—that
they can have eternal life through Him.</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined,
but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to
maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt
to abuse them, which would include their own government."
--George Washington</pre>
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