Jesus Makes the Difference … In America and Around the World

Brian Rex Davis
Cedar Park, TX
WBS ACTION! Editor and President

As I was researching previous articles for our 50 Forward Campaign (where we are honoring our first 50 years while looking forward to our next 50 years), I ran across this illustration drawn by Brother Holland in 1968. Holland, a professional illustrator for the Chicago Tribune, often helped Jimmie Lovell illustrate spiritual points in ACTION Magazine. This picture of Uncle Sam kneeling at the cross is a powerful reminder of how much our world needs Jesus…how much the United States needs Jesus!

Though World Bible School began with Students from Nigeria and has had a significant impact on the continent of Africa, WBS tools are now deployed to reach every country on earth. Our generous donors have made significant investment in tools that span several major languages and generations. Many of our Study Helpers have asked if we are giving adequate attention to tools for evangelizing the United States of America. We at WBS certainly share this concern.

I am reminded of a passage from 1 Timothy 4:1,

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (ESV).

The only hope for any nation and any generation is to have the teachings of Jesus shining the light of truth and the hope of the Gospel message into the darkness of Satan’s influence.

Christians must daily renew their hope in the Gospel and its power to transform lives in order to face the world in which we live. We see this encouragement from the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:16,

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Sharing the Good News of Jesus really is the power to make a difference in any nation no matter what the challenges. We are ambassadors of a higher kingdom, the Kingdom of Christ, and not to any kingdom, nation or party of this world. Ultimately, every knee will bow to Jesus. Our joyful task is to convince people to do so willingly. A willing soul obeying the Gospel becomes a light shining in the darkness, giving the same opportunity to others.

WBS has crafted paper correspondence evangelism tools, digital tools complete with easy to access apps for teaching and studying, and a group study app introduced by powerful video presentations and “Digging Deeper” articles.

We have also crafted study Bibles with intuitive evangelism notes in the back for sharing Jesus by sharing a Bible.

As a parent, grandparent, Study Helper and Christian, sometimes I wonder what will actually motivate someone to follow Jesus. I think of those I love and fear that they will never choose to follow the Son of God! The Apostle John records the powerful words of Jesus in John 12:32,

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

How do I face the world with hope and have the best chance of helping those in my life choose to follow Jesus? Share Jesus! Jesus, Himself, will draw all who will obey the Gospel. Brothers and sisters, let us renew our commitment to be sharers of Jesus in the coming year! Tools for evangelism do not work by themselves. There are no shortcuts.

Each Spring, my father would introduce me to a garden hoe. He would tell me what a great tool this was for having a great garden of vegetables. Then he would remind me, “The tool only works if the gardener picks it up and puts it to use.”

If you or your congregation needs help brainstorming how to use our evangelism tools, please contact us at (512) 345-8190 or help@worldbibleschool.net. We are here to help you!