Everyone seems to be posting on Facebook these days, and I've got to be honest, I only believe about half of it, but it's fun.  Most people are passionate about telling the whole world about the good things that are happening to them.

"Hey, I got an extra taco in my bag at Taco Bell and didn't have to pay for it!  Awesome!!"  Everyone else proceeds to 'like' it and congratulate their bro on the big accomplishment and the good news.

It's human nature to get excited about sharing good news and experiences we've had with others, so what is it that holds us back as Christians from expressing and sharing the joy that we have because we have made a decision to follow Jesus Christ?  Why is it that we are silent about our faith?

Is it because we have bought into our secular society's view that things concerning God are simply personal and should be kept just that...personal?  I want to remind you that Jesus died for the world, and in his closing remarks before leaving planet earth, He gives us, His followers, instruction on how we can heal society and the effects that sin has had on our friends, family members, and neighbors.

Matthew 28:19-20  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

In order for us to go and do, we must realize that our faith needs to do more than simply be something that occupies our lives on Sunday mornings.  Our faith must be life-giving not only to us, but to those that we encounter each and every day.

1. Our Faith must be personal. - We must be 'own it', and therefore nurture our relationship with our God.
2. Our Faith must be passion-filled. - It must be something we are excited about not merely something we 'do'.
3. Our Faith must be pro-active. - We must learn to integrate faith into every aspect of our lives.  His influence permeating holistically.
4. Our Faith must be passed on. - Not simply for us...this is for everyone!
5. Our Faith must produce fruit. - What is your faith producing for you personally and for those around you?

In other words, God has a mission for all of us to accomplish, and like his early followers, we must "ACTIVATE" our faith on a whole new level and get serious about healing the heart of our communities.  Sin is making a mess of lives and hearts are open to the Gospel like never before.

Paul said in Romans 1 that he wasn't ashamed of the Gospel because it contained the power of God.  There is a power within the Gospel message that speaks to the deepest desires of the human heart.  We all want to be loved, accepted, and a part of a loving family.  The Gospel, the Message of God's love for mankind, holds and provides that as reality for every one!

Recently, my friends and I went to El Salvador, on a mission trip to evangelize.  Although there was a language barrier, there was no Holy Spirit barrier.  When the Gospel is intelligently and presented in an emotionally connecting way, it's power begins to change lives.

So are you ready to ACTIVATE your faith?

Here's a few easy steps that I think can help us all do just that.

1. Think about your own walk with God. - Evaluate your Christian walk.
2. Take time to pray for the people in your life that need Christ, that need you to activate your faith. - Neighbor?  Barista? Co-worker?
3. Turn it on.  Put what you believe into action. - Go for it.  Be nice, concerned and connect with the help of the Holy Spirit!

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Jesus