Today's nugget of truth is taken from I Corinthians 2:1-5. In this text, Paul is explaining how we are to be when dealing with those we are trying to help. Far too often we limit God because of tendency to rely upon our natural skill, abilities, and thoughts.
When working for the Kingdom, it is important to realize that the Power to convince and convert comes from His Spirit and not from our abilities. The end result is a person with their faith and devotion centered in Christ(verse 5) which leads a person to truly being grounded. If they are persuaded by our personality or words this will lead to their divided kingdoom. (Mark 3:35).
Salvation has always been and will always be about men wholly worshipping God in Spirit and in truth. It is not about men worshipping other men. It isn't about your abilities or lack thereof. It isn't about what you know about God and the finer points of His doctrine. Paul simply states that it is about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.
Truly, sometimes less is more and more is less.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Optimism
I am scurrying to sunday school as I write this but wanted to take a moment and post some thoughts in hopes of genrating some thought/input.
How would you define optimism?
What is its role/function when working with a lost or damaged soul?
What kind of power does it have?
I llok forward to reading some thoughts and possibly testimonies; SOON
How would you define optimism?
What is its role/function when working with a lost or damaged soul?
What kind of power does it have?
I llok forward to reading some thoughts and possibly testimonies; SOON
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The Importance of Follow Up
It has been a long time since the last post and I have been extremely busy in that time. This post will be concise and a little "light" on the scripture references because I want to get something up that will help equip you as well as spark thought/discussion.
When it comes to gospel work you can not under estimate teh power of following up. Too many times people say, "I will......" only to never be heard from again. If you really want to impact a person, to really show them what God is like, then check back in with them regarding what you have discussed in the past.
Think about how encouraging it is when the Lord "revisits" what you told Him in prayer some time in the past. How good does it feel when someone remembers something you said and brings it back up months later? I could list more examples but I think you understand what I am suggesting.
One way to convey faith to the faithless is to check back with them, if God allows the opportunity. It indirectly communicates a genuine concern and compassion that the world knows far too little about. This is especially effective when you tell someone that you will pray for their situation. When you check back in to see how God is working, they are faced with the reality that you really believe in God and His ability/desire to work in that person's behalf.
Thoughts?
When it comes to gospel work you can not under estimate teh power of following up. Too many times people say, "I will......" only to never be heard from again. If you really want to impact a person, to really show them what God is like, then check back in with them regarding what you have discussed in the past.
Think about how encouraging it is when the Lord "revisits" what you told Him in prayer some time in the past. How good does it feel when someone remembers something you said and brings it back up months later? I could list more examples but I think you understand what I am suggesting.
One way to convey faith to the faithless is to check back with them, if God allows the opportunity. It indirectly communicates a genuine concern and compassion that the world knows far too little about. This is especially effective when you tell someone that you will pray for their situation. When you check back in to see how God is working, they are faced with the reality that you really believe in God and His ability/desire to work in that person's behalf.
Thoughts?
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Doors, Doors, Doors Open a plenty.
Oh that we would allow the Lord to open our eyes to see them around us. As I write this I am also actively engaged in a text conversation with an unsaved person who has a parent that is a preacher. It all started with friendly conversation where I was given opportunity to demonstrate that I genuinely cared. The particular individual tends to be reticent and introverted, but God has allowed this person to develop a trust with me. As a result we are able to grow as friends and I am also able to demonstrate the Love of God.
A couple examples from this last week and a half.
At the start of the school year I felt the Lord wanted me to start a leadership training with a couple of young men at my school. So, I went to each one individually and invited them to have lunch with me each Thursday. The Lord has given me 3 young men to work with and teach biblical principles! The door was opened because I followed God's leading to go knock on the doors.
I was able to open a gym to play basketball. I sent out texts to several former students as well as some unsaved friends. During the course of the night I was able to have several conversations with many different people. Each time I was able to remind them of past truth I have taught or lived before them, or encourage them to consider the things of God. One of them actually called me and asked me to pray for them!
A close friend of mine is having difficulty with a past relationship. I was able to talk with him and assure him that I would be praying for God to fix the situation.
My daughter woke up the other day and told me that she had a dream about a former student of mine. I plan to use that as my opening when I speak to this young man. I don't have his phone number but I plan to chase it down.
Some Keys to Seeing an Open Door:
A couple examples from this last week and a half.
At the start of the school year I felt the Lord wanted me to start a leadership training with a couple of young men at my school. So, I went to each one individually and invited them to have lunch with me each Thursday. The Lord has given me 3 young men to work with and teach biblical principles! The door was opened because I followed God's leading to go knock on the doors.
I was able to open a gym to play basketball. I sent out texts to several former students as well as some unsaved friends. During the course of the night I was able to have several conversations with many different people. Each time I was able to remind them of past truth I have taught or lived before them, or encourage them to consider the things of God. One of them actually called me and asked me to pray for them!
A close friend of mine is having difficulty with a past relationship. I was able to talk with him and assure him that I would be praying for God to fix the situation.
My daughter woke up the other day and told me that she had a dream about a former student of mine. I plan to use that as my opening when I speak to this young man. I don't have his phone number but I plan to chase it down.
Some Keys to Seeing an Open Door:
- Listen to what people are saying. Jesus is the master problem solver. If there is someone who has problems don't be afraid to talk to them about it.
- Engage in conversation & listen to what they are saying. What they say will show where they are.
- Act upon what the Lord impresses you with. A spontaneous thought about someone is all you need. It is truly simple to open a conversation by saying, "I was thinking of you. How are things going?" I'm a little more bold and usually use, "The Lord put you on my heart and I want to pray for you. How would you like me to pray?"
- Don't be afraid to knock, even if it is the "wrong" door. You won't go to hell trying to share the love of God with someone. In fact, you may see doors open that you didn't even know where a possibility.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Open Doors
Doors are what people have around their hearts. They are a defense mechanism that is required to keep one's self from being hurt. Saved and unsaved people have them just the same.
When it comes to sharing the gospel we can't stand outside and shout. It does not work, in fact it causes alarm to whoever is on the other side. How would you feel if someone showed up to your house adn started shouting things through the door? How much worse would it be if you were alone inside? Or if it was dark and stormy outside?
To be effective at sharing the gospel we would do well to learn how to get others to "open the door." Ultimately it is God who opens the door and we are to seek His counsel on the matter, but there are things He teaches us in this area. Here are a few things I have learned from the Lord.
Don't be afraid to share your heart. Open doors beget open doors. When you are willing to show your vulnerability it has an affect that causes others to do the same.
Just be friendly. So many doors are opened because you act in such a way that people are compelled to be around you. Remember, Jesus was a nice person who was motivated on helping others without seeking His own benfit.
Use prayer as the tool it was intended to be. Prayer changes things, even in the lives of the unsaved. When talking with people they will eventually share a concern or problem. Use that as a means to gain entrance. Let them know you will be praying about the situation.
Leave the door open! If I ever tell someone I am going to pray for them or their situationI always ask, "Would it be ok if I check back with you ......" I can't recall a single time a person has said no. This allows me access in the future.
Every person is complicated and not all doors are open within them. There is usually an "outer" door opened in casual conversation. As they get to know you, that is trust you, more doors will be opened. The length of time this takes depends of what God is diong. It can take a couple of mins or several years. Only God knows when a soul is ready and it is our job to be in unity with his knowledge.
Another way to get a door open is to find some common ground. When people talk they will eventually share about themselves, their life, their likes/dislikes, frustrattions, etc.... They key is to listen to what they are saying and find something you both can agree about or a common experience. For example.
As a kid I was very angry and would easily get into fights. I recall a time when I saw one kid being harrassed by three kids. The injustice kindled my anger and eventually led me to beat up the biggest of the 3 bullies. Since that time I have learned how God will be my defense and I need not take matters into my own hands. So, now when I talk with people who are upset about some injustice I can relate to how they feel inside. I know those feelings intimately and often describe them to the other person.
At some point in the conversation I share with them a better solution, in Jesus.
We could go on and on, but I want to hear your thoughts, replies, questions, or experiences.
To be effective at sharing the gospel we would do well to learn how to get others to "open the door." Ultimately it is God who opens the door and we are to seek His counsel on the matter, but there are things He teaches us in this area. Here are a few things I have learned from the Lord.
Don't be afraid to share your heart. Open doors beget open doors. When you are willing to show your vulnerability it has an affect that causes others to do the same.
Just be friendly. So many doors are opened because you act in such a way that people are compelled to be around you. Remember, Jesus was a nice person who was motivated on helping others without seeking His own benfit.
Use prayer as the tool it was intended to be. Prayer changes things, even in the lives of the unsaved. When talking with people they will eventually share a concern or problem. Use that as a means to gain entrance. Let them know you will be praying about the situation.
Leave the door open! If I ever tell someone I am going to pray for them or their situationI always ask, "Would it be ok if I check back with you ......" I can't recall a single time a person has said no. This allows me access in the future.
Every person is complicated and not all doors are open within them. There is usually an "outer" door opened in casual conversation. As they get to know you, that is trust you, more doors will be opened. The length of time this takes depends of what God is diong. It can take a couple of mins or several years. Only God knows when a soul is ready and it is our job to be in unity with his knowledge.
Another way to get a door open is to find some common ground. When people talk they will eventually share about themselves, their life, their likes/dislikes, frustrattions, etc.... They key is to listen to what they are saying and find something you both can agree about or a common experience. For example.
As a kid I was very angry and would easily get into fights. I recall a time when I saw one kid being harrassed by three kids. The injustice kindled my anger and eventually led me to beat up the biggest of the 3 bullies. Since that time I have learned how God will be my defense and I need not take matters into my own hands. So, now when I talk with people who are upset about some injustice I can relate to how they feel inside. I know those feelings intimately and often describe them to the other person.
At some point in the conversation I share with them a better solution, in Jesus.
We could go on and on, but I want to hear your thoughts, replies, questions, or experiences.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Test Run on Studying the Word
Karissa had a really good comment on the last post, which prompted my lengthy response. (Sorry, I guess it is just the teacher/preacher in me coming out) Any how, I thought it might be good to do a little practice. So here is the question I want you to consider and study.
Is Jesus the only way for someone to be saved?
You should know before you start to answer. Yes, no, or maybe is not enough. I need some real substance to your response. I'm going to act just like some of the people I have run across.
Is Jesus the only way for someone to be saved?
You should know before you start to answer. Yes, no, or maybe is not enough. I need some real substance to your response. I'm going to act just like some of the people I have run across.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Points 7 & 8
7) That we speak in a way that enhances someone's life (salt)
When working with people, especially unsaved, it is imperative to remember that your words and actions have value. When you are truly listening to God and obeying His lead it can be no other way. Peter declared this when he said, "...thou hast the words of eternal life." Guess what? If you yield(open) your mouth to the Lord He has promised to fill it. In our gluttonous mindset this usually means we will get something exclusively for ourselves (our spiritual benefit) but give your mind opportunity to expand. If you allow God to fill your mouth then you possess the words of eternal life! Can you think of anything more valuable. This is what it means to speak being seasoned with salt.
Salt enhances the flavor of food and it is a preservative. Meditate on these two concepts. Think about them before you start talking with someone. You will see God transform your interactions with the unsaved. There is something about it that draws people. This world is full of people looking for opportunities to better themselves. Seldom do we find one who is genuinely trying to better another's life without the hope of their own personal gain. This is the daily reality for the unsaved.
There is such a thing as too much salt :) This is when you appear fake.Don't reach to "find" something nice to say. Seek the Lord and He will give you truth to speak that meets that person's needs. Often it may be a compliment, but it can just as easily be a rebuke (Proverbs 27:5).
8) That we may have knowledge to answer the questions of life
I'm going to be very real here but I trust in a loving manner. This is where many of us lack. It is way too easy to be busy with school,work, video games, computer activities, social media, internet surfing, reading news, listening to music, leisure reading, any hobby, and I could continue the list but I think we get the idea. I'm not against these things nor am I saying drop them all and change. What I am saying is, "Don't let them get in your way from learning answers to the questions that challenge and perplex you."
I find Christians tend to shy away from really sharing the gospel with the most needy because they are afraid of the questions they might face. The solution is rather simple. Turn down the "me time" and dig into the Word. It is one thing to read the bible and another to actually study it. When you study it you are opening yourself up to personal revelation from God. At the same time you are obtaining ammo against alternate view points, which are the heart of these questions.Don't be afraid to say, "I've never considered that and can't give you an adequate answer. Would it be possible that I could have some time to study that and get back to you?"
Remember, this world places great emphasis on knowledge. The unsaved are working from this mindset. The wisdom of God far exceeds what man has to offer. If you are going to get this wisdom you are going to have to put in the work required to obtain it. Once you get it you will have to share if you expect God to grant you more (Matthew 25:23 & Luke 19:10-26).
When working with people, especially unsaved, it is imperative to remember that your words and actions have value. When you are truly listening to God and obeying His lead it can be no other way. Peter declared this when he said, "...thou hast the words of eternal life." Guess what? If you yield(open) your mouth to the Lord He has promised to fill it. In our gluttonous mindset this usually means we will get something exclusively for ourselves (our spiritual benefit) but give your mind opportunity to expand. If you allow God to fill your mouth then you possess the words of eternal life! Can you think of anything more valuable. This is what it means to speak being seasoned with salt.
Salt enhances the flavor of food and it is a preservative. Meditate on these two concepts. Think about them before you start talking with someone. You will see God transform your interactions with the unsaved. There is something about it that draws people. This world is full of people looking for opportunities to better themselves. Seldom do we find one who is genuinely trying to better another's life without the hope of their own personal gain. This is the daily reality for the unsaved.
There is such a thing as too much salt :) This is when you appear fake.Don't reach to "find" something nice to say. Seek the Lord and He will give you truth to speak that meets that person's needs. Often it may be a compliment, but it can just as easily be a rebuke (Proverbs 27:5).
8) That we may have knowledge to answer the questions of life
I'm going to be very real here but I trust in a loving manner. This is where many of us lack. It is way too easy to be busy with school,work, video games, computer activities, social media, internet surfing, reading news, listening to music, leisure reading, any hobby, and I could continue the list but I think we get the idea. I'm not against these things nor am I saying drop them all and change. What I am saying is, "Don't let them get in your way from learning answers to the questions that challenge and perplex you."
I find Christians tend to shy away from really sharing the gospel with the most needy because they are afraid of the questions they might face. The solution is rather simple. Turn down the "me time" and dig into the Word. It is one thing to read the bible and another to actually study it. When you study it you are opening yourself up to personal revelation from God. At the same time you are obtaining ammo against alternate view points, which are the heart of these questions.Don't be afraid to say, "I've never considered that and can't give you an adequate answer. Would it be possible that I could have some time to study that and get back to you?"
Remember, this world places great emphasis on knowledge. The unsaved are working from this mindset. The wisdom of God far exceeds what man has to offer. If you are going to get this wisdom you are going to have to put in the work required to obtain it. Once you get it you will have to share if you expect God to grant you more (Matthew 25:23 & Luke 19:10-26).
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