"You're Nuts!"
I Chronicles 5:18-6:81
Acts 26:1-32
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 18:20-21
In Acts 26 Paul is in front of King Agrippa, his lovely wife Bernice, and Governor Festus. The charges have been brought forth by the Jews. Agrippa says to Paul, "Go ahead. Tell us your story." (Acts 26:1)
Paul then lays out what is to me a tremendous path of understanding where he's at. He speaks in terms they can understand. Common ground. He begins talking of his being a Pharisee, and how he only desires what all Jews want. He then recounts his history of torturing Christians and chasing them to distant cities in foreign lands.
Then comes the Damascus road. He tells them the story of this light and how it changed his life forever. He tells of his commission to "tell the world about this experience." to go to the Gentiles "to open their eyes to their true condition so that they may repent and live in the light of God." (Acts 26:15-18)
He talks of his obedience to that call, and God's protection and provision as he's been obedient.
He closes by connecting the dots from Moses to the Messiah.
Wow - What a great job, Paul! If I were there as a believer, I would have wanted to jump to my feet clapping and yelling "attaboy, Paul!!!" But before I could do that, Festus interrupts shouting, "PAUL, YOU ARE INSANE!! YOUR LONG STUDYING HAS BROKEN YOUR MIND!" (Acts 26:24)
In verse 30, "Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left."
Well, what do you get out of that little tale?
First, I think we need to understand our testimony the way Paul did.
1. Remember where you came from. You were no different than those you are speaking to.
2. Remember what changed your life. Be able to communicate your salvation experience.
3. Remember what God has called you to do. Understand that you are to "tell the world about this experience."
4. Remember what God has done since to sustain you. Tell of his greatness & provision.
I think Paul laid out a great road map for sharing Christ with your world.
The next thing we must realize is that to the world, we are insane! I've always kind of felt that was a bad thing. It's not. I'm not saying we should be out of balance loonies. We need to be people of good works so that we bring glory to the name of the Lord. But it's normal that the world doesn't get it. I catch myself being so afraid of sounding "weird", that I render myself ineffective for the Kingdom. I know I'm sounding like I contradict what I said the other day about being a light that men are drawn too, but in living the DREAM, both are true. Your world will be drawn to you as a Balanced Christian, and at the same time, they will think you're insane. Do you know why?
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Cor. 1:18.
As you have opportunity to share your story with unbelievers, don't feel like a failure if their response is like that of Festus. Stick it out. Don't let it knock you off course. You can't Live the DREAM without your "Mission to reach our world for Christ." God has commissioned you to go to them to "open their eyes to their true condition..."
Be confident in your testimony. Not arrogant, or obnoxious, just confident in what God has done in you. If we get this, I believe that through the Power of the Spirit, we can change the world!
"Go ahead. Tell us your story."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Showing posts with label Witnessing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witnessing. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
5.5.11 "Reach the World!"
"Reach the World!"
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, June 26, 2010
6.26.10 "This God"
"This God"
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31 is a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31 is a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
6.9.10 "Connect the Dots"
"Connect the Dots"
I Kings 5:1-6:38
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
You never know how God is going to use you. One thing is for certain, he plans to. So many times we get caught up in our own orb of to-do lists, personal crisis', and the cares of life. It's very easy for us to miss the fact that we have a purpose. We are here with a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
As we read yesterday, Stephen was one of the men chosen to oversee the feeding of the widows. He has been described as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Through his life many came to Christ, and many were healed. False witnesses rise up and and accuse him of teaching against the law of Moses. In today's reading in Acts 7, he answers the Jewish Council.
Stephen's answer is lengthy. He goes back to the story of Abraham and tells the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He tells how Joseph is wrongly imprisoned, and yet rises to save Egypt from famine. He tells the story of Joseph's brothers, and how after Joseph's death, the people became slaves in Egypt. Then he gets into the story of Moses.
As I was reading this, I was picturing this cafeteria worker, Stephen telling the Jewish leaders things that they were experts in. They KNEW the history. But here's what's important: Stephen KNEW the Word as well, and God led him to connect the dots for them.
Sometimes we get really stressed about what we're going to say when dealing with unbelievers. What we need to realize is that God is already working in the life of each individual, and all we need to do is be available to connect the dots. Find common ground.
Most of the time it will be a simple conversation with a clerk at a store, or a waitress, or a neighbor, and it can be something simple. There will probably not be an altar call every time. We just have to be faithful to connect the next dot.
This Mission we have is not "rocket surgery". All we have to do is have the mission in mind. Every conversation is a process of dot-connecting. You don't know where the person behind the counter is in their journey toward God, but God does. Find common ground. Draw them closer to Christ.
Connect the dots.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Kings 5:1-6:38
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
You never know how God is going to use you. One thing is for certain, he plans to. So many times we get caught up in our own orb of to-do lists, personal crisis', and the cares of life. It's very easy for us to miss the fact that we have a purpose. We are here with a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
As we read yesterday, Stephen was one of the men chosen to oversee the feeding of the widows. He has been described as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Through his life many came to Christ, and many were healed. False witnesses rise up and and accuse him of teaching against the law of Moses. In today's reading in Acts 7, he answers the Jewish Council.
Stephen's answer is lengthy. He goes back to the story of Abraham and tells the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He tells how Joseph is wrongly imprisoned, and yet rises to save Egypt from famine. He tells the story of Joseph's brothers, and how after Joseph's death, the people became slaves in Egypt. Then he gets into the story of Moses.
As I was reading this, I was picturing this cafeteria worker, Stephen telling the Jewish leaders things that they were experts in. They KNEW the history. But here's what's important: Stephen KNEW the Word as well, and God led him to connect the dots for them.
Sometimes we get really stressed about what we're going to say when dealing with unbelievers. What we need to realize is that God is already working in the life of each individual, and all we need to do is be available to connect the dots. Find common ground.
Most of the time it will be a simple conversation with a clerk at a store, or a waitress, or a neighbor, and it can be something simple. There will probably not be an altar call every time. We just have to be faithful to connect the next dot.
This Mission we have is not "rocket surgery". All we have to do is have the mission in mind. Every conversation is a process of dot-connecting. You don't know where the person behind the counter is in their journey toward God, but God does. Find common ground. Draw them closer to Christ.
Connect the dots.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
5.5.10 "Reach the World!"
"Reach the World!"
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
5.5.9 "Reach the World!"
"Reach the World!"
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25
"Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping." (John 4:35)
"Vast fields of human souls..." What a description of the need of our world for Christ! It can be very easy to be numbed by constant exposure to the needs of the lost. We are here for a purpose we MUST reach our world for Christ!
This can be an intimidating process. Some Christians have built "witnessing" into this huge thing that they are afraid of. Many only do this as a part of an organized outreach, or only armed w/ tracts. Some are more comfortable with a bullhorn yelling at people about sin than they would be actually sharing the love of Jesus with them. "Witness" is defined as "To be evidence that something has occurred". In this sense, it's more about who you are than what you do. Today's Proverb says, "A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor."
When Jesus makes this statement about the harvest, it is important to understand what has happened just prior to this. It is the story of the woman at the well. Let's look at the story and how Jesus gives us the model to give others the good news.
1. Purpose is more important than comfort. "...he came to Jacob's Well... Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well." (4:5,6) Jesus was exhausted from his journeys, but that did not keep him from ministering to others. We need to get rid of our excuses for not sharing the Good News.
2. Establish common ground. "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink." (4:7) Sometimes we don't know where to start when talking to someone, but often the greatest connection is found in discussing a shared interest. It can be talking about landscaping with a neighbor, or even the weather with a stranger.
3. Let them know God has big plans. "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!" (4:10) So many people are stuck on the treadmill of meaningless life. We know that God has come to give us abundant life. We need to be excited about that! We need to let others in on this great hope! When someone has the realization that God knows who they are, and has a purpose for their life, they WANT to hear about it!
4. Bring truth without judgment. "'Go and get your husband,' Jesus told her. 'But I'm not married,' the woman replied. 'All too true!' Jesus said. For you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now.'" (4:16-18) I think the way we often want to handle this is: "you're living with someone... you're going to hell." Yes, we need to reveal truth, but we need to allow the Spirit to draw them into a place where they can respond to that truth.
5. LISTEN to what they believe so you can bring clarity. "'Sir,' the woman said,'you must be a prophet. But say, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here [at Mount Gerazim], where our ancestors worshiped?' Jesus replied, '... For it's not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?'" Sometimes when we share Christ with someone we are so caught up in making sure we SAY the right thing, that we don't take the time to discover the individual's level of understanding. We have this desire to be profound, but what is really important is that we connect to their level of understanding. Then, based on their understanding and not our "wisdom", we need to bring an answer they can grasp.
6. Bring it home. "Then Jesus told her, 'I am the Messiah!'" (4:26) There was a progression to this conversation. Notice, he didn't sit at that well at the beginning, and say, "Wassup? I'm the Messiah, get me a drink." At the right time, he gave the "punchline" to abundant life.
The pattern I've laid out from these scriptures is not the way EVERY conversation needs to be. We need to be led by the Spirit in every occasion. But I think Jesus shows us that it ain't "rocket surgery". We just need to connect with people and be real about what we know.
"The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!" (4:36)
Let's get to work & sow and reap the harvest! We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
7.8.8 "You're Nuts!"
"You're Nuts!"
I Chronicles 5:18-6:81
Acts 26:1-32
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 18:20-21
In Acts 26 Paul is in front of King Agrippa, his lovely wife Bernice, and Governor Festus. The charges have been brought forth by the Jews. Agrippa says to Paul, "Go ahead. Tell us your story." (Acts 26:1)
Paul then lays out what is to me a tremendous path of understanding where he's at. He speaks in terms they can understand. Common ground. He begins talking of his being a Pharisee, and how he only desires what all Jews want. He then recounts his history of torturing Christians and chasing them to distant cities in foreign lands.
Then comes the Damascus road. He tells them the story of this light and how it changed his life forever. He tells of his commission to "tell the world about this experience." to go to the Gentiles "to open their eyes to their true condition so that they may repent and live in the light of God." (Acts 26:15-18)
He talks of his obedience to that call, and God's protection and provision as he's been obedient.
He closes by connecting the dots from Moses to the Messiah.
Wow - What a great job, Paul! If I were there as a believer, I would have wanted to jump to my feet clapping and yelling "attaboy, Paul!!!" But before I could do that, Festus interrupts shouting, "PAUL, YOU ARE INSANE!! YOUR LONG STUDYING HAS BROKEN YOUR MIND!" (Acts 26:24)
In verse 30, "Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left."
Well, what do you get out of that little tale?
First, I think we need to understand our testimony the way Paul did.
1. Remember where you came from. You were no different than those you are speaking to.
2. Remember what changed your life. Be able to communicate your salvation experience.
3. Remember what God has called you to do. Understand that you are to "tell the world about this experience."
4. Remember what God has done since to sustain you. Tell of his greatness & provision.
I think Paul laid out a great road map for sharing Christ with your world.
The next thing we must realize is that to the world, we are insane! I've always kind of felt that was a bad thing. It's not. I'm not saying we should be out of balance loonies. We need to be people of good works so that we bring glory to the name of the Lord. But it's normal that the world doesn't get it. I catch myself being so afraid of sounding "weird", that I render myself ineffective for the Kingdom. I know I'm sounding like I contradict what I said the other day about being a light that men are drawn too, but in living the DREAM, both are true. Your world will be drawn to you as a Balanced Christian, and at the same time, they will think you're insane. Do you know why?
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Cor. 1:18.
As you have opportunity to share your story with unbelievers, don't feel like a failure if their response is like that of Festus. Stick it out. Don't let it knock you off course. You can't Live the DREAM without your "Mission to reach our world for Christ." God has commissioned you to go to them to "open their eyes to their true condition..."
Be confident in your testimony. Not arrogant, or obnoxious, just confident in what God has done in you. If we get this, I believe that through the Power of the Spirit, we can change the world!
"Go ahead. Tell us your story."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 5:18-6:81
Acts 26:1-32
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 18:20-21
In Acts 26 Paul is in front of King Agrippa, his lovely wife Bernice, and Governor Festus. The charges have been brought forth by the Jews. Agrippa says to Paul, "Go ahead. Tell us your story." (Acts 26:1)
Paul then lays out what is to me a tremendous path of understanding where he's at. He speaks in terms they can understand. Common ground. He begins talking of his being a Pharisee, and how he only desires what all Jews want. He then recounts his history of torturing Christians and chasing them to distant cities in foreign lands.
Then comes the Damascus road. He tells them the story of this light and how it changed his life forever. He tells of his commission to "tell the world about this experience." to go to the Gentiles "to open their eyes to their true condition so that they may repent and live in the light of God." (Acts 26:15-18)
He talks of his obedience to that call, and God's protection and provision as he's been obedient.
He closes by connecting the dots from Moses to the Messiah.
Wow - What a great job, Paul! If I were there as a believer, I would have wanted to jump to my feet clapping and yelling "attaboy, Paul!!!" But before I could do that, Festus interrupts shouting, "PAUL, YOU ARE INSANE!! YOUR LONG STUDYING HAS BROKEN YOUR MIND!" (Acts 26:24)
In verse 30, "Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left."
Well, what do you get out of that little tale?
First, I think we need to understand our testimony the way Paul did.
1. Remember where you came from. You were no different than those you are speaking to.
2. Remember what changed your life. Be able to communicate your salvation experience.
3. Remember what God has called you to do. Understand that you are to "tell the world about this experience."
4. Remember what God has done since to sustain you. Tell of his greatness & provision.
I think Paul laid out a great road map for sharing Christ with your world.
The next thing we must realize is that to the world, we are insane! I've always kind of felt that was a bad thing. It's not. I'm not saying we should be out of balance loonies. We need to be people of good works so that we bring glory to the name of the Lord. But it's normal that the world doesn't get it. I catch myself being so afraid of sounding "weird", that I render myself ineffective for the Kingdom. I know I'm sounding like I contradict what I said the other day about being a light that men are drawn too, but in living the DREAM, both are true. Your world will be drawn to you as a Balanced Christian, and at the same time, they will think you're insane. Do you know why?
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Cor. 1:18.
As you have opportunity to share your story with unbelievers, don't feel like a failure if their response is like that of Festus. Stick it out. Don't let it knock you off course. You can't Live the DREAM without your "Mission to reach our world for Christ." God has commissioned you to go to them to "open their eyes to their true condition..."
Be confident in your testimony. Not arrogant, or obnoxious, just confident in what God has done in you. If we get this, I believe that through the Power of the Spirit, we can change the world!
"Go ahead. Tell us your story."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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