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Teach the Word

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You know, many times people feel they cannot share the Good News because they havent been believers very long. But, one of the best ways to learn more is by sharing. The more you share, the more you will grow. Shortly before Jesus went back to Heaven he told his disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations. He also comforted them saying, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Do not be held back by your lack of experience- the Lord is with you always. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

God has different standards than this world- and your humility is something that God can work with. A theology degree doesnt necessarily equip you to be effective for the Lord… though education is important, but without an attitude of humility and love for other people, all the education in the world is useless. God looks at the heart first.

So, dont be held back by being new to the faith or by feelings of inadequacy. Depend on God and His Holy Word when youre sharing the Good News, and the Lord will be with you every step of the way.

Search Your Heart

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An interesting survey was recently done by the Barna Group. They asked young people to share what kind of perceptions came to mind when the word Christianity was mentioned. The top three observations that came to mind about Christians were: anti-homosexual, judgmental, and hypocritical. Thats pretty sad, isnt it?

Now, Im not saying that all Christians exhibit these kinds of attitudes. But its important to realize that theres a reason many people have very negative perceptions of Christianity. Thats why I believe each one of us should examine our own hearts and minds in light of this topic.

We need to remember that were all sinners. Even the apostle Paul said in First Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst!” You and I dont need to point out peoples sins to them – thats the Holy Spirits job!

Think about how Jesus treated the lost. He loved people right where they were at. And because of that, sinners lives were changed. They believed. They wanted to follow the Lord.

Christs perfect balance of love, grace, and truth is a great example for us all to follow.

Terri’s Story

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When someone shares their story, we can step into their world. Listening to how God works in the lives of other people can encourage us as well. Let me tell you about Terri.

Terri was in the crowd at a recent festival where I shared the Good News. After I spoke, Terri told me that she was 55 years old and was at a crossroad in life. Her youngest of five daughters just graduated from high school and there were problems in the family.

At the festival, she realized that though she could not change or “fix” her family, she could change her own attitude – with Gods help. She said, “When my willpower dwindles, I look to His will.”

What a great reminder! Where do you look when your “willpower dwindles?” In the Bible, Jeremiah 29:13 says that you will find God when you seek Him with your whole heart.

Terris story reminds us to NOT look within ourselves. Instead, we must seek GOD for HIS will. Im so glad Terri shared her story with me. It was really encouraging. Wont you share YOUR story with someone today? God wants to touch the hearts of other people through what he has done in your life.

Don’t Hinder the Gospel

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What’s your attitude toward evangelism? The apostle Paul had an attitude of unquenchable optimism and zeal. In First Corinthians 9 he says, “We put up with anything rather than hinder the Gospel of Christ.” Then a little later the apostle writes, “Woe to me if I don’t proclaim the Gospel.” What a fabulous outlook to have on evangelism! Paul didn’t let anything stop him from sharing the Good News, and neither should you and I.

When our organization started evangelizing through outdoor music festivals, seven years ago, I had never heard of most of the Christian contemporary bands that would perform. Now, I know almost all of them and I like these musicians big time. I grew up on hymns, you see I’m old, and that’s still my personal and private way to worship.

I often say to people, “Do you think that I personally go for that kind music? You must be crazy!” But, I do like the kids who like that music and therefore, we put up with it for the sake of the kids who will hear God’s Good News thanks to first class contemporary Christian music.

We are to put no obstacle, not even tradition, in the way of the Gospel. The apostle Paul broke a lot of rules — not divine rules, but man-made rules, so that there’d be no hindrance to the Gospel. Let’s have the same viewpoint as Paul did, and not let secondary issues of personal taste distract us from evangelism!

A Christ-like Example

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Jeff told me he worked at a restaurant, and had been trying to find a way to reach out to his co-workers. He said that Ephesians 2:10 kept coming into his mind. It says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” So Jeff asked the Lord, “What good works do you want me to do?”

That’s when the idea came to him. Jeff began asking his co-workers if they would be willing to help sponsor a needy child through a Christian organization. Sure enough, 22 employees signed up to sponsor abused and neglected girls through an association in Arequipa, Peru.

So, not only is Jeff reaching out to those less fortunate than himself in Peru, he’s also being the light of Christ to his non-Christian co-workers. They are learning what a rich and rewarding experience it is to serve others in Jesus’ name. They are also seeing, in Jeff, a living, breathing example of someone being the hands and feet of Christ.

Are you modeling a Christ-like attitude to your world? You never know what good you can do, and what hearts may be changed by your example. So begin today. Do whatever the Holy Spirit lays on your heart to do and do it in His name.