Posts

Reaching Today’s Teens

/0 Comments/in /by

A few years ago, the Barna Research organization polled a group of teenagers about their views on religion. More than half of these students said that they believed all religious faiths teach equally valid truths.

In fact, one girl said, “I believe in Darwins theory of evolution, and the possibility of God being a woman. I never believed in the story of Adam and Eve. But I do, however, believe in prayer and karma.”

A big part of what many postmoderns believe is that no one religion can have a monopoly on truth. They say that truth is whatever you choose to believe. This idea may seem intimidating to challenge. But dont despair: this up-and-coming generation is very open to religion discussion. In fact theyre intrigued by spiritual issues and eager to talk about them!

There is spiritual curiosity in the young people today and an opportunity to engage their hearts and minds. We need to be ready! Ephesians 5:15 exhorts us to “…live not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

There is no time like the present to take advantage of each and every moment to connect with this generation. Remember, you and I hold the words of Christ — words of life to a lost and confused world.

Search Your Heart

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

A Second Chance

/0 Comments/in /by

Are you in a spiritual crisis? At some time or another, most people come to a place of crisis in their faith. Maybe you used to be on fire; you were excited about Jesus Christ; you were joyful; you loved talking about the Lord.

Then, like a slow leak in a tire, you began to lose momentum. The joy disappeared; and the fire fizzled out. Now youre settling for a mediocre existence, and the last thing you think about is evangelism!

Does any of that describe what youre going through? If so, dont despair – there is hope for change! The answer is found in Romans 12:1&2. In this passage, Paul urges believers to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy, pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

What does this look like? It means you come to the Lord. You confess to Christ where youre at. You fall on your face and present yourself as a living sacrifice to God. Its a re-commitment, in a sense, of your life to Christ.

And then, as Romans goes on to tell us, Jesus begins transforming your mind and heart so that you desire what He desires. His passions become your passions. His priorities become your priorities – including Christs heart for the lost.

Know Your Audience

/0 Comments/in /by

In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon was the pastor of Londons Metropolitan Tabernacle Church. It was built to hold the huge crowds that came to hear Spurgeon speak – 23,000 people a week! But today, that same churchs attendance has dwindled to 75 people per week.

What happened? Although the times and culture changed, the church didnt. Of course, you never change the sacred message of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross for sins of the world. But methods can, and should, remain flexible.

Over the years, our own team has sought to integrate fresh approaches to evangelism. Thats why we began having Good News festivals. Theyre outside in parks, with lots of music, food, extreme sports, and a childrens area.

The Good News is presented clearly, throughout the day, at various locations. Praise God, its been enormously effective!

So remember, never water down the truth of the Good News Gospel. As Hebrews 9 says: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” But, find creative ways to present it. As you engage the minds and hearts of this generation within their culture, youll help them see their need for a Savior.

Your Competence Comes from God

/0 Comments/in /by

As you and I try to reach our world, all of us do get nervous sharing the faith of Jesus Christ. So, as I told you a few days ago, I always think to myself, God is being glorified. Number 2, I have authority- the power of the Holy Spirit. And today, for just one minute, you have to remind yourself that you have confidence and that you are decisive by faith in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Listen to 2 Corinthians 3, “Such confidence as this is ours, through Christ before God, not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” Man, do I like that verse. Our competence comes from God.

So, when you share the Good News, remember, its not really you speaking, though God is using your voice and your mind and your thoughts, its the Holy Spirit of God and therefore you can speak with confidence. You speak decisively, you speak humbly, but the important thing is confidence in the Word of God. Confidence in the Holy Spirit of God. And confidence in that God Himself wants to turn this person back to Jesus Christ.

So, the next time you share the Good News, remember do it humbly but with confidence because your competence comes from God, not from yourself.