Posts

Reaching Today’s Teens

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.

Fragrance of Christ

Second Corinthians chapter 2:14 and 15 is a super verse. It starts with this: “…Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” Triumphal procession: that means thrilling, successful evangelism that only comes from Christs power. Jesus is the one who does it. He leads us in it. You and I just need to follow His ways, His Word, His voice.

The next part of the verse explains how the Lord leads us in evangelism victory. It says, “Through us [Christ] spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” Thats really what evangelism is – “spreading around the perfume of Jesus Christ.” Thats what you and I are doing – as we walk in the power of Jesus Christ living inside us.

As we talk to people, chat with them, even joking, playing, and working. We are spreading the fragrance of Christ. We are showing our world real love, true joy, inner peace and lasting hope — the blessings that are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So ask the Lord to help others see Him in you – through the words you speak, the smiles you give, and the reactions you make. Christ takes the lead – and asks you to follow. As you do, youll be spreading His aroma to the people in your world.

Bearing Fruit

We all long to bear fruit for Jesus Christ, dont we? Thankfully, Jesus very succinctly gives us the key to being fruitful: In John 15:5 He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

So there it is – thats the answer! Remain in Jesus Christ and you will bear much fruit. Stick close to the Lord. Learn about Him. Let Him nourish you like a vine nourishes its branches. Talk with Jesus. Read and meditate on the Holy Word of God.

As we do these things, we are literally growing in Jesus Christ. Its the key to fruitfulness. And a fruitful disciple cant help but draw others to the Lord.

Jesus promises that as we remain attached to the vine – to Him – we will bear much fruit. Not just a little fruit. Not just a few pieces here and there. But, Christ promises that there will bear lots and lots of fruit! Isnt that exciting?

All this happens by simply walking with the Lord throughout your daily life. You love your family, you respect co-workers, and youre aware that Jesus Christ is opening doors and using you. And that, my friend, is bearing much fruit! What could be better than that?

The Light of Life

Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world. If anyone follows me they will not walk in darkness but they will have the light of life.” What kind of life is he talking about? Its Eternal Life. Eternal life is the life of God in the soul of man. As this Christmas rolls around, I want you to experience Jesus Christ for yourself.

Friends, there is one who has power to forgive sin and make the light shine. He can change your heart. Jesus Christ wants to give you eternal life. He is the one who assures us by saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”

But, dear friends, you have to make a decision. It isnt enough to say “gee that sounds good.” You have to know him for yourself. Life can change instantly, if you open your heart to Christ.

If you trust His promises, and rest in Him, you will be forgiven. Youll have the peace of God. Youll become a child of God. Youll receive the Holy Spirit. Youll receive eternal life. When you give your heart to Jesus the light of the world fills your soul. Will you give your heart to Jesus Christ today?

Obedience in the Moment

The book of Acts, chapter 8, tells us one of the most miraculous evangelistic accounts in the Bible! It starts in verse 26: An angel of the Lord said to Philip, Go south on the road the desert road that goes south from Jerusalem to Gaza. So [Philip] started out When Philip arrived on the desert road, he found an Ethiopian eunuch reading the book of Isaiah.

But this man was confused – he needed someone to explain the Scriptures to him. So Philip described that Isaiah was actually prophesying about Jesus Christ. Immediately, the Ethiopian believed in the Lord, and asked to be baptized!

Thats a powerful story isnt it? Yet the Ethiopians conversion wouldnt have happened if Philip didnt listen – and obey – the voice of the Lord. No excuses. No hesitation. When the angel told Philip to go, he went!

God has amazing victories in store for us if we simply listen to His voice, and obey. So lets you and I spend time in Gods Word! Lets talk with Him in prayer! Then, when He prompts us to witness to our world, well be ready to do it!