Be A Successful Witness

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). All Christians are called to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. And there is no better time than now, during the Easter season, to share our faith with friends and family.

But let me ask you this: When you speak to people you disagree with, do you express the love, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy and grace of Jesus? Or do you express your personal opinions, judgment, condemnation, disgust, irritation, etc. I could go on and on.

I run into people all the time, when we have a disagreement, especially on matters of faith, I feel rejected, ostracized, judged, and declared WRONG! There is a strong feeling of condescension and disrespect. For some reason when certain people disagree with us they feel they have the right to be rude, unloving, and abrupt. They don’t want to hear our view point, because (from their perspective) you have just lost your right to an opinion or interpretation, because you are obviously WRONG!

Yet there are still other people I often talk to, when we have a disagreement, they remain very respectful, full of grace, and I still feel loved and respected. They don’t judge my opinions, they simply express that they see things a different way. They are willing to carry on the conversation long enough for me to explain my viewpoint and they respect and honor me to have a right to disagree with them.

We must always remember; there is much that an unbeliever is going to do, say, and think that we will disagree with, sometimes vehemently. But at the same time, if we are to be successful in showing them the way to Christ, we must always treat them with honor, respect, and acceptance. If they don’t feel the love and acceptance of Christ coming from us, why would they want to meet the Jesus we believe in?

Would people describe you as gracious, loving and accepting? Or, on the other hand, would they describe you as harsh, judgmental, and correcting? How did people describe Jesus? How would the woman caught in adultery describe Jesus (John 8:1-11)? How would the cripple near the pool of Bethesda describe Jesus (John 5:1-15)? How would blind Bartimaeus describe Jesus (Mark 10:46-52)?

Did Jesus love people and treat them with respect and honor AFTER they got their lives and beliefs in order, or BEFORE? After you answer that question for yourself, then go and do likewise.

May God Bless you richly as you reach out to the people of this community who need to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And remember: be praying for specific people, by name that you know: pray for them to come to know Jesus personally, and also pray for an opportunity to invite them to church on Easter Sunday/Resurrection Sunday.

Jesus said in John 4:35 (NIV), “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” May we see God reap a holy harvest in Myrtle Point this Easter.

In Christ's Love,
Roger

5 Ways Jesus Frustrated Bad Leaders

Here are five things the religious leaders MAY have asked Jesus to stop doing.

“Dear Jesus, we need you to stop doing the following things…

#1 – You are really going to need to STOP healing on the Sabbath. You see, we’ve worked really hard creating a religious system that works for us…and even though people ARE being healed (we cannot deny that) we just do not approve of the day you are doing it. Sure, it’s miraculous…but the only miracles we are going to give approval of are the ones that take place in our system. And please understand…not adhering to our request in this matter could prove to be detrimental to your ministry. (Matthew 12:1-14).

#2 – Your methods of healing at times are quite reprehensible. The fact that you spit on the ground…and just kept spitting SO MUCH that you were able to make mud…and then placed that mud on the eyes of a blind person is flat out unacceptable. (John 9:1-11) The fact that he gained his sight is beside the point…the way you did it is unacceptable. AND the people you heal are bragging about what you did in their lives…we simply cannot have that and if you don’t shut them up then we will (see John 12:9-11). It’s NOT about results…it’s about our system!

#3 – Your character associations have gone way too far. It has been reported that you have spoken to a Samaritan woman (John 4) and that you have actually called a tax collector to be among your inner circle (Matthew 9:9-13). In fact, as we observe your most dedicated followers we are deeply concerned that you don’t seem to have any religious professional among those closest to you. We believe this is a grave mistake; after all, what in the world would You EVER believe you could accomplish through those unschooled, ordinary men? (Acts 4:13)

#4 – We do not approve of your teaching methods. Seriously…anytime someone asks you a question you always break into a story! Is that really necessary? Because of this type of behavior we can only conclude that you simply want to entertain people. AND…the little trick you did with the loaves and fish simply prove to us that all you are interested in doing is drawing a crowd. Please cease from this type of activity and just try to engage people with “deep” theological that will equip you listeners to feel morally and intellectually superior to those who do not know as much as them. When you tell your stories you do nothing more than twist the Scriptures to make them say whatever you want…you should know better!

#5 – Your language is quite offensive..and we’re going to ask you to tone it down. Seriously Jesus, you calling us all “sons of hell” was a little over the top (see Matthew 23:15)…AND the fact that you called us a bunch of snakes, actually comparing us to the devil (Matthew 23:33) shows us that you seem to lack compassion. Finally, I don’t think a godly man would EVER say of us that we were liars and that we are the result of our mother having sex with the devil (John 8:40-44). Tone it down Jesus, you are highly offensive. AND seriously…was the thing with the whip necessary…you seem to have anger management issues (John 2:13-17). A godly man simply would not act like this.”

Watch out for those leaders that want to shut down the work of God when it doesn't fit their comfort zone, or their "religious" system.

Love you
Roger

This article was borrowed from Perry Noble, who is the founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, Greenville and Florence, South Carolina.

WHY JOIN A SMALL GROUP?

Everything in life revolves around relationships -- everything. God reveals Himself to us as a relationship through the Trinity and guides and teaches us through our personal relationship with Jesus (John 17:6-8).

The most important relationship is a personal relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ -- a vertical relationship.

The Bible, our guidebook to daily living, repeatedly confirms the importance of community. Relationships provide us the opportunity to live out our beliefs according to Scripture and be a living testimony of Christ to the world. These horizontal relationships create balance in our lives. The best horizontal relationships are commitments to live with others, to become connected with others in a basic Christian community. Small groups are our best setting to explore and experience both of these types of relationships.

Small Groups Provide:

1. An opportunity to Study God's Word in community and discuss how it practically applies to our lives.

The Bible is God's guidebook to daily living. In the same way we exercise our body for fitness, we need to exercise our minds to better understand the Bible. Studying the Bible in a group significantly improves our retention and promotes a more in-depth understanding. The group discussions sharpen our Bible skills and provides us insights on how to practically apply God's Word in real life situations. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situation; small groups challenge us to do just that.

2. A safe haven to honestly share our life struggles and better deal with daily stress and pressure.

Every Christian needs a spiritual family. We all need a place where we feel safe to share our feelings with others and allow others to authentically share their feelings with us. We need a family where we are cared for, nurtured, challenged, guided and prayed for; where we can ask straightforward questions and disclose our struggles. Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security because you know there are people who genuinely care for you and are committed to supporting you.

3. An opportunity to live out the "one another's" in the New Testament.

Every Christian needs a laboratory for life. There are over 50 "one another's" in the Bible: we are challenged in scripture to love one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, and stimulate one another to love and to do good deeds. The small group offers a warm family setting where the "one another's" can be lived out. This is especially important for experiencing the full essence of God. A list of New Testament 'one another' and 'each other' verses are listed in the training section of the small group library.

4. An opportunity to develop leadership skills you never knew you had

In groups we can share our daily lives, as well as share simple group tasks. Sharing in this way creates a very special bond of fellowship and at the same time offers you the opportunity to grow in God's service. The small group process provides the setting for natural sharing, so no one feels pressured or obligated. Instead, we develop our natural talents for service in a loving and caring environment.

5. Effective opportunities to share the gospel with family, friends and neighbors

Time and time again we see people connecting with God and His community because they felt comfortable attending a small group event when invited. Many who feel threatened or find church services unappealing are much more receptive to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friends can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling out of place or foolish. In the understanding small group setting they can take their first steps in connecting with the good news of the gospels in an inviting way.

6. A place for prayer to become more meaningful to you

We are totally dependent on God and prayer with God; our communication with God through prayer acknowledges our deep need to commune and converse with Him. Small Groups provide you the opportunity to develop your prayer walk by allowing you to take small steps (such as one sentence prayers) without feeling pressured. The more comfortable we become with prayer the more we experience amazing results in our personal relationship with the Lord.

Throughout the Old Testament and the New, small groups have been a way in which God ministers to the lives of people, helps meet one another's needs, and equips His followers for ministry and service. Without small groups God would not be able to accomplish His purposes in the lives of His people.

Yours in Christ,
Roger

God Bless,
Roger

This article was borrowed and adapted from Rolling Hills Covenant Church article "Why Join A Small Group" http://www.rollinghillscovenant.com/why-join-a-small-group

THE UNOPENED GIFT

What if you gave me a gift and I never opened it? Would you be disappointed? The real disappointment would be; it would become a worthless gift because I don’t receive any benefit from a gift I never open.

Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas gift to you. Yet some of us have gone Christmas after Christmas and never opened the best gift of all – God’s gift of salvation. Why even celebrate Christmas if you’re not going to open the biggest gift? It doesn’t make sense to leave unwrapped the gift of your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven.

Jesus Christ says to you, “I can replace the frustration in your heart with peace. I can replace the guilt, resentment, shame, and grudges with forgiveness. I can replace the worry and anxiety with confidence and faith. I can replace depression or despair with hope. I can replace emptiness with meaning and purpose. I can replace confusion with clarity. But I’m not going to break down the door of your heart. You’ve got to invite me in.”

It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from, if you want Jesus in your life and you are ready to do as he says, the door is open.

It doesn’t matter what your religious background is; God didn’t send Jesus to give you religion. He sent him so you could have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Below is a prayer I prayed years ago when I opened the gift of Jesus. It’s a pretty simple prayer. If these words express the desire in your heart, read them as if you are talking to God.

Prayer:
Dear God, I’m scared, but I want to get to know you. I don’t understand it all, but I thank you that you love me. I thank you that you’re with me even when I didn’t recognize it. I thank you that you are for me; that you didn’t send Jesus to condemn me but to save me.

I admit I never even realized I needed a Savior, but today I want to receive the Christmas gift of your Son. I ask you to save me from my past, my regrets, my mistakes, my sins, my habits, my hurts, and my hang-ups. Save me from myself.

I ask you to save me for your purpose. I want to know why you put me on this planet. And I want to fulfill what you made me to do. I want to learn to love you and trust you and have a relationship with you.

I need peace with you, God, and I need you to put your peace in my heart. I need you to take away the stress and fill me with your love. Help me be a peacemaker, to help others find peace with you and each other. In your name I pray, amen.

Love and blessings this Christmas
Roger

Adapted from "Open Your gift from God" by Rick Warren at www.pastors.com/blogs/ministrytoolbox