Sun, 27 May 2012 00:08:26 -0800WeeblyTue, 26 Apr 2011 12:18:27 -0800http://www.westminsterbible.org/1/post/2011/04/to-say-or-not-to-say.html“I really don’t like outreach events.  Witnessing to people I don’t know, not very productive. I think lifestyle evangelism is much more effective- I’ll just stick to that.”     

I hear this statement…a lot.  OK, not exactly the same words, but the same sentiment.   I readily recognize that a Christian’s lifestyle is an important part of a Gospel presentation- especially if you know who you are witnessing too. John MacArthur says that our lives ought to be “the platform, from which the Gospel becomes believable,” Most of the time lifestyle has a negative impact on our outreach- because the people know us, and see us and observe that we aren’t what we say we are.  I think it’s a sad reflection on The Church that the lives of Christians turn people off more than excite them about Christ.  

But how many people really come to Christ because of our lifestyles?   I would say, not that many – most- no all- come because the Spirit of God used the Word of God to convict their hearts that they were sinners in need of salvation.  For that they need to actually hear God’s Word “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17) and “How can they hear without a preacher” (Rom 10:14).  We must show them Christ living and active in our lives, but it is also imperative that we tell them as well.  That is a little daunting for most of us- including me.  Too often the result is a timid, weak Gospel presentation –“Jesus works for me, he makes me feel good, maybe He’ll work for you too, if you want Him to, maybe sortta, kinda.”    Yeah, that’ll change a heart… not!  We are called to be bold in our sharing- as we ought to be- Eph 6:19.  Not without compassion and not by bashing folks with a thick bible until they relent, I mean repent.  But unapologetically, relationally, like Jesus has done something for me.  And it is important in my life and I want you to know about Him too.   That means it starts with what Christ has done for us? Doesn’t that sound familiar- it starts with our relationship to Him.  Is it real?  Do we believe it?  Are we thankful for it and obedient to Him?  I am convinced that big part of the reason so many of us are ineffective in our witnessing is b/c we do it because we should, not because Jesus is the greatest thing that ever happened to us.  Or… because we don’t feel competent to share the gospel and we are afraid we will “screw it up.”  Do either of those resonate with you?  Take heart then.  Jesus calls us to be His witnesses (Acts 1), not judge and jury.    Our task is simply to present the facts as we know them- to give testimony to His death, burial and resurrection and the power that has in our lives.  It’s not up to us to convince anybody- the Holy Spirit does that through the speaking of His Word.   That’s how we measure the success of an outreach event- not how many souls are converted- that is the Lords work, but how often did we compassionately share the Gospel.  This extends well beyond the Flower and Jazzfest.  It really is a matter of our lifestyle- do I share my faith as a style of life?   That is lifestyle evangelism.  And by the way- add prayer to that equation and it works.  Faith comes by hearing- as ambassadors of Christ- we are His spokesmen. 

carl

]]>Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:32:29 -0800http://www.westminsterbible.org/1/post/2010/07/first-post.htmlHey folks- look at me I'm blogging!!!!!!    Weeeeeeeeee!!!!!! 
Seriously I am hoping to use the new website as a tool to better communicate with you.  So periodically I'll be sending out notifications that there is something new out here.

Speaking of which...how has your prayer and fasting been going?  We have 24 days left before The Flower and Jazz fest and I'm wondering how's it going??  For me I covenanted with myself to pray first thing when I wake up in the morning, before I get out of bed.  The fast is I'm giving up some alone time and delaying my morning coffee in order to bring  this outreach before The Lord.   You don't have to share what you are doing- we don't fast and pray to be seen doing it, but have you been remembering and how have you been praying?  

I've been challenged recently by Paul's request for prayer just before his closing the letter to the Ephesians.   He says  "...pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly as I ought to speak."   Eph 6:19-20 

Wow!  The great apostle to the Gentiles asking for boldnes!  Really he is asking for confidence  to present the Gospel clearly. It's not "in your face" confrontation, but  it's the same word used of Peter and John when they spoke with confidence before the leaders of the Jews in Acts 4.  It speaks of firmness of conviction and clarity of speech.  I love to look at Paul's prayers.  He's always willing to follow up on his prayers with God directed action.  He knows spreading the Gospel is Gods will and Paul wants to be part of the answer.
 
How about us?  As a church we've been praying about outreach for some time now, but have we been praying that God will use us as part of the answer?  For the next 24 days, I challenge and invite you to pray that God will give you the confidence to share the Gospel boldly-as you ought.  May 7th is a practical opportunity to be part of God's answer to our prayers.

Feel free to comment on this entry- feedback and discussion are encouraged!!!!

For his Glory,
carl
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