Category Archives: Evangelism

3 Lessons from Fish

Church Bulletin, Evangelism, Luke, ,

BD-fishermenPeter, James and John fished for a living. They knew when to fish and where to fish but on this day the fish were not cooperating. When Jesus tells them to let down the nets they reply that they have worked all night and caught nothing. But, at Jesus’ words, they dropped the nets and caught so many fish their nets began to break. Peter is overwhelmed at the presence of the Lord and falls at his feet. The Lord tells them that from now on, they will be catching men, not fish (Luke 5:1-11). Consider these three thoughts:

Man’s Work is Futile

Peter, James and John toiled all night for nothing. Not a fish was caught. Certainly they were doing their best and using the best techniques they knew. Their lives and the lives of their family depended upon their work. Yet, they came up empty handed.

When we depend on our own knowledge and abilities in evangelism, we will also come up short. Man does not have the ability to save souls. We create programs and ministries and we design training programs to teach people how to spread the gospel. In some places even the very worship of God has been changed so as to draw more into the kingdom of Christ yet we are failing to change lives. Apart from Jesus, Peter, James and John caught no fish. And apart from Jesus we will save no souls.

The Fish May Not Be Where You Expect Them to Be

The Bible says the fishers were “astonished” at the catch (Luke 5:9). I wonder if they had fished in the same spot before or if they had overlooked it. In any case, they were stunned at the unexpected results.

Sometimes, people who need and desire the gospel are not where we expect them to be. Sometimes they do not look like us and do not talk like us. They may even have some rough edges on them. How many times have we failed to evangelize because a neighbor seemed uninterested or because a neighborhood seemed a little tough?

We must not filter out prospects for the gospel. Our job is to teach (Matthew 28:18-19) and God’s job is to save.

It is the Lord Who Gives the Increase

Jesus is the sole path to God (John 14:6). He alone is the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). From Luke 5:3 that Jesus was in the boat with the fishermen. He was there when the net-breaking catch was hauled aboard. The men did nothing different than what they had been doing all night. But with Jesus onboard everything was different.

Paul supports our thinking here in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2:

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Paul had little interest in evangelism based upon the wisdom of the world. He simply preached Jesus and him crucified. When we labor in the way God desires, he will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

There are great lessons in this short story from the banks of the Galilee. Trust God and he will bless us with a great bounty for the kingdom. Our nets (buildings) will be filled to overflowing with a multitude of fish (people) if we will trust Jesus!

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

The Christian and the Papacy

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Evangelism, ,

Few events generate the coverage we’ve seen over the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Almost every media outlet has been talking about the retirement of the old Pope and the coming installation of a new. Even sports call in shows have featured the Roman drama. When Christians hear Catholics talking about the Pope how should we respond?

The Papacy is False

The official Catholic dictionary defines the pope this way:

“The title pope… is at present employed solely to denote the Bishop of Rome, who, in virtue of his position as successor of St. Peter, is the chief pastor of the whole Church, the Vicar of Christ upon earth.”

It’s beyond the scope of our article to go into detail but we would note that the office of the Pope is not found in Scripture in any form. No pastor/bishop/elder is ever said to be chief over the others and the idea that the Pope is a successor to the apostle Peter is unsustainable.

Indeed, any comparison between the present Roman Catholic Church and the original church is a study in sharp contrasts. We cannot support the idea of a common man has the head of the church. There is but one head of the church and that is Jesus (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

We Must Not “Bash” Catholics

Many, if not most, Catholics have been raised in their faith and have not been taught to study the Scriptures. The training of the church is the final answer for spiritual questions. Those who are so raised are excellent opportunities for teaching. The bulk of Catholics are outstanding people who love God and desire to live according to his direction.

One who uses the current newsworthy events as a pretext for insult ought to consider how Jesus and the apostles dealt with those who practiced false religion. Our Lord called them to the truth without insult. Paul taught idol worshippers with kindness (Acts 17:16-31).

Instead of insulting, let us draw people to the truth of Scripture and the glorious direct relationship with have with Jesus.

For some, any questioning or disagreement with another’s faith is bashing. It is not. We can and must seek to always share the truth with people who have been deceived.

Be Thankful for Opportunities

In Revelation 3:8 Jesus told the church of Philadelphia that he had set before them an “open door which no one is able to shut.” The events in Rome may provide just such an open door. The complexity and bureaucracy of the Roman Catholic Church and the exaltation of a mere mortal to a position of such extreme power and authority may cause some to wonder of this truly a work of God.

But being thankful for opportunities is not the same as acting upon them. When our friends begin to speak of the new leader let us listen kindly and gently lead toward truth. People who are truly seeking God will gladly welcome offers of study. Be the one who leads another to truth!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Christian Unity

Doctrine, Evangelism, General, ,

Christian unity is an oft sought but rarely found product in our diverse world.  Jesus himself desired the unity of his disciples and specifically prayed for it in the High Priestly prayer of John chapter 17. It is essential for all believers to consider Jesus’ thinking and prayers.

Jesus Prayed for Christian Unity

Jesus prayed for christian unity. Praying for his disciples Jesus asked, “keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one..’ (John 17:11). In verse 21, “that they may all be one…” In verse 22, “that they may be one even as we are one.”  In verse 23, and note the addition of the adjective, “that they may become perfectly one…” Four times in this chapter Jesus specifically prays for unity among his believers.

It’s important to note Jesus’ standard of unity that he seeks. He desires perfect unity. This suggests a complete unity in all matters. The context drives home this point when we see that the oneness or unity between Jesus and his Father is the standard of unity (see verses 21 and 22). We have come to accept the goal of “unity in diversity” but there is no diversity here. There is not the tiniest space between the Father and the Son and this is the kind of unity Jesus desires for his followers.

Paul was a great follower of Jesus. When he wrote to the fractured church in Corinth he echoed the same thoughts as the Lord.

 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

The Corinthians had begun to coalesce around personalities in the church. The result was a disunity that Jesus abhors. Within his body, the church, believers are to stand together in sweet unity with one another and speak the same things. Our goals and our efforts are the same, our doctrine is the same for we are one. The prayer for unity in John is demonstrated in practice among the Corinthians.

The same plea is given by Paul to the Ephesians. These beloved brethren were taught of the depth of God’s grace in salvation. In Ephesians 3:20 Paul calls for glory to Jesus in the church. In the next verse, Ephesians 4:1, he calls upon the believers to “walk worthy” of the their calling and in verse 3 to maintain the “unity of the spirit.” 

What follows next, in Ephesians 4:4-6, is the basis for that unity.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

I would suggest that Christendom is about half way there. We believe in one God and we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, as the son of God. But beyond that the unity crumbles. We cannot honestly say that we believe in and hold forth, one faith. Nor can Christendom claim a single baptism. There are at least a half dozen baptisms taught within Christendom today.

Given that unity is so precious to Jesus we conclude that the global community of Christ-believers is failing. We are not united. We stand under different names, teaching different doctrines and predicating our faith upon different teachings.

Divided.

Fractured.

Such division displeases Jesus.

Hope for Christian Unity

Let’s go back to [esvignore] John 17 [/esvignore] and find the way to unity.

The starting point for Christian Unity is the glory of God. Jesus came to bring glory to the Father (John 17:1-5). Our goal must also be to glorify God. Let us destroy the altars to our own successes and victories and give all the glory to God. Only by shattering our own arrogance can we adequately humble ourselves before the Lord (James 4:10).

Second, Christian Unity comes from and through the Word of God. Consider verse 8:

“For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”

Zero in on the phrase, “I have given them the words that you gave me.” Most immediately, Jesus is speaking of the truth of his Sonship. But note that they came to that knowledge through the words given Jesus from God. Jesus prays that that his disciples by made holy, sanctified, by God. But how? “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” ([esvignore]John 17:17[/esvignore]). And again, in verse 19, he asks the Father to sanctify his people “in truth.”

This idea of sanctification in truth is empowered all the more when we consider inspiration. Paul says Scripture is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). The word used here is a compound Greek verb which literally means that Scripture is “breathed out by God.” The ESV so translates it that way. The beauty of this thought is that God has exuded his word into the minds of holy men who have recorded the word and given it to us. Through every phase of inspiration the word remains God’s, the writers were tools of God to bring truth to men (2 Peter 1:21).

So if we have the Scriptures, and we do, and if the Scriptures are true, and they are, and if it is through truth that unity comes, and it is, we then have a real hope of unity.

We can begin the long road back to unity today if men will come together in the one place where we can all stand – the Bible. We must begin today to eliminate sectarianism and denominationalism from our lives.

Let us revel in the sanctifying power of the word alone. Let us eschew additions and subtractions. Let us renounce convenient teachings and demand truth from the pulpits of our land. Let us call Bible things by Bible names and allow God to be the absolute Lord of all our lives. It is possible!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Growing

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Evangelism,

Adding souls to the body of Christ is vital. It is not an option and it cannot be ignored. Every Christian has a responsibility to teach others the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) is clear:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We find people, making them followers of Jesus, baptize them and then continue to teach them. By doing these things, the kingdom grows. The original Christians of the 1st century did precisely that. In Acts 8:4, persecuted Christians fled Jerusalem and “went about preaching the word.” Their efforts led to the  outbreak of the Gospel in Samaria. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see an outbreak of the Gospel in our time? It is possible and there are some signs that the world is ready for the truth.

Bible Based Preaching Is Returning

For years, some preachers sounded more like Dr. Phil or Oprah than the Scriptures. Their sermons came from the self help genre and sought to meet so-called felt needs. These needs focused on immediate concerns and often ignored the profound need of man to return to his Creator. Today, the Bible is returning as the centerpiece of preaching. The expository sermon which firmly anchors itself in a single passage and expounds upon the message of that single Bible passage is growing in popularity.

Denominational authors are calling for deeper Bible knowledge and asking their readers to study the Word for themselves. Such a return to serious Bible study can only help prepare people for the reception of the pure truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:21). As honest men and women hear the pure truth, they will reject the teachings of men which have polluted hearts so long (Matthew 15:9).

Evil is Obvious

The true nature of Satan is being revealed daily (2 Corinthians 2:11) and people are frightened. Violence seems more common, the world is more willing to attack people of faith, government is publically less righteous and the whole world seems spinning out of control. The world lies in Satan’s hands (Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19) People are scared.

No man can face the evil onslaught alone. He knows trouble and sees it destroying people. He needs the pure Gospel message from God. Shallow preaching no longer helps and is viewed as a waste of time. Mankind needs help and can find it only in the truth of the Gospel. Men’s hearts are ready to receive truth.

Technology is Shrinking the World and Saving Time

Facebook and Twitter have changed the world in many ways. Now, instantly, Godly messages can be exchanged and small snippets of truth taught. A man can ask questions and investigate the local church anonymously. Technology is making the Great Commission easier and less expensive. Unfortunately, most people use these great devices to post trivial comments, like “I just burned the beans…”

We can initiate serious discussions through social media; we can move those discussions to personal Bible studies.  If you have a Twitter account, can you post something positive in 140 characters? I’m sure you can.

The world is ready. The technology is in place. The only thing missing is you. Who do you know that needs the truth today?

It’s Not Working

Church, Church Bulletin, Evangelism,

Churches try all sorts of ways to attract people to their services. Some focus heavily on music and large scale productions while others have turned to large youth oriented carnivals and rallies. Still others spend large amounts on advertising and market research. Of course many still rely on the ICP’s (incredibly corny phrases) posted on the sign out front. But when  the music stops and the carnivals close, have any been brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus?

Only God knows the precise number of those who are saved and those who are lost. But it sure seems that we are not gaining any ground. In 2004, the Barna group reported that 34% of American adults are unchurched, that is, they have not attended a religious service, except for a holiday or special event like a wedding or funeral, in at least 6 months. That was a 92% increase from 1991. In 2010 some researchers estimate the ranks of the unchurched were growing by 1 million every year.

Clearly, something is not working.

As we explore this question of why we are losing more and more souls, we can identify some Biblical landmarks to help us gain some understanding and possible right the ship before it sinks completely.

  •  Some will be lost. Indeed, most adults will choose lives of rebellion (Matthew 7:13-14).
  •  Salvation is in Jesus only. (John 14:6).
  •  The Bible, only, points us to that salvation and is true (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16).
  •  The message of salvation is entrusted to men (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 5:18).
  •  We are to preach all of God’s word (Acts 20:27; Acts 8:4; 2 Timothy 4:2).
  •  That word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11).

Based upon the forgoing 6 points, am I wrong to conclude that we are not preaching the word in its totality and in its power?

There seems to be a gross imbalance in preaching today. In an effort to attract and not to discourage, we preachers, me included, like to preach feel good sermons. We want people to leave the services feeling good so that they will come back next week for another shot of encouragement.

There’s a problem with that.

I have never in my life gone to the doctor for encouragement. I go when something is wrong and I need to be fixed. Sometimes his words are encouraging. Sometimes they are strong, harsh and even painful. I still return, and maybe even more so, when his words are tough.

Preachers must talk about sin.

Preachers must talk about repentance or change.

Preachers must talk about hell and consequences.

If we do not then we do not preach the “whole counsel” of God. If we do not, we show our lack of faith in the power of the word to change men and save souls. If we do not, we suggest that only part of the Scriptures are powerful. We cheat our hearers and give them false hope so we can build our attendance numbers. That’s eternally wrong. We can do better.

Bryant Evans

Who Shares the Gospel of God?

Church Bulletin, Evangelism, ,

The gospel of God (Romans 1:2) is the best news anyone has ever heard. It is a declaration of freedom to a world bound up in sin and its consequences. It is a message of freedom. It is an expression of love from the source of love. Indeed, words fail to describe its breadth and magnitude against the affairs of mortal man. Although the gospel reaches deep into the heart and mind of our Creator, its message is stunningly simple: “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The gospel is a critical message to all lost people. Without it, they remain lost and have no hope beyond this present life. Because the gospel is something to be obeyed (Romans 10:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17), it is imperative that the message be spread among all people. So who will spread the gospel of God?

Will Jesus Spread the Gospel of God?

Yes, but  no, at least no directly. That may be an unexpected answer for some. The gospel does not exist without Jesus. His blood paid the price for our sins and purchased the church wherein the saved are placed by God (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:47). His entire life’s work was to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17), which he did. He came to call men to himself for through Jesus alone is salvation (John 14:6). But Jesus gave the responsibility for spreading the gospel – evangelism – to his disciples. He gave to the apostles the keys to the kingdom so that they could set forth terms and conditions already decided in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Jesus told them to “make disciples,” to go and teach, baptize and teach the lost (Matthew 28:18-20).

Even when he confronted Saul on the road to Damascus he did not there tell him how to be saved but sent him into the city where Ananias taught him (Acts 9:17-19; Acts 22:10-16). Later Paul, speaking of the gospel, said it was a treasure in “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:1-12, note esp. verse 7) which is a reference to the mortal body of man.

The coming of the church on Pentecost was marked by great signs from the Holy Spirit. But it was through the voices of men that the gospel message was preached (Acts 2:14). Our simple minds might think that an appearance of the recently resurrected Lord would be a great boost to the kingdom. But our wisdom is not God’s wisdom. The message was preached, with power, through men. It is the responsibility of men to carry the gospel to the world.

Will I Spread the Gospel of God?

Every Christian is charged with spreading the gospel of God. A man who ignores a burning building and fails to warn those inside is despised and ridiculed. We know we are to sound the alarm and warn others when trouble comes. Likewise, we ought warn others of impending doom.

It was the relatively unknown Andrew who brought his brother Peter to Christ (John 1:40-41). Peter then did great things for the Lord. ((No doubt Andrew did many great things too but they are not recorded in Scripture.))

There are many excuses offered for failing to warn and teach others. But that is all they are: excuses. We will soon examine some of those excuses here at PSB but it is sufficient to remind that someone loved you enough to teach you the gospel of God. Won’t you do the same for someone else? Do you love someone enough to share a message of liberty with them? Would you discomfort yourself to save man from eternal destruction?


Robert Bentley and Brotherhood

Bible General, Culture, Doctrine, Evangelism, ,

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley discovered quickly that the secular community neither understands nor seeks to understand Christian thought. In comments to a denominational gathering just after being sworn inaugurated into office Bentley declared that there was no brotherhood with people who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ. The remarks were sharp and to the point. A day later Governor Bentley assured that he meant no offense. I have no interest in the political machinations of Bentley or his critics, but his comments do raise worthy questions. Who is my brother? Is there a special fellowship in place for Christians  that does not include non-Christians?

Jesus on Brotherhood

Let’s begin with a similar, startling comment by Jesus.

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.  But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:46-50; c.f. Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21).

For Jesus, true brotherhood that runs deeper than blood relationship is based upon a desire to obey the Father. Jesus sharpened that idea with and even more controversial statement recorded by Luke.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26; c.f. Matthew 10:37).

The necessary relationship is with the divine. All earthly relationships must fade, relatively speaking, into near obscurity. We seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

In the beautiful High Priestly Prayer of Jesus we see contrasts drawn between those who follow Jesus and those who do not. Jesus prayed “I am praying for them…I am not praying for the world… (John 17:9). “The world has hated them because they are not of the world…” (John 17:14).

From these passages it seems clear that for Jesus there was a difference between those who follow him and those who do not. Those who do are of the family – they are brethren.

Apostles on Brotherhood

Jesus’ followers also promoted the idea of the brotherhood of believers. Over 180 times from Acts through Revelation inspired writers use the term “brothers (brethren)” to denote the special relationship among Christians. For the apostles there was a sense of family that existed among Christians that did not extend to non-believers.

Paul gives a unique view of the family of God when he speaks of heirs, joint heirs and inheritances:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:14-17).

First, we are children of God. Second, we are joint heirs with Christ if we are followers. Therefore we are heirs together or brothers. This promise does not extend to non-believers or the unrighteous. Christians are in a unique relationship with God, Jesus and with other like minded people. As with any organization or body a person is either in or out. Non-believers are out.

For Paul, the earthly issue was the body of Christ which is the church (Ephesians 5:23). Please read carefully 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Christians are part of a grouping based upon God’s adding them to that number (Acts 2:47).

Conclusions on Brotherhood

There is a sense in which all men are brothers. We were all created by the power of God. However to stop at that point is to secularize the truth of the Gospel. There is another, more specific sense in which those who believe and obey Jesus are brothers. That grouping, the church, is exclusive but not limited. Potentially, all men everywhere and from every time could be a part. But in reality most will reject the truth (Matthew 7:13-14).

Christianity is exclusive. Hear Jesus: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Again, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me he will be saved…” (John 10:9).  Peter says, “…there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). John says bluntly, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.  No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:22-23).

All men may come to Christ. Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans may come to the Lord. They may become part of the brotherhood of Christians. But they must come through Jesus and on his terms.

Robert Bentley offended some people with his remarks but from a Biblical perspective they were not inaccurate.

Rejection

Daily living, Evangelism, Hosea,

It can be painful to reach out to someone caught up in sin. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, they reject us and our plea for Christ. It’s doubly hurtful when that person is a dear family member; maybe a son or daughter who has gone astray draws even further away after our pleadings. Their rejection causes us to plead even more earnestly and they draw even further away. It becomes a cycle of encouragement and rejection.

A preacher once reminded me that not even Jesus saved all those he reached out to. Scores walked away from Jesus as soon as his divine commands become too hard or too controversial (John 6:66). One of his chosen ones, Judas, betrayed him to his enemies (John 18:1-11). The Lord himself says most will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). It is not what people say but what they do that matters (Matthew 7:21-23) and even those who invoke the name of Jesus may not be true followers. If a man rejects Jesus we can be assured that some (many) will reject our overtures.

The frustration of reaching out only to seemingly push people away is not limited to mankind.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They  sacrificed to the Baals  and they  burned incense to images.” (Hosea 11:1-2 NIV).

“My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the most high, he shall not raise them up at all” (Hosea 11:7).

Those are God’s words and reflect how he felt about Israel’s rejection.  I see a couple of lessons here and you may see others. First, God didn’t give up on them. Hear his tender words just a few verses later.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim?  How can I hand you over, Israel?  How can I treat you like Admah?          How can I make you like Zeboiim?  My heart is changed within me;  all my compassion is aroused.  I will not carry out my fierce anger,  nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.  For I am God, and not man—  the Holy One among you.  I will not come in wrath” (Hosea 11:8-9 NIV).

Although Israel had rejected him and his encouragements, he would not give up on them. He loved them immensely and always sought their redemption.

We mustn’t give up on people. Our hearts ache when children reject the faith that saves. We are pained when friends persist in unrighteousness. But let us always work to bring them home (Galatians 6:1).

A second lesson is harder to accept. God allows people to make their own choices and decisions. In the case of Israel, God blessed them, he punished them, he sent prophets and he pleaded with them. Yet God did not remove their own ability to choose.

His choice persists from Eden. There God allowed Adam and Eve to either obey or reject him (Genesis 2:16-17). Joshua called upon Israel to choose the Lord (Joshua 24:1-15). Today, people have similar choices. No one is forced to follow. No one is compelled to serve.

While God surrounds all of us with magnificent blessings he always leaves the decision to us. It’s hard to watch a loved one choose a life of sin. But we must allow them the same choices God allows. We never give up and we always plant good seed. But ultimately each makes his own decision. It gives me some strength to know that even our heavenly father knows the pain of rejection.

One Way – Only One Way to God

Bible General, Culture, Evangelism, Islam, John, Missions, Salvation, , , ,

druid practitiionersSometimes people say, “There are many paths to God.” Sometimes people worship without regard to Jesus the Son of God. Jews honor Jehovah God and Muslims honor Allah through the teachings of Mohammad. Some pay homage to Buddha, some practice Hindu while others look to Shinto for their faith. Still more practice a form of witchcraft called Wicca. The common thread among all of these faiths, and more, is the rejection of the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth.

While some like Judaism and even Islam give a nod to Jesus as a teacher or rabbi, they do not acknowledge him as the Messiah.

Let me be very clear: There is no path to God and no hope of salvation to those who reject Jesus Christ. Continue reading One Way – Only One Way to God →

Talk About Jesus – Please!

Church Bulletin, Evangelism

Two men, who do not know one another, are walking through the fishing department at Bass Pro. As they shuffle through the lures and examine the latest gear they begin to talk…about fishing.

A young woman is at Barnes and Noble looking at the latest fiction offerings. Another woman approaches and they begin to talk…about the book’s author.

Two strangers step out of a Chinese restaurant at the same time and see that it has begun to rain. They quickly begin a conversation…about the weather.

People like to talk. It builds a sense of familiarity and removes uneasy feelings of awkwardness and lessens feelings of isolation. But generally our conversations, especially with strangers, are kept at a minimal level. We don’t want to open up too much and we don’t want to ask too many questions for fear of seeming to pry. Sometimes that fear becomes so paralyzing that Continue reading Talk About Jesus – Please! →