We went to Chick-Fil-A tonight for a BOGO chicken sandwich with our church bulletin and ran into a few fellow church members. After we grubbed down on our sandwiches, Karis wanted an ice cream and the lady behind us told us we could trade a kid's prize/book in for an ice cream there. We were already privy to this all-important CFA knowledge but thanked her nonetheless. We didn't get Karis a kid's meal this time because of our free sandwiches, but Neva and Isabella offered to buy Karis an ice cream. We never turn down free ice cream so they went to the counter and ordered. After I came back from cleaning up our table, I offered the lady sitting behind us an invitation card and told her a little about the church. She said they didn't attend church anywhere now, but were looking for a church. I asked her the million dollar question and she assured me she had been saved and baptized. She went to Curtis Baptist School as well. We told her that they would fit right in at church and we would love to have them there. I pray that they'll check us out!
Maybe while you're out scoring some free chow, you could think about the free gift God offered us through Christ - salvation. I'm reminded of Romans 1:5 in The Message: Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!
We've been given something free and it's our job to tell others about it as well. Just like I'm telling you about the BOGO at Chick-Fil-A on Washington Rd. on Monday nights with your church bulletin. So share this free gift of salvation with others.
Showing posts with label great commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great commission. Show all posts
11.07.2011
11.01.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 73
We went to lunch with YaYa and LaLa today before they left to go home. After we scarfed down our food at Zaxby's, I handed one of the employees an invitation card and she immediately said, "Praise the Lord, I guess you know where to find the heathens." She was making a joke and told me that she was a minister. I told her that I use the invitation cards as a way to open the door to ask a more important question and I made sure that she had accepted Christ as her Savior. You never know what someone means when they say, "I'm a minister." People have all kinds of definitions for various Christianese. That's why we don't ask people if they are "saved," "born again," "Christian," or "go to church." We ask them if they know for sure they will go to heaven and also clarify how they know if they tell us yes. Any answer other than, "Jesus is my Lord," or something similar warrants further preaching of the good news and explanation of the truth of salvation.
We spent some time talking with her and listened a lot to what she had to say. She believed there was a purpose for our meeting today and said she had a church, but would pass on the card to some of the people that she ministers to. I handed her a few more cards and our "road to salvation" tract to share with others as well. She was encouraged by our encounter and told us how thankful she was for our obedience to talk to her because she had been feeling alone on her new job, but knew God had a purpose and ministry for her there. She was fueled up for her next customer or co-worker.
If you've never shared the gospel with someone, why not today? My mom told me the other day that she shared the gospel with someone for the first time while she was here with Karis at the park on Sunday. She was so excited! I remember the feeling well because it never goes away. I'm excited every time I act in obedience to the great commission. If you're feeling some staleness in your relationship with God, perhaps it's because you've neglected the number one priority. Step out and talk to someone about Christ for the first time or second time or one-hundredth time and allow God to breathe some new life into you as you give life to others!
We spent some time talking with her and listened a lot to what she had to say. She believed there was a purpose for our meeting today and said she had a church, but would pass on the card to some of the people that she ministers to. I handed her a few more cards and our "road to salvation" tract to share with others as well. She was encouraged by our encounter and told us how thankful she was for our obedience to talk to her because she had been feeling alone on her new job, but knew God had a purpose and ministry for her there. She was fueled up for her next customer or co-worker.
If you've never shared the gospel with someone, why not today? My mom told me the other day that she shared the gospel with someone for the first time while she was here with Karis at the park on Sunday. She was so excited! I remember the feeling well because it never goes away. I'm excited every time I act in obedience to the great commission. If you're feeling some staleness in your relationship with God, perhaps it's because you've neglected the number one priority. Step out and talk to someone about Christ for the first time or second time or one-hundredth time and allow God to breathe some new life into you as you give life to others!
10.19.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 60
After lunch, we went to a local store to pick-up a few things and get some more candy to donate for the Trunk or Treat. While we were there, we saw a lady with a toddler in her cart. After Karis had already approached them, I sent her back over with an invitation card and then struck up a conversation. I invited her to church and offered prayer. She said she was fine and then I asked her the million dollar question: "If you were to die today or within the next 100 years, do you know for sure you'll go to heaven when you die?" She said she believed she would and went on to explain how she had a close relationship with God and believed Jesus died on the cross for her sins. I made sure that she had confessed Jesus as her Lord and had gone beyond just believing. She was thankful for our conversation and we invited her to the Trunk or Treat as well. She said she would come to the church and visit some time.
As you're out and about doing your daily deal, keep in mind that we have a responsibility as believers to share our faith with others. We are partnering with God in this great commission and He backs us up wherever we go. So, go and tell somebody about Christ today!
As you're out and about doing your daily deal, keep in mind that we have a responsibility as believers to share our faith with others. We are partnering with God in this great commission and He backs us up wherever we go. So, go and tell somebody about Christ today!
10.17.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 58
I went up to BDubs this morning to meet up with Jason and Cullen to check in on them and of course, see about the possibility of scoring free wings for a year. I realized that it wasn't going to happen for me this morning. Unlike the "five o'clock people" in the parable, this time, you'd have to show up early enough to get in on the action.
While we were there, they did a few giveaway contests and then a lady walks up to me and asks if I knew whose car was double parked behind me. So I pointed out the culprit and then struck up a conversation. I knew this would be an opportunity to share my faith. I waited on her sister to park the car and get out and then I invited them both to church and offered to pray with them. They didn't want prayer at that moment, so I asked them the million dollar question to which they both replied, "Yes." I asked them how they knew they would go to heaven and they said they were saved. I was glad to meet some fellow believers and I encouraged them to share their faith with others. I didn't stick around for the rest of the time, but if I thought I had even a remote chance of scoring some free wings, I would have stayed!
Later, while at work, a delivery guy came by to drop off an order from Office Depot. I signed for the order and then asked if I could pray with him about anything. He told me his grandmother had just passed away and that we could pray for the family. I encouraged him and then asked him the million dollar question before we prayed. He assured me that he was saved already and then we agreed together for comfort and peace for his family.
I couldn't think of a better way to get my day started than with the shockwave challenge! How about you make a plan to start your day that way, too? Get out there and meet somebody new and then share the gospel with him or her. You'll be amazed at how invigorating it is!
While we were there, they did a few giveaway contests and then a lady walks up to me and asks if I knew whose car was double parked behind me. So I pointed out the culprit and then struck up a conversation. I knew this would be an opportunity to share my faith. I waited on her sister to park the car and get out and then I invited them both to church and offered to pray with them. They didn't want prayer at that moment, so I asked them the million dollar question to which they both replied, "Yes." I asked them how they knew they would go to heaven and they said they were saved. I was glad to meet some fellow believers and I encouraged them to share their faith with others. I didn't stick around for the rest of the time, but if I thought I had even a remote chance of scoring some free wings, I would have stayed!
Later, while at work, a delivery guy came by to drop off an order from Office Depot. I signed for the order and then asked if I could pray with him about anything. He told me his grandmother had just passed away and that we could pray for the family. I encouraged him and then asked him the million dollar question before we prayed. He assured me that he was saved already and then we agreed together for comfort and peace for his family.
I couldn't think of a better way to get my day started than with the shockwave challenge! How about you make a plan to start your day that way, too? Get out there and meet somebody new and then share the gospel with him or her. You'll be amazed at how invigorating it is!
10.15.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 56
Karis and I went to Wal-Mart to get a "shockwave sandwich" as she calls the shockwave challenge. We went in armed with 7 invitations and were determined to leave without any left. While we were doing our shopping for a few items, we were on the prowl for people who needed Jesus! At one point, we were following a couple up and down several aisles looking for the perfect opportunity to approach them. We invited 7 people to church and prayed with all of them for various needs. One grandmother asked her grandson if he wanted us to pray for his school, so we did. They were already saved.
Another couple we met said they knew they would go to heaven because they were good. Like many people we've met, we found out later that they had already accepted Christ as their Savior. They said, "We haven't ever had anyone ask us that in a store before." I laughed aloud, but cringed inside. Isn't it sad that so few believers are doing our part?
While we were finishing up our shopping, I noticed a lady with a cane shopping with her family. I told Karis that we were going to invite them to church. The approach was a little awkward because Karis said, "Excuse me" when we walked up to them and they tried to move as if we were asking them to get out of the way. I jumped in and said that she wanted to invite them to church. There was a little girl there that was the same age as Karis, so she wanted to get out of the cart and personally hand the card to her. She handed out a card to each person in the family and we told them about our Trunk or Treat event. I asked them if they needed prayer, and immediately the lady with the cane said she had some serious health issues. I inquired further about her health condition and found out that she had been diagnosed with quite a number of things from high blood pressure to blood clots and back problems and other things I couldn't remember. I began telling her how Jesus healed the blind, lame, deaf and mute and that her problems were nothing for Him. I shared with her from John 14:12 and Mark 16 about how Jesus had given believers the commission to lay hands on the sick and we could do the same works and even greater works than He had. I shared the testimony of the lady with the broken thumb, whom I prayed for last week, and told her God's power would work the same way for her. Then, with her permission, I laid hands on her and commanded her body to be made whole. After we prayed, I asked if there was any difference. She looked at me, wide-eyed, and speechless. I said, "Your back's warm, isn't it?" She said, "Why, yes! This is weird. I could hardly stand up in here shopping before, but I feel better now!" I explained about the power of God working in her body to bring about a healing and a cure for her condition and then shared the gospel with her and her daughter. The two of them prayed the prayer of salvation with me! They were both so thankful that I had approached them because they needed what I had to offer.
And, if you're a believer, you have something to offer, too! Get out there and give life to someone today. Don't let another opportunity to minister healing or salvation to someone slip away. Seize the moment and you won't have any regrets!
Another couple we met said they knew they would go to heaven because they were good. Like many people we've met, we found out later that they had already accepted Christ as their Savior. They said, "We haven't ever had anyone ask us that in a store before." I laughed aloud, but cringed inside. Isn't it sad that so few believers are doing our part?
While we were finishing up our shopping, I noticed a lady with a cane shopping with her family. I told Karis that we were going to invite them to church. The approach was a little awkward because Karis said, "Excuse me" when we walked up to them and they tried to move as if we were asking them to get out of the way. I jumped in and said that she wanted to invite them to church. There was a little girl there that was the same age as Karis, so she wanted to get out of the cart and personally hand the card to her. She handed out a card to each person in the family and we told them about our Trunk or Treat event. I asked them if they needed prayer, and immediately the lady with the cane said she had some serious health issues. I inquired further about her health condition and found out that she had been diagnosed with quite a number of things from high blood pressure to blood clots and back problems and other things I couldn't remember. I began telling her how Jesus healed the blind, lame, deaf and mute and that her problems were nothing for Him. I shared with her from John 14:12 and Mark 16 about how Jesus had given believers the commission to lay hands on the sick and we could do the same works and even greater works than He had. I shared the testimony of the lady with the broken thumb, whom I prayed for last week, and told her God's power would work the same way for her. Then, with her permission, I laid hands on her and commanded her body to be made whole. After we prayed, I asked if there was any difference. She looked at me, wide-eyed, and speechless. I said, "Your back's warm, isn't it?" She said, "Why, yes! This is weird. I could hardly stand up in here shopping before, but I feel better now!" I explained about the power of God working in her body to bring about a healing and a cure for her condition and then shared the gospel with her and her daughter. The two of them prayed the prayer of salvation with me! They were both so thankful that I had approached them because they needed what I had to offer.
And, if you're a believer, you have something to offer, too! Get out there and give life to someone today. Don't let another opportunity to minister healing or salvation to someone slip away. Seize the moment and you won't have any regrets!
10.02.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 43
While we were at church this morning, I saw one of the people I met at Wal-Mart and invited to church. I've invited a number of people to church over the past six weeks and I'm excited that one person finally came! I hope she continues to come and gets plugged in because it's life and death where you go to church. Make sure you're in a Bible-believing church that preaches about salvation through Jesus Christ and presents an image of God as portrayed in the Bible as a loving Father who wants the best for His children.
After church today, we went out to Chili's for lunch and while we were waiting for our table, I stepped outside to talk to a guy I saw taking a smoke break. I invited him to church and offered to pray with him. He said he could use prayer for a new position at his job that he wanted. I told him we'd pray about that later, but first I wanted to ask him an important question - the million dollar question! He said he knew he'd go to heaven when he died and I learned after he said he believed the right things that what he believed about getting to heaven was actually right! He had confessed Jesus as His savior when he was a child and even though he wasn't doing what he thought was right at this time in his life, he knew he was going to heaven because of Christ. I was encouraged about his answer and began to talk to him more about his life. I then ministered to him and prayed with him about his job.
What about you? Can you invite someone to church and then use that opportunity to investigate into their eternal destination? It's so simple that you've probably psyched yourself out of doing it too many times over nothing. Just be yourself and allow God to show Himself through your words and actions!
After church today, we went out to Chili's for lunch and while we were waiting for our table, I stepped outside to talk to a guy I saw taking a smoke break. I invited him to church and offered to pray with him. He said he could use prayer for a new position at his job that he wanted. I told him we'd pray about that later, but first I wanted to ask him an important question - the million dollar question! He said he knew he'd go to heaven when he died and I learned after he said he believed the right things that what he believed about getting to heaven was actually right! He had confessed Jesus as His savior when he was a child and even though he wasn't doing what he thought was right at this time in his life, he knew he was going to heaven because of Christ. I was encouraged about his answer and began to talk to him more about his life. I then ministered to him and prayed with him about his job.
What about you? Can you invite someone to church and then use that opportunity to investigate into their eternal destination? It's so simple that you've probably psyched yourself out of doing it too many times over nothing. Just be yourself and allow God to show Himself through your words and actions!
9.22.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 33
Last night while I was preaching for Overflow, we were talking about friends and family members that we need to reach with the gospel. I was suddenly convicted because several years ago while we were doing the Impact meetings, God had brought a couple of uncles to my mind to pray for them. Well, I prayed for them at the time, but did nothing to reach out to them. You see, we don't really have a current relationship because they live out of town and we just aren't very close. But they are still family and God wants them all to be saved!
During the service, while the students were in their small groups, I texted my mom to get their phone numbers. She replied with one phone number and I immediately went to my office to call my uncle. As my heart was racing and I anticipated what I might say, the call went straight to voicemail. I left a message and said I would try to call again tomorrow. My heart sank because I wondered if I might have been too late. I kept thinking, "What if I didn't share the gospel with them and they died tonight?" Then I was reminded about 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Thank God for His patience and all of the chances He gives us to respond to Him.
I made the phone call again today. I got to talk to both of my uncles and found out that one of them was already saved and gave his life to Christ a few years ago before he was about to be operated on to remove a tumor from his throat! The other uncle laughed when I asked him the question and said, "That's the reason you called me?" I was sincere and shared the gospel with him. He wasn't ready to receive and said he was set in his ways and didn't want to change. He grew up in a children's home and learned about the Bible and he believes in the Bible and in Jesus, but wasn't willing to confess Jesus as Lord. He said he'd had religion shoved down his throat too many times. I tried explaining to him that religion isn't the way to heaven and that the people who had forced it on him were wrong. While he didn't pray the prayer, he did let me pray for him before we ended our call.
I hate religion. It has warped the view of God for so many people and well-meaning believers have turned people away through their tirades about people getting their lives right before they come to Christ.
Nevertheless, I was finally obedient and made the call to share the gospel with those family members whom God had placed on my heart. I know I've done my part and I believe God will continue to work in the lives of my uncles.
Do you have some family members or friends that you are unsure of whether they will go to heaven or not? How about you ask them right now? Go look up their phone number and give them a call! What's stopping you?
During the service, while the students were in their small groups, I texted my mom to get their phone numbers. She replied with one phone number and I immediately went to my office to call my uncle. As my heart was racing and I anticipated what I might say, the call went straight to voicemail. I left a message and said I would try to call again tomorrow. My heart sank because I wondered if I might have been too late. I kept thinking, "What if I didn't share the gospel with them and they died tonight?" Then I was reminded about 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Thank God for His patience and all of the chances He gives us to respond to Him.
I made the phone call again today. I got to talk to both of my uncles and found out that one of them was already saved and gave his life to Christ a few years ago before he was about to be operated on to remove a tumor from his throat! The other uncle laughed when I asked him the question and said, "That's the reason you called me?" I was sincere and shared the gospel with him. He wasn't ready to receive and said he was set in his ways and didn't want to change. He grew up in a children's home and learned about the Bible and he believes in the Bible and in Jesus, but wasn't willing to confess Jesus as Lord. He said he'd had religion shoved down his throat too many times. I tried explaining to him that religion isn't the way to heaven and that the people who had forced it on him were wrong. While he didn't pray the prayer, he did let me pray for him before we ended our call.
I hate religion. It has warped the view of God for so many people and well-meaning believers have turned people away through their tirades about people getting their lives right before they come to Christ.
Nevertheless, I was finally obedient and made the call to share the gospel with those family members whom God had placed on my heart. I know I've done my part and I believe God will continue to work in the lives of my uncles.
Do you have some family members or friends that you are unsure of whether they will go to heaven or not? How about you ask them right now? Go look up their phone number and give them a call! What's stopping you?
9.21.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 32
I hit up one of my favorite dining establishments for lunch today with two Jesus Freaks - Jason Netzler and Cullen Grady. While talking about evangelism and the Holy Spirit, we were all fired up! I had it on my heart for some time now to share the gospel with one of the employees there because every time I go in, he always serves me up right...but I had a feeling it wasn't because of his Christian character and attitude. Every time I've been in before, the restaurant has always been so busy that I haven't gotten an opportunity to talk with him. Well, we were there so long that I noticed they weren't very busy at the time. I quietly prayed under my breath, "God, give me an opportunity to share the gospel with him today!" And no sooner had I said the prayer than it was answered. The guy came out from the back into the dining room and gave me the "pez" - the "what's up" head nod. I jumped out of my seat and walked over to him thanking him for the excellent service and deliciousness he had once again whipped up for me. I then asked how long he'd been working there. He said he'd been there for a couple of years. I told him I saw him in there all the time and he laughed and said, "Yeah, you come here a lot!" We both laughed.
I then told him that there's been something I've been wanting to ask him for a long time, but never had the chance. I asked him the million dollar question and he said he would probably go to heaven. Then I asked him why. He said he was a good person and that he believed in God. I shared the gospel with him and then I told him that even the demons believe in God, but what gets you into heaven is believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord. I asked him if he'd like to do that and he said, "Of course!!" So we walked out behind the restaurant and I led him in the prayer of salvation. After we prayed, I asked him if he meant it from his heart. He said yes and that he was feeling good! He pulled his hand out of his pocket and said, "my hand's not even burning anymore!" He had burnt two of his fingers earlier and God healed him as soon as he said the prayer of salvation!!!! Ha! I explained more about salvation to him and how it included deliverance, healing, preservation and a whole slew of other benefits that are now available to him! You should have seen the smile on his face. He said, "That made my day!" As I was telling the fellas about the conversation later, Cullen said, "You didn't just make his day. You made his life! You made his eternity!"
After we prayed, his boss came out and when he found out what we were doing, he jumped right in the conversation and shared a number of testimonies about God's provision in his own life. When I invited the employee to church, his boss said he has about 5 or 6 to choose from because of all the people that have been working on him and praying for him. He said that he kept telling them he wanted to get his life right and be pure before he came to church. This was another chance to share another facet of the true gospel that God isn't so much concerned with perfect people as He is about perfecting people through the sacrifice of Christ. As we walked back in so he could get back to work, I told him that he was a new person now, that his spirit was made new and he won't be satisfied with the things that he used to do.
It's so amazing to be a part of God's mission and seeing Him do work in people's lives. What an honor to take part in the great commission!
How about you? Are you taking part in God's mission? Are you giving Him something to work with as you open your mouth and present the good news to people? If not, then start today. It just might make someone's day, life or eternity!
I then told him that there's been something I've been wanting to ask him for a long time, but never had the chance. I asked him the million dollar question and he said he would probably go to heaven. Then I asked him why. He said he was a good person and that he believed in God. I shared the gospel with him and then I told him that even the demons believe in God, but what gets you into heaven is believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord. I asked him if he'd like to do that and he said, "Of course!!" So we walked out behind the restaurant and I led him in the prayer of salvation. After we prayed, I asked him if he meant it from his heart. He said yes and that he was feeling good! He pulled his hand out of his pocket and said, "my hand's not even burning anymore!" He had burnt two of his fingers earlier and God healed him as soon as he said the prayer of salvation!!!! Ha! I explained more about salvation to him and how it included deliverance, healing, preservation and a whole slew of other benefits that are now available to him! You should have seen the smile on his face. He said, "That made my day!" As I was telling the fellas about the conversation later, Cullen said, "You didn't just make his day. You made his life! You made his eternity!"
After we prayed, his boss came out and when he found out what we were doing, he jumped right in the conversation and shared a number of testimonies about God's provision in his own life. When I invited the employee to church, his boss said he has about 5 or 6 to choose from because of all the people that have been working on him and praying for him. He said that he kept telling them he wanted to get his life right and be pure before he came to church. This was another chance to share another facet of the true gospel that God isn't so much concerned with perfect people as He is about perfecting people through the sacrifice of Christ. As we walked back in so he could get back to work, I told him that he was a new person now, that his spirit was made new and he won't be satisfied with the things that he used to do.
It's so amazing to be a part of God's mission and seeing Him do work in people's lives. What an honor to take part in the great commission!
How about you? Are you taking part in God's mission? Are you giving Him something to work with as you open your mouth and present the good news to people? If not, then start today. It just might make someone's day, life or eternity!
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