A Place For The Gospel To Be Taught!

Jesus touched my life in an unbelievable fashion forty-three years ago this month. Jesus finding me has been the catalyst for the most incredible life a person can have. My thanks go out to all the links in the chain of evangelism that led me to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on May 25,1974.  Like the waves that flow onto the beach with their peaks and valleys, my Christian walk has had numerous highs and lows, but I remain committed to walk with Jesus.
Last year I had the opportunity to start teaching with the Cambodia Christian Ministries Preaching School via Skype. It was a challenge, but it was beautiful to watch these committed men straining their brains to put Jesus in their hearts more and more.
I have been invited to go to Cambodia for a mission trip and my wonderful wife, plus the elders at my Church where I preach have said yes.  So, now we are preparing to make a trip to South East Asia to experience Cambodia.  I will be spending time on Musings (this blog) to discuss why Cambodia and why now is the time for me to go. Please take time and watch the video that tells the story about the man who is the front line leader and teacher at Cambodia Christian Ministries.





Sohkum's Story
 https://vimeo.com/195476718

What do I say when someone has lost someone?

Many times when loss occurs to someone close to us we feel terribly inadequate to provide consolation to the one who has just entered in to the grief process. Some of the fear associated with approaching these individuals comes from the loss of words or our own feelings that we are having to deal with concerning the situation. We know it is helpful to surround and support those going through loss, but the script on what to say just does not flow naturally for us. Let me assure you that you are not alone in feeling this way.  In fact we should feel inadequate to some degree or at least we should feel humbled when entering other people's sacred space. I would like to make some suggestions concerning what to say and other suggestions on what should be precluded from those conversations with the grieving.

Helpful things to say:

   

     1.   Start off with what you are feeling yourself, personally. Don’t try to and make up

      words that the family member might be experiencing or wants to hear.

                 Put yourself in their shoes (figuratively)—what would be comforting to hear at this      moment?

     2.  Let the family member express thoughts first. Then you can add to them.

     3.  Here are some suggestions to consider :

               “What a tragedy this is for you and your family.”

                              “I heard about what happened and felt compelled to come and see you.”

                             “How tough this must be for you and your family.”

                            “I was shocked when I heard the news.”

                            “I can’t imagine what you are going through.”

                           “My heart hurts for you and your family.”

                          “I feel terrible about what happened.”

    4.  It is alright to say NOTHING…you may be entirely honest in saying “I just don’t

know what to say.”

    

       

H           Hurtful things that have been said by others: (Remember do  not say anything you wouldn’t want to hear if you were in their  situation.)

          Each of the following statements will cause more pain in the life     of those who are grieving.  

                    “It must have been their time.”  

                   “They lived a good life.”

                   “It must have been God’s will.”

                  “They wouldn’t want you to be sad about all this.”

                  “I know just how you’re feeling…my *fill in the blank* died last year.”

                 “It’s probably for the best (if injuries were not survivable).”

                 “I know just how you feel.” (No, you really don’t…)

               “Just keep good thoughts and look for the positives.”

              “You just sit there and let me take care of everything.”

              “God must have wanted a *fill in the blank*.”

             “You can always have another son/daughter/get another dog.”

    

Approaching the Murder of Steve Cain through the Eyes of God . . .

Introduction: The "why" question is not a new one; it goes back thousands of years. It was asked in the Old Testament by Job and the writers of the Psalms, and it was especially relevant during the 20th Century, where we witnessed two World Wars, the Holocaust, genocides in the Soviet Union and China, devastating famines in Africa, the killing fields of Cambodia, the emergence of AIDS, the genocide in Rwanda and the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo. And the 21st Century didn't start any better. There was 9/11 and now the Syrian slaughters, and on and on. Why do all of these horrific things happen if there's a loving and powerful God?   Why do bad things happen to good people?

God is not the creator of evil and suffering.

This answers the question you hear so often: "Why didn't God merely create a world where tragedy and suffering didn't exist?" The answer is: He did! Genesis 1:31 says: "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

God can use suffering  to accomplish good.

In Romans 8:28 the Bible promises, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I.             God is with us, Today!

A.  It is ok to grieve the loss of a friend and a loved one!

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

B.  God is a god of comfort and reaches out to those who are hurting.

“The Lord is near to those who are broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

C.    God expects us to approach him in times of pain.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

II.           God wants us to face the obstacles of life victoriously!

A.    God made us in His image.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

B.    God has made us victorius!

                        Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be                                               changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the                                 trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be                                 changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal                             body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and                         the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the  saying that is written:                        “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death,                                   where is your sting?”    1 Corinthians 15:51-57

“Super Christians” Are Overrated

Somewhere along the line, many Christians have come to believe that it’s not their responsibility to tell others about Christ. 

 The article I've chosen to post today comes from the grandson of Billy Grahman.  I agree with Will whole heartedly.  The demise of churches is due to an expection that a breed of "super Christians" will do the vast majority of the work to win souls for Christ.  This is the biggest lie Satan has told everyone.  Listen to what God has taught from the beginning:

Deuteronomy 6

          4      “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!

          5      “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and                     with all your might.

          6      “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

          7      “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit                   in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when                     you rise up.

          8      “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your                   forehead.

          9      “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

It is our responsibility to spread the word. Read the article, Pray for God to lead you to someone today, and be refreshed know that we can make a difference one person at a time.

WILL GRAHAM

I think there’s a misunderstanding out there that I’d like to confront.

The rationale behind this varies. Some think that it’s their pastor’s job to preach the gospel, not theirs. Others believe that proclaiming the hope of Christ is the domain of the traveling evangelist or revivalist. Some think that if they live an upstanding Christian life, their good works will do the talking so they don’t have to. Finally, and perhaps most prominently, many simply feel like they’re not worthy or – more specifically – not equipped with enough Bible knowledge to reach out to those who need Jesus.

My friends, eternity is at stake, and excuses aren’t good enough. I’m going to tell it to you straight: As a Christian, it’s your responsibility to share the good news with those around you!

“How?” you may ask. Here are three easy tips to share your faith as a part of everyday conversations.

• Speak. This may sound basic, but it’s where it all starts, and where many become sidetracked. It’s important that you live your life and exemplify your faith in such a way that people will notice that there’s something different about you. However, your actions alone are not going to bring them salvation. What will you say when they ask you about your beliefs? Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (ESV). Don’t be pushy. Don’t shove your faith down your friend’s throat. But be aware of opportunities, be prepared, and be bold. Like a farmer in spring, plant the seed.
• Share your story. You’re ready to open your mouth, but you don’t know what to say. It’s easy! Just share your own story. Talk about how your life was before you met Jesus, how you were introduced to and decided to follow Him, and how He has since changed your life. It’s a natural fit because it’s your own narrative of Christ’s work in you. You can’t forget your own story, and people can’t really argue about it because it’s personal to you. It’s the easiest way to share your faith.
• Quote scripture. God’s word is powerful, living, and breathing. It penetrates the heart and soul. When you use scripture and point to God’s word, it has a direct impact. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty…” (ESV). God Himself is declaring that His words will have an impact. They will not return void. You don’t have the verses memorized? Open up your Bible (or even the Bible app on your phone) and read the scriptures. It will be just as impactful, and you can use it as an opportunity to show your friend how to use and find passages in the Bible.

My friends, you don’t have to be a “Super Christian,” and you don’t have to know the entire Bible. You don’t need to be trained in evangelism. What you do need to do is open your mouth, and you can begin with your own story and with the word of God. You may not see an immediate impact.

You may simply plant seeds that others will water and cultivate and harvest months or years down the road, but you will be doing what you are called to do. And you will make an impact on eternity by allowing Jesus to work through you!

Why do Christians keep inviting you to church?

This is a repost of an article that appear on CNN's website.

(CNN)"Hey, do you want to come to church with us on Easter?"

You may have heard this or something similar from a friend, co-worker or family member. Depending on where you live, perhaps you've already received a mailer or two about a local church service.

Maybe you've wondered why Christians like me won't just leave you alone. I assure you, it's not because we like imposing ourselves on others. In fact, for many of us, it's just the opposite.

On a recent Sunday, I stood up at Moody Church, an evangelical church in Chicago where I am interim pastor, and encouraged people to invite their friends to our Easter services. I reminded the congregation that Christians should be committed to the task of evangelism, that Jesus commanded it.

But I also know that, to atheists or adherents of other faiths, it can be confusing to know how to respond to such outreach. Understanding our motivation may help.

The great commission

The fact is churches are gearing up for Easter like pizza places are for the Super Bowl. They know this will be the biggest Sunday attendance of the year, Christmas included. Many members will have brought guests, and pastors want to be sure to preach a compelling sermon.

For many churches, including mine, we actually prayed over cards with names on them -- the names of people to whom our church members were reaching out -- so they might have open hearts.

I imagine some react in horror to that statement thinking: How dare anyone try to convert someone to another religion?

That makes sense in a world where spirituality has been Oprah-fied, and in a culture that says it's fine to believe what you want as long as you don't try to convince anyone else to believe differently.

It works great, if not for one reality: the words of Jesus.

You see, Christianity is a missionary faith because of the life and teachings of Jesus. Sure, you probably know the teachings of Jesus that fit in our culture: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," for example. And the world would be a better place if we all did those things.

But Jesus had many other teachings as well -- and they're just as important. After his resurrection, but before his ascension to heaven Jesus said some things that explain why Christians are still evangelizing.

Christians call these commands commissions, and they include: "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19); "You will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8); and "As the father has sent me, I am sending you" (John 20:21).

These are the last earthly words of Jesus before his ascension. That gives them an even greater weight to many who believe his last words should be our first priority.

The 'P' word

Some people may think "proselytize" is a dirty word, but that depends on how you define and practice it. Proselytize means to convert someone to another belief or opinion. And the truth is, we all do it -- or at least try to. We try to convince our buddies that our sports team is better, our wives that this restaurant serves tastier food, our children that smartphones aren't actually as interesting as adults make them seem.

We proselytize because we deeply believe what we are sharing is important enough to expend our energy and enthusiasm. For Christians, they share because they truly believe the founder of the faith told them to, and that his message changes people.

And some people -- even atheists -- appreciate our efforts.

Comedian Penn Jillette, a well-known nonbeliever, explained how he responded to someone sharing a Bible with him:

"I don't respect people who don't proselytize. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell ... and you think, 'Well, it's not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward'... how much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize?"

I get that Christians who are proselytizing seem out of step in modern, live-and-let-live America, but when you are a Christian, you don't get to pick and choose which of his commandments to obey.

I understand that some non-Christians think Christians who share the good news are being intolerant.

Admittedly, some Christians have been intolerant at times throughout history, seeking conversions through unethical means. However, sharing our faith itself is not intolerant, but in fact is something that shows we really believe what Jesus said and we care about those around us.

Tolerance means more than acceptance of different people's beliefs, sometimes it also means listening to them. And when a whole lot of people believe there was a guy who was dead on Friday, and alive on Sunday, that's something worth explaining, particularly at Easter time.

So, please don't be offended.

Your Christian friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers are mustering up some courage because they care enough to reach out to you. They believe they've seen lives changed and are following a person whom they believe guides them toward faith and good works.

Don't be shocked that your friends think Jesus' last words should be their first priority -- particularly around Easter, the day when they believe he came back from the dead. Their sharing with you means they care enough to get uncomfortable.

Trust that it comes from a good place and take a moment to hear them out.

Ed Stetzer holds the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College and is the executive director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism. The views expressed in this column belong to him.