“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!

Follow the Leader

Lesson 7

What Did Jesus Know?

Titles or Towels Lesson 2

Discussion Guide

8-3-2014

Text: John 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God

Synopsis:

Jesus knew that all power had been given to yet he still took off His outer garments and proceeded to wash His disciple’s feet.  Jesus knew the best strategy for leading people is to serve them first.  Jesus tells us to be first we must be last.  So it is in the Church.  Leaders must be willing to serve all people.  

Scriptures used in today’s lesson. John 13:3             1 Tim 5:17 1 Timothy 3:1-7  1 Thess 5:12 ff Acts 20:28           Heb. 13:17 1 Peter 5:2

Discussion Questions

1.     Picking up a towel is not a religious act, rather it is demonstrating ______ by doing the ___________.

2.     Service has nothing to ______, nothing to_______ and nothing to _______.

3.     What are the 4-c’s of leadership and the corresponding verses which teach them?

4.     What are some of the titles in the New Testament?

5.     How are two of the titles made more distinctive?

6.     An elder is an  ____ ______ charged with the _______ and  _______ ________ of the congregation.

7.     Elders must be willing to pick up a _________.

8.     What are four aspects of an elder?

9.     What are the admonitions to the elders from scripture?

10. What are the admonitions to individual members concerning the elders?

Follow the Leader

Lesson 6

The Importance of Towels

Titles or Towels Lesson 1

Discussion Guide

7-13-2014

Text: John 13:1   Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

Synopsis:   Jesus has one more opportunity to teach the disciples concerning His style of leadership.  He loves them dearly and seeks to give the best chance of success. Jesus seals this act by humbling himself and picking up a towel.

Scriptures used in today’s lesson. Philippians 2:4-9 John 13:1-20

Discussion Questions

1.     Why is the towel such an important symbol?

 

2.     Why was Jesus so highly exalted by God?

3.     Will you answer the want-ad?

4.     What type of work was foot washing and whose job was it?

5.     What other stories in ancient literature or history demonstrate servant leadership by the washing of others feet?

6.     What was the posture of the person having their foot washed? How important was the foot washer in the eyes of 1^st century culture?

7.     How did Peter respond to Jesus wanting to wash his feet?

8.     Why should we have no reservations about washing other’s feet?

9.     What does Jesus saying about knowing what is right and being unwilling to do it?

10.  Are you ready to pick up a towel?