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Friday, 07 August 2009
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Chapter 5 - DIFFERENT WAYS TO SHARE CHRIST (Part 2)
In the last post I covered 'The Bridge Illustration/Diagram' as a way to visually share Christ. Today I plan to share a couple other ways, plus a personal experience that has helped me share it with people.
The Romans Road is on of the most effective ways to share Christ who have heard the message, but need to see it in black and white right out of the pages of the Bible. Remember that if you read the previous post, many of the key verses are used again.
1) Romans 3:23 says 'ALL men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'
2) Romans 6:23 says 'For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Lord.'
3) Romans 5:8 says, 'God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'
4) Romans 10:13 says, 'Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Granted, these are not the only verses that can be used and the book "Lifestyle Evangelism At Work: trusting God's sufficiency to overcome your feelings of inadequacy" goes into more detail on explaining a sample discussion and it can be purchased at http://www.EncouragingChristianGrowth.com, one of over 170,000 Christian products there.
Many years ago my wife was severely ill and in the hospital for 3 weeks. When she was much better I took the bus, traveled 100 miles 2x/week and took her out of the hospital on a day trip to view a movie. We went by bus and she was very nervous about going and I assured her that it would be fine and also be good for her. When the bus pulled up, she had a hard time getting on, so I said, 'just step on the bus and trust the driver to know the way and get us there.' She did and she had a great time. Even today, if she gets nervous about something I just have to say 'step on the bus!' She smiles and knows things are going to be okay. This story has helped others who had a hard time trusting Jesus with their lives and to get them to their destination, as not only does He know the way, but He IS the WAY! Our desired destination? To be with our heavenly Father in person! You may have heard the phrase before, but here is an true life illustration of it. "Good day! I am God. I will be controlling all of your problems today. Other than your willingness to let me direct you, I would prefer that you not try to help. Just sit back and relax. Let me get you through your day and to your intended destination. Have a peaceful day!"
Learn to be content in all situations God has blessed you with. Remember that even the dark times could be worse. Don't let the world's distractions or problems make you lose sight of the blessings that God puts into you life. Pastor Bill Hybels once said, "Don't focus on the mountains in your life, but on the Mountain Mover." My late grandmother was very good at this. She remained content with His love. When she looked at a rose, she didn't see the thorns (or problems in life), but rather she focused on the beauty of the rose. (Life with Jesus-forever) There are other examples on how to share Christ with others, such as the 4 Spiritual Laws. It basically draws a circle with a throne/chair in the center of it and the person is shown one where the 'cross' is outside the circle and man at the center. The next circle shows the cross on the throne/chair and man on the outside and the person is asked which circle represents his/her life at this time. Then Bible verses can be shared and dialogue exchanged to help convey the message of the Word.
Often the most powerful way to present the message is to share from your personal story. Tell them what God did for you and how thankful you are to Him. Speak with conviction and authority as well as with confidence. No one can deny what He has done for you. If emotions are seen in your genuine thankfulness, people will notice that and God will speak through you and may very well bring to their minds later, even if you think it didn't go over too well. We all are God's witnesses if we believe in Him and are commanded to share about Him, but it is Him that will make the changing in a person's life. If you have witnessed to someone for Him, you did not fail, but succeeded. You denied yourself the opportunity to keep it to yourself and just sit in front of the TV or something else. The next thing you must do is to let your lifestyle match your words. That will be the most effective type of evangelism. Too many people get turned off from following Christ because of those they call hypocrits who 'talk the walk, but don't walk the walk.' Always remember:GOD WILL PROVIDE ALL THAT YOU NEED INCLUDING YOUR WORDING AND MORE:
LET HIM WORK THROUGH YOU
(That is Lifestyle Evangelism At Work or reaching other through your lives - which God is always at work to bring others to Him)
GOD IS ALWAYS MORE INTERESTING IN YOUR WILLINGNESS TO BE USED BY HIM FOR HIS SAKE AND HE IS SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME YOUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY
Saturday, 01 August 2009
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Chapter 5 - DIFFERENT WAYS TO SHARE CHRIST (Part 1)
Today I am going to start to share different ways to share Christ with you before going to the application exercises. But it will likely take two posts to cover them. Unlike a road trip or vacation that has a starting and ending point, sharing Christ should be ongoing and never stop. Don't drag your feet and never get started as well. This requires that you remain in constant fellowship with God and with other believers. Being a witness for Him as a year-round joy! To quickly recap the first four chapters “Lifestyle Evangelism At Work: trusting God's sufficiency to overcome you feeling of inadequacy” started with God chose man to be His coworkers. If everyone concentrates on their work – for His sake – then His glory will be magnified. In chapter two I said “Integrity” is often one of the most valuable traits that anyone can possess. Integrity is knowing the difference between right and wrong and then doing what is right (in God's eyes), regardless of the circumstances. We should view our work as a form of worship and remember that it our largest mission field for most ambassadors of Christ. Chapter three maintained that the largest part of your witness, especially at work, but really anywhere, is the lifestyle that you live. Develop Christ-like disciplines that you don't even notice because they become habit and so that others do notice those traits in you and are attracted to Him as well. In chapter four I gave some ideas on how one can display thankfulness to God and develop greater relationships with others.
Chapter five starts with helping you in the delivery business, not of goods, but rather of the message of the Gospel to others. Throughout the book I've added numerous application or 'take action' exercises as well as a summary of them at the end of the book along with other information regarding other religions. It will likely take more time and effort to complete these exercises and discipline to practice/review them often, but it will be well worth it. It will show three things. 1) commitment to Him, 2) love for others, and 3) discipline and wisdom in you to get to know Him better. Always remember that God's will, done God's way, will ALWAYS be met with His SUFFICIENCY! You may share Christ with someone at home, in the community or at home. God is always at work through you in evangelism, the reason I titled the book “Lifestyle Evangelism At Work.” Some people need reminding and help to get back on track at serving Him. Others think they knew Him, but like many in this world, desperately need to know Him. (Thus my passion for serving as a volunteer for www.needhim.org)
You don't have to tell others what 'they' should do and what 'Jesus' can do for them, but start by sharing how 'God made an impact' on your life.Some people think or state that Christians simply lean on Him as a crutch. Because Jesus often taught the most by asking questions, rather than making statements, I will illustrate a possible scenario using this statement.
Crutch – You just lean on Christ as a crutch.
Not a crutch – I guess you could say Christ and a crutch have similarities.
Crutch – What do you mean?
Not a crutch – Have you ever been on crutches before?
Crutch – (Whether yes or no) Probably most people have been before.
Not a crutch – What did the doctor tell you it would do for you?
Crutch – It would take weight off my bad ankle and let it heal faster.
Not a crutch – So the crutch gave you more strength to be able to handle more?
Crutch – Yeah, I guess that is what it was created for.
Not a crutch – Likewise, Christ has made me stronger and able to handle more as He does
others who trust in Him Would that strength and peace be appealing to you?
Crutch – I guess, it makes sense. Sure.
If the person is ready I will help them know His STRENGTH. If not, I will continue to pray for him or her and follow up with later. People need time to process things and don't want to feel pushed into things so always remember that God's timing and ways are ALWAYS best. Now I will share with you one example on how to share his Message. (I will go into more later on in Part 2)
The “Bridge Diagram” was originally the “Bridge To Life” designed by NavPress in 1956. I have used this to show visually as well as verbally explain our situation before God. It can be drawn on a piece of paper or on something as simple as a napkin over a luncheon.
The drawing in the book is accurate, but here I may just have to describe it, without the pics.
Take a piece of paper out and draw it as it is explained and you will get a similar idea of the central message of the Gospel.
Draw a rectangular box with 'US' on the left side and 'GOD' on the right side. (This shows that in the beginning we were one with God in perfect unity.)
But something happened to our relationship with Him. SIN entered and separated us from God. So, now draw a line over the two words as if forming a cliff and a gap or separation between US and GOD. Romans 3:23 says, “ALL men have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." (The book goes into more detailed explanations on each step)
Sometimes I draw an arrow on the US side that goes right and and then points down to the bottom of the separation. (What would happen to us trying to get to God.)
At the bottom of the chasm, I draw DEATH, the penalty for sinning against God. I write Romans 6:23 there which says, “The wages of sin is eternal death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” At this point I admit it is looking rather bleak.
I don't leave them hanging on the bad news too long before I say but the Good News is that Jesus Christ took on the penalty of sin for us ALL! I then draw a cross over the gap that separates US from GOD. I also cross out the word DEATH, which Jesus conquered by His sacrifice on the cross. His victory over eternal death. I often write John 14:6 above the cross (the Bridge) where Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” 1 Peter 3:18 also fits here, which says "Christ died for sins ONCE FOR ALL, the righteous for the unrighteous , to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit."
While explaining this, I often write John 1:12 which says, “To ALL who have received Him, He gave the power to become children of God.” Revelation 3:20 is another, which says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” (Be sure that you have the doorknob on the inside and that you invite Him into your heart and then allow Him full control of your life and the doorknob. He promises to never leave you and that your fellowship will be blessed.)
It is at this point that I ask the person if it makes sense to them and if not try to clarify any questions they have. Don't be surprised if they don't make a decision right at that moments. Most people have to have time to think about it first and that is okay. Even Jesus said that even a builder counts the cost first, before starting a project or change. Your attempting to share Christ was a success, not a failure, because God will work on their heart and as said before, His timing is always perfect and best. This can be done in a very casual setting and I've even had people over the phone draw the diagram and accept Him as their Savior. (Many through http://www.needhim.org.)The next way to share Christ I will explain is the Romans Road and your personal story, as well as on of my wife's and mine. I will do that on Part 2 of chapter 5 in my next post. This book can be purchased on http://www.EncouragingChristianGrowth.com.
Things to Think About the Lord.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
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A SHORT BREAK FROM THE BOOK BLOGS TO TELL YOU OF AN EXCITING MINISTRY I'M INVOLVED WITH
Today, rather than talk on chapter 5 of Lifestyle Evangelism At Work and before helping people with the 'take action' or application exercises, I want to share with you an opportunity I've had recently and what response I received today. As a volunteer for www.needhim.org (1-888-633-3446) I was asked if I would like to share a testimony of a recent call I have had with someone. Below I share it and I had just felt the need to use this time instead of joining www.infinitechurch.com, which is a great ministry, to use it for taking NEEDHIM calls for those who need counseling. I still plan to keep in touch with these friends in various ways though. Here is just one of many responses:
http-equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"> I have had the joy of leading several people to Christ, explaining the gospel message to them as well as helping with other issues. Recently I spoke with a young gentleman who desperately wanted to know the message. He wrote down the verses, drew the picture of the bridge diagram as I shared with him. He was thirsty for Him. I also have a website that gives Christian encouragement. www.GivingChristianEncouragement.com that he looked at as we talked. It has had many responses of helping people and I lead many to www.needhim.org from that site as well.
Today he is growing and I've received comments that it has helped him. Due to a phone mix up on his part I was also connected to two others that I was able to share Christ with and have also received comments from them on this website. I am thankful first to God for what He has done for me and then to my family for allowing me to do this. I am also thankful for NEEDHIM to give me this opportunity to reach others for Him. He was unable to visit a real church so I directed him to a caring and Bible believing online church where there are many he can approach and receive prayer and biblical instruction. My posts as of late have been geared to help people such as those I speak with through NEEDHIM. God gives one such joy when receiving Christ, but even more when He uses you to help others know Him.
Thanks and God Bless,
Rick Newman (A child of God)
Saturday, 25 July 2009
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Chap 4 - Being Thankful and Developing Relationships
Something we must all must realize is to be thankful for what we've got! Regardless of your situation, it could be worse. Imagine a junkyard full of terrible and unwanted situations. If everyone brought to that pile theirs that would look awful. Yet, if you were told to look over the entire pile and pick one situation up and take it home with you, after looking it over completely, most people would be content to pick back up their own situation because they see how much worse it could be and go home. For example, there are things regarding my epilepsy you could have, but I am thankful for it, because it has allowed me to help others with similar issues as well as lead others to Christ who were also epileptics. That was not a mistake by God, it was a gift from God. If you are in the workplace or anywhere else in society people will notice your thankful attitude or should I say your "attitude of gratitude"?
You must earn your boss's respect as well as fellow employees. This is done much by ingraining His word and and leading into your lifestyle. They will notice it. Employers hire people that look to be cooperative with others that work for the company and coworkers will trust someone to confide in and converse with when they feel your cooperation and that you are trustworthy. They may feel that you are more spiritually minded and come to you with those type of questions with intent to listen clearly. You may start off in general asking questions about their family, do they have any other type of jobs, what they like to do in their spare time and so on. These are non-defensive type subjects and people like to talk about themselves usually. In return they may ask you about those subjects. That may open the door for you to share what Christ has done for you. You are not pushing Him on them, but rather stating a fact. Yet it may lead to a deeper spiritual conversation started in a large part by the other person. Sometimes you will sense that they may be more comfortable talking more about it outside of the workplace. Find things in common. For example, if they say 'we like to barbeque out often you might say 'We enjoy doing that too! Would you like our families to do it together sometime?' Then at the time you may have a more relaxed time and atmosphere to discuss and answer their spiritual questions.
Will these opportunities always present themselves? No. Pray regularly that God gives you opportunities to speak with others. Remember Joshua 1:9 where God tells him to be bold and courageous and know that He is with him. This is also true in sharing Christ with others. You are not alone and your words will not be inadequate when God is also there and His sufficiency will ALWAYS make up for any feelings of inadequacy you have. He is in control remember and loves that person even more than you or anyone else does. So much that Jesus died for him/her. One thing to remember when you pray for these opportunities and His strength to calm your fears and give you the proper words is when you pray EXPECT answers. Other traits to exemplify are a positive mind and an enthusiastic attitude. They should confidence in your belief and can be catching. Always be willing to stand firm for your faith. Too many people do not do this and as a result many people state or think that they don't want to be like one of those wishy-washy Christians. That is harming the cause of Christ rather than standing firm and upholding the beliefs. Some may not say anything aloud, but only think it and you do have an influence-good or bad. I know on Judgment Day which of those two I would want to be seen as having done by Him. Don't you?
In an earlier chapter I gave you a project that most people would be likely to notice. Now I give you a project that others may not notice as well. The book goes into details with verses to back these up, but for now I will simply mention them briefly.- Pray regularly for friends and coworkers
- Rely on God to provide all your needs
- Overlook offenses
- Jesus should be made your top priority
- Expect God to answer prayer, provide needs and bless you
- Commit you way to Him each day
- Thank Him in ALL circumstances
"Lifestyle Evangelism At Work: trusting God's sufficiency to overcome you feelings of inadequacy" can be found at http://www.EncouragingChristianGrowth.com. (ISBN 1597814857) You will find everyday low prices for many of your Christian products there. God Bless - Rick - Pray regularly for friends and coworkers
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Chap 3 - Being Thankful and Developing Relationships
Something we must all must realize is to be thankful for what we've got! Regardless of your situation, it could be worse. Imagine a junkyard full of terrible and unwanted situations. If everyone brought to that pile theirs that would look awful. Yet, if you were told to look over the entire pile and pick one situation up and take it home with you, after looking it over completely, most people would be content to pick back up their own situation because they see how much worse it could be and go home. For example, there are things regarding my epilepsy you could have, but I am thankful for it, because it has allowed me to help others with similar issues as well as lead others to Christ who were also epileptics. That was not a mistake by God, it was a gift from God. If you are in the workplace or anywhere else in society people will notice your thankful attitude or should I say your "attitude of gratitude"?
You must earn your boss's respect as well as fellow employees. This is done much by ingraining His word and and leading into your lifestyle. They will notice it. Employers hire people that look to be cooperative with others that work for the company and coworkers will trust someone to confide in and converse with when they feel your cooperation and that you are trustworthy. They may feel that you are more spiritually minded and come to you with those type of questions with intent to listen clearly. You may start off in general asking questions about their family, do they have any other type of jobs, what they like to do in their spare time and so on. These are non-defensive type subjects and people like to talk about themselves usually. In return they may ask you about those subjects. That may open the door for you to share what Christ has done for you. You are not pushing Him on them, but rather stating a fact. Yet it may lead to a deeper spiritual conversation started in a large part by the other person. Sometimes you will sense that they may be more comfortable talking more about it outside of the workplace. Find things in common. For example, if they say 'we like to barbeque out often you might say 'We enjoy doing that too! Would you like our families to do it together sometime?' Then at the time you may have a more relaxed time and atmosphere to discuss and answer their spiritual questions.
Will these opportunities always present themselves? No. Pray regularly that God gives you opportunities to speak with others. Remember Joshua 1:9 where God tells him to be bold and courageous and know that He is with him. This is also true in sharing Christ with others. You are not alone and your words will not be inadequate when God is also there and His sufficiency will ALWAYS make up for any feelings of inadequacy you have. He is in control remember and loves that person even more than you or anyone else does. So much that Jesus died for him/her. One thing to remember when you pray for these opportunities and His strength to calm your fears and give you the proper words is when you pray EXPECT answers. Other traits to exemplify are a positive mind and an enthusiastic attitude. They should confidence in your belief and can be catching. Always be willing to stand firm for your faith. Too many people do not do this and as a result many people state or think that they don't want to be like one of those wishy-washy Christians. That is harming the cause of Christ rather than standing firm and upholding the beliefs. Some may not say anything aloud, but only think it and you do have an influence-good or bad. I know on Judgment Day which of those two I would want to be seen as having done by Him. Don't you?
In an earlier chapter I gave you a project that most people would be likely to notice. Now I give you a project that others may not notice as well. The book goes into details with verses to back these up, but for now I will simply mention them briefly.- Pray regularly for friends and coworkers
- Rely on God to provide all your needs
- Overlook offenses
- Jesus should be made your top priority
- Expect God to answer prayer, provide needs and bless you
- Commit you way to Him each day
- Thank Him in ALL circumstances
"Lifestyle Evangelism At Work: trusting God's sufficiency to overcome you feelings of inadequacy" can be found at http://www.EncouragingChristianGrowth.com. (ISBN 1597814857) You will find everyday low discounts for many of your Christian products there. God Bless - Rick - Pray regularly for friends and coworkers
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I am fully devoted follower of Christ, cleverly disguised as a marketer and encourager to all-For His sake! Happily married 31 years and father of a married daughter.
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