Faith?

There are a lot of strange doctrines out there bouncing throughout the Church because the teachers are cherry picking Scriptures out of context.  Some Prosperity teachers say that it is God's will for all believers to be rich, and they use Paul'sown words to support their position.  After all, didn't Paul say in 2 Cor. 9:8 (NIV)  "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."   Therefore, they teach that it is God's will is for us to be well off.  Yes, it does appear from that one verse that we're suppose to have plenty of stuff to take care of ourselves and others. On the other hand, Paul also said in Romans 8:35 (NIV)  "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"   In this passage, Paul taught that we as Christians might sometimes go h...

When studying the Bible ask...  1. Is there a promise to claim?  2. Is there a lesson to learn?  3. Is there a sin to avoid?  4. Is there a new thought to ponder?  (Adrian Rodger notes)

Jesus initiated a conversation with a woman by asking her for a drink of water in John 4.   Then, he skillfully shifted that conversation from a thirst for water to that woman’s inner thirst.   Step by step Jesus related perfectly timed truth in a friendly way.  Notice in John 4:18 that the turning point in the conversation occurred when the woman suddenly realized that  Jesus knew her, understood her problem, and still cared.   If Jesus hadn’t skillfully approached the subject, he would have probably failed in witnessing like many of us do today.  What can we learn from this? Read John Chapter 4 and ask how did Jesus witness, and how do I need to do it differently? 1. He started a conversation by asking a question. 2. He overlooked differences. 3. He looked for a way to connect. 4. He related spiritual truths in a way that could be easily understood. 5. He refused to be judgmental. 6. He avoided...

The reason so many Christians struggle to share their faith is the same reason they struggle to initiate any contact with strangers. Most Christians don’t know how to initiate and create productive relationships with other people.  Most churches drop the ball when they just assume that people know how to do this, but they don’t.  Churches need train believers how to create healthy relationships... 1). To really love other people (Leviticus 19:18). 2). To be kind and respectful to others (Ephesians 4:32). 3). To carefully choose their words (Colossians 4:6). 4). To be listener first, speaker second (James 1:19) 5). To practice love with different viewpoints (Galatians 5:22-23). 6). To be guided by the Holy Spirit in relationships (Galatians 5:16). If people are not practicing these skills with each other, how are they influencing the world?

                    1.   I listen to others when they are speaking to learn, and don’t allow myself to think about what I’m going to say next. 2. I avoid interrupting others to allow them time to complete their thoughts. I resist changing the subject prematurely. 3. I allow for periods of silence, and don’t fill every pause with words. 4. I observe the person's body language & monitor my own to convey interest. 5. I listen for the speaker's position. I listen for their main point and what facts they are using to support their rationale. I separate their facts from opinions. 6. I move the conversation along by using open-ended questions such as "tell me about", "describe", "explain" and "what happened next?" to probe the speaker’s thoughts & feelings. 7. I restrict my use of close-ended questions, which can be simply answered by "yes", "no", or a short response. I do use this technique to clarify ...

Importunity Defined - I like another word, which is rarely used. The word is “importunity”. It means shamelessly to refuse rejection. To have importunity means that rejection no longer bothers you. Importunity and Relationships - You understand if you have importunity, rejection may eventually lead to a friendship if you just have patience. It might become painfully aware to the other person (s) that you’re not going away. Importunity and Class - Because you act with such class, their subconscious mind will not allow them to continue to reject you.

Why don’t we ask new believers with a wide sphere of influence to immediately host a party to introduce their lost friends to Christ?   Then, a pastor, a small group facilitator, and the new believer could give a 5 to 10 minute presentation about a new life in Christ. Then, we could even use these parties to launch new Small Groups from those who come to Christ through them. This sphere of influence strategy really worked for Matthew, Cornelius, and a Samaritan lady. Why don’t we use it? After Matthew came to Christ, he immediately invited everyone within his sphere of influence to come and meet Jesus. Apparently, it was a big hit because this small group gathering made the Pharisees furious.  Matthew 9:9-13 (MSG)  "Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him. 10-11Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close fo...