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Sharing our faith with Secular Europeans
Contemporary or secular European’s would describe themselves as-
1. Looking for a truth that works for me
2. I only see my life from
my own perspective
3. Have a group where I can share common
values
4. I believe in being accepting and tolerant of other religions
and beliefs
5. I do not believe in ONE truth or ONE
religion
6. I do not like it when different groups argue over their
religion/faith
7. I want practical answers to life, not simple answers
to difficult questions
8. I don’t like institutional religion
They
see that the west are processing well in economy, education and technology. They
feel they have more freedom to experiment with the big issues (i.e.
Abortion, Homosexuality, Marriage and Medicine. with openness and tolerance
being the main thrust. There is no ultimate god, to tell them what to do.
Therefore do what you think is best.
The main way we as believers can witness to this group is through the reality of your faith, the way God has changed you, helped your family, given you strength and peace. Do not underestimate the power of the personal testimony. Each of us who are born again, have one and each one is powerful.
The way you speak and work alongside them, the way you look at their interests as well as your own, are ways to reach this group. Jesus did exactly this with the secular people in the bible.
As they see the fruit in you, they will ask questions of you, will read the bible with less pressure and see that the bible actually does have answers to their everyday needs and longings.
The challenge for the believer is that your neighbors, friends, family, work colleagues and college guys will be watching you and seeing if what you claim to be true and life changing, really has an impact on your everyday life.
The church, full of love within and without is perhaps the greatest witnesses there is today.
Labels: Fruit, Secular. Religion, Truth
How to Witness to other Faith's part 1
We live in an ever changing community which is becoming more and more multi-faith in its thinking and practice.
Before we look at witnessing in this way, a few questions needs to be asked.
Why do we?
Jesus said to the church
"you shall be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8)
“Go...make disciples of the nations” (Matt 28:19)
John Stott said, “we engage in evangelism today not because we want to or because we choose to or because we like to; but because we are told to.”
The idea of mission is not the elderships, but of Christ’s. It is as important as breathing.
Who should?
Some may say that witnessing for Christ is not their calling or their ministry; it is only for evangelists. At Pentecost the birth of the church the entire congregation of believers were filled with Holy Spirit, not just the Apostles. The Apostles may have been the leaders, but very quickly the ‘ordinary’ believers started to tell others about the Lord. The Holy Spirit brought a real boldness and authority to all the believers. He continues to do the same today.
If we do not witness, those close to us, (our neighbours, friends and even family members.) may never know of the life changing love of God.
How should we?
1. Pray and read the Word– Asking God for strength, protection and authority and let
the attitude of your heart be that of Jesus, compassionate and loving , seeing people
through his eyes.
2. Go together in twos– Companionship and unity will encourage and support you. In
our modern world safety is also a real need.
3. Use leaflets and booklets– We may not know all the answers to everyone’s questions,
don't make up answers, seek God or use literature.
4. Don’t be ashamed– What you are standing for is truth, people may mock you, insult
you or even belittle you. But God’s Word remains.
5. Actions as well as words– Especially when witnessing to people you know, be loving,
practical and genuine. Don’t preach at them.
6. Don’t belittle opposing beliefs and practises. This is their view, many with not have a
view as many in the UK are apathetic towards a Holy God
Labels: Boldness, Holy Spirit, Mission, Witnessing
Cannot Loose x3
He gives us three situation where loosing is not an option.
Paul was in chains he was under house arrest in Rome, but either way the gospel would be preached, by himself if he was released, or by the many who had risen to the challenge of furthering the gospel while Paul was in prison.1- Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message
about Christ is being preached either way v18
It was true that some of the motives were not altogether pure, but either way, the gospel was being spread across the Roman Empire and even into the courts of Rome.
2- For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. V21
Paul was not sure what was best, to live and live for God, or die and be with God, either way it was a real privilege and a joy.
3- Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about
you, I will know that you are standing side by side v27
Paul was confident that the work of the gospel was going to continue. He was unsure about his release, he was unsure if he would ever see his colleagues in the gospel again. But because of their growth, the work of the gospel would continue without one of its leaders. Such is the power of the gospel, it is not a work of man that will fail when the next generation comes along. But something that will not just continue but multiply.
Are we citizens of heaven who are willing to take the gospel to our generation and the one to come.
Labels: Encourage, Generation, Gospel, Priveledge
Who did it?
So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.” So David and his troops went ... and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. 1 Chronicles 14:10-11We live in a thankless society, which is exaggerated by many wanting to take all
the credit for the achievements that have been made. Look at the way footballers
celebrate and movie stars strut their stuff on the red carpets.
Are we as God’s people any different? We need to be.I am not saying that we shouldn’t encourage each other, after all the bible would endorse this, but are we out, looking for the accolades, when the real glory and credit should go to God.
David stood against a mighty enemy, the Philistines and defeated them. David and his army physically beat them and yet David declares “God did it”.
Here lies a simple and yet profound lesson for us today. We may be called to fight the battles in the physical, but the battles are always won in the spiritual realm.If David had not enquired of God whether to fight or not, then the battle would
have been carried out in his own strength and not with the might of the Lord.The bible says “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Davidwould have been defeated and today we are often defeated, because we try and fight our battles in our own realm. If we want to see more battles won, we need to fight with the Lord as our commander and not as our medic, (to pick up the pieces after the battle).Each time giving him the glory, and enjoying the strength and might of a Holy God. Our battles to day come in different guises and forms, but whatever way they come, lets ask the Father, how to win.
At the battle of Trafalgar, history would tell us that Nelson didn’t
win, even though it was his ships that won the victory (no pun intended). It was
Lord Byron’s plan over many years that had built the British Navy to be the
force that it was. Without Byron, Nelson would have been defeated.God has made all the plans for the victories in our lives, we just need to ask him for the battle plans.
