In Matthew 28 Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. Jesus commands us to share the Gospel with the lost and or unsaved. But how effective are we as individual Christians and or Churches? Some say reaching out to the lost is not a part of their ministry. Evangelism seems to be last on the list if it makes the "to do list" at all. I see other religions going about town sharing their doctrine whether it be false or true. I watch those people and notice how persistent they are, and how well they are trained. Although they don't have the right message they are trained to deliver their message. And sometimes I wonder where are we? As Christians we seem to be 2 steps behind. Some don't even share the Gospel. Others are afraid to share the Gospel. And some do share it. While we tend to wonder where the next blessing is coming from, God says what about the lost? What about those who don't know Jesus as Lord and savior? Each day we walk by people, work with and talk to people and never make an attempt to share Christ with them. So the question I ask is how effect are we? If you would like to increase your effectiveness in evangelism click on the link below to learn more! God Bless!
http://aalministries.weebly.com/evangelism.html
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Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" In everything there is a time and a season. Most of the time when we refer to season, we equate that with the blessings of God. We've all heard it before, "it's your season, or you are coming into your season." But I want to look at this from a different perspective. Time and season can also mean moving in a different direction, doors being shut and forever closed, severing relationships, or getting rid of material things. We must be spiritually discerened and recognize when it's our season to let something(s) go or move on. This reminds me of preaching opportunities I had last year. I was privileged to preach at a substance abuse recovery ministry about 4 times. I also taught an evangelism seminar at the same place. But as management saw fit to move in a different direction, personnel changed and that door was closed for me. For a while I pondered the thought of if I would be afforded the opportunity to preach there again. I went through this process for several weeks. But then last night it hit me. That door is closed, and God only wanted me there for a season. Once I realized this, I was able to move on. And so it must be with you. Sometimes God allows people to be in our lives for only a season. That season may be short or long. But the key is to recognize when God has closed that door and told us to move on. Sometimes we can hang on to people or things for too long, therefore we can't move forward in Christ or in life. Sometimes those things or people can become burdens, but we struggle to hang on to them. I remember when I owned a piece of property, God said, "why are you holding on to that burden?" I held on to it for a while longer, but evenutally I sold it. And after it was sold, that burden was lifted from my shoulders. That property was for only a season. Sometimes ministries are only for a season. There may be people, things, or opportunites in your life that are at a stalemate. The question for you to ponder is, have those things ran past their season?
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I have noticed lately that people tend to lose faith in trying times. Whether its a loss of a loved one, unemployment, personal problems, financial problems and the list goes on, some seem to lose faith when these things happen. There seems to be a common theme of "Rev, i'm going to stay away from the church until I get myself together." Many fail to realize this is exactly what the devil wants them to do. He wants you to stop going to church. Why? Because he knows the church is a hospital for those who need healing. Jesus never said that being saved was going to be easy. Also he never said that all of our problems would go away. But one thing Jesus did encourage us was to have faith in God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages us to keep the faith as well. And in trying times like these we must keep the faith. When one is depressed, down, or feeling blue, that is the perfect time to go to the House of the Lord and get your spirit lifted by a powerful message, singing, and or prayer. When life is chaotic that is the perfect time to continue to attend church. So how de we keep the faith in trying times? We keep the faith by praying daily. Sometimes you may have to pray multiple times and they don't have to be long prayers. We keep the faith by continuing to read and meditate on the scriptures. Sometimes the answers we seek, or the comfort we need is in the Word Of God. We keep the faith by continuing to attend church. Part of church is to lift up or edify. God gives us hope in Jesus and it comes through HIS Word. Things may not happen overnight, but the key is to keep the faith. There have been times in my life where my faith was tried and tested. And as Christians you faith will be tried and tested. Talking with others helped me as well. It's good to speak with a person who is led by the Holy Spirit that can give you good Godly Counsel. Remember when Jesus told Peter the devil desired to sift him as wheat. But Jesus prayed that Peter's faith would fail him not. So when you get weak or feel like giving up, remember that Jesus is praying for you. I encourage you to keep the faith! God Bless!
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AuthorRev. Luckett is the Pastor of Saint Paul Church. He is committed to preaching Christ and leading others to salvation. Archives
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