“as a father treats his own children. We pleaded . . . ., encouraged . .. and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy”
Paul felt responsible for the spiritual lives of the Thessalonians. Do you feel responsible for the spiritual lives of those in your unique sphere of influence?
There’s an awesome question right at the beginning of the Biblical narrative (the Bible is one continuous story and together describes a worldview that is intended to inform every Christian). It is this, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Well am I? Are you? Cain was certainly complaining to God, that he can’t be responsible for his brother. We live in a world which, despite the claim of unprecedented global connectedness, is more disconnected than ever. The more that technology connects us in some ways, the more it disconnects in the ways of the heart.
I think God put Cain’s question in the Bible so that you and I have to ask this question too. People need people. That means someone needs me. God set it up that way which means I’M RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHERS! I Think that’s the biblical message.
Am I praying for those in my sphere of influence and beyond? Am I asking how they are doing spiritually? Do I want them to know and respond to the Gospel. Do I feel responsible for their eternal destiny?
These are good questions aren’t they?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
October 23, 2009
“we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. . . . .”
This is an incredible statement. Let me ask you, how your life been most impacted by others? Is it the information they imparted? Is it the advice, help, money, material items, opportunities they gave you? Maybe their impact has to do with encouragement, belief in you or “straight shooting” input into your life.
Here’s what I think. All of the above matters, but more than anything else my life has been shaped by those who “shared their lives” with me. People who were just there, who’s spirit touched my spirit and something real and life impacting happened. In particular when a Christ follower shares his or her life with me, it’s not just my spirit and their spirit connecting, but it’s Christ’s Spirit, connecting with my spirit, touching and receiving Christ’s spirit in them connected to their spirit. In short, Christ’s Spirit to Christ’s Spirit. This is Biblical Connection.
The phrase “one another” occurs 51 times in the New Testament. That’s the Biblical word “koinonia”, Holy Spirit infused fellowship.
Mostly it’s just doing life together. I guess it can happen to a degree through letters, facebook or twitter, but only to a degree. I think there’s power in “sharing our very lives” which ultimately means life to life, face to face, person to person.
Do you “share your very life” with others?
This is an incredible statement. Let me ask you, how your life been most impacted by others? Is it the information they imparted? Is it the advice, help, money, material items, opportunities they gave you? Maybe their impact has to do with encouragement, belief in you or “straight shooting” input into your life.
Here’s what I think. All of the above matters, but more than anything else my life has been shaped by those who “shared their lives” with me. People who were just there, who’s spirit touched my spirit and something real and life impacting happened. In particular when a Christ follower shares his or her life with me, it’s not just my spirit and their spirit connecting, but it’s Christ’s Spirit, connecting with my spirit, touching and receiving Christ’s spirit in them connected to their spirit. In short, Christ’s Spirit to Christ’s Spirit. This is Biblical Connection.
The phrase “one another” occurs 51 times in the New Testament. That’s the Biblical word “koinonia”, Holy Spirit infused fellowship.
Mostly it’s just doing life together. I guess it can happen to a degree through letters, facebook or twitter, but only to a degree. I think there’s power in “sharing our very lives” which ultimately means life to life, face to face, person to person.
Do you “share your very life” with others?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22, 2009
“What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!”
The reaper of this spiritual harvest derives satisfaction from bringing others to experience eternal life.
Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren't ready to believe. But our excuses don't stand up very well before the example of the Samaritan woman, who spoke to the very people most likely to reject anything she had to say. Her message was attractive because she described how Jesus had met her needs; she did not attempt to expose their needs.
Jesus made it clear that a continual harvest awaits reaping. Don't make excuses. If you are watchful and available, you will find people ready to hear God's Word.
The reaper of this spiritual harvest derives satisfaction from bringing others to experience eternal life.
Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren't ready to believe. But our excuses don't stand up very well before the example of the Samaritan woman, who spoke to the very people most likely to reject anything she had to say. Her message was attractive because she described how Jesus had met her needs; she did not attempt to expose their needs.
Jesus made it clear that a continual harvest awaits reaping. Don't make excuses. If you are watchful and available, you will find people ready to hear God's Word.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October 21, 2009
“We pleaded with you, encouraged you”
No loving father would neglect the safety of his children, allowing them to walk into circumstances that might be harmful or fatal. In the same way, we must take new believers under our wing until they are mature enough to stand firm in their faith. We must help new Christians become strong enough to influence others for the sake of the gospel. We can do this by helpful instruction and supporting encouragement. We must also warn them of pitfalls and temptations that they will face. Quite often they will need correction and rebuke. A good disciple, just like a good father, will not neglect to use discipline when needed.
No loving father would neglect the safety of his children, allowing them to walk into circumstances that might be harmful or fatal. In the same way, we must take new believers under our wing until they are mature enough to stand firm in their faith. We must help new Christians become strong enough to influence others for the sake of the gospel. We can do this by helpful instruction and supporting encouragement. We must also warn them of pitfalls and temptations that they will face. Quite often they will need correction and rebuke. A good disciple, just like a good father, will not neglect to use discipline when needed.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
October 20, 2009
I respect so much the many of you who coach little league sports, who are team moms, who go to school board meetings, who are highly involved as volunteers in the schools, and so much more.
These are your “fields of harvest”. These places where you are likely to meet those who are “far from God’ are places of involvement which have an eternal purpose. You are not there by accident. God has made you in such a way that you can influence others for Christ in a way that no one else can. He has given you special abilities and a special personality which can connect with others in the sphere of influence which he has given you.
Be encouraged. “It is God who is at work in you to will and to do His good will.” Philippians 2;13. God has you where he wants you. He wants you to know and believe that and then to thank him for the opportunities he’s given you and then to ask him to use you as an influencer for Christ wherever you are.
These are your “fields of harvest”. These places where you are likely to meet those who are “far from God’ are places of involvement which have an eternal purpose. You are not there by accident. God has made you in such a way that you can influence others for Christ in a way that no one else can. He has given you special abilities and a special personality which can connect with others in the sphere of influence which he has given you.
Be encouraged. “It is God who is at work in you to will and to do His good will.” Philippians 2;13. God has you where he wants you. He wants you to know and believe that and then to thank him for the opportunities he’s given you and then to ask him to use you as an influencer for Christ wherever you are.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 19, 2009
“among”
The statistics are discouraging. The average person, after having become a follower of Christ, has within two years almost no remaining friendships outside of the church.
We tend to congregate together and then stick together. Of course there is much good in this but it prevents us from being “among”, from being “salt and light”
Christ followers are sent, each and every one of us. We are “sent” to some place in the world where we are supposed to influence lives for God in Christ.
“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too”
This is not easy to do. It’s much easier to write a check than to share my life.
Our family has sponsored a Compassion child for well over 20 years and the most difficult part of the sponsorship is writing him letters which information about our family and life. The check matters immensely, but our lives matter too. It is in the day to day of one’s life with God that Christ incarnated is experienced.
It’s struggle but it’s a primary struggle, one which we must not cease engaging.
Are you among others who are far from God? Do you share your life with any of them?
The statistics are discouraging. The average person, after having become a follower of Christ, has within two years almost no remaining friendships outside of the church.
We tend to congregate together and then stick together. Of course there is much good in this but it prevents us from being “among”, from being “salt and light”
Christ followers are sent, each and every one of us. We are “sent” to some place in the world where we are supposed to influence lives for God in Christ.
“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too”
This is not easy to do. It’s much easier to write a check than to share my life.
Our family has sponsored a Compassion child for well over 20 years and the most difficult part of the sponsorship is writing him letters which information about our family and life. The check matters immensely, but our lives matter too. It is in the day to day of one’s life with God that Christ incarnated is experienced.
It’s struggle but it’s a primary struggle, one which we must not cease engaging.
Are you among others who are far from God? Do you share your life with any of them?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
October 17, 2009
“all he says is purest truth”
Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope — the word of God. God's words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when he speaks.
Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope — the word of God. God's words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when he speaks.
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