A few months back I took my two youngest, Emily & Sarah, on a trip to the local bank. Our mission? To open their own personal savings account. Since they had managed (with dad and mom’s help) to save a little money over the past few years we decided it was time to transfer their money from their home bank to the big bank. To say the least, it was quite an experience for them—especially when they had to let go of their money! Of course, at age seven, they were both very curious about how it all works. I have done my best to answer their many questions and each time they get their small allowance now they want to make sure some of it goes to the bank.
But recently Sarah came to me with news of what she wanted to do with her money in the bank once she was older. She said, “Daddy, I’m going to put money in my savings so that when I grow up I can go around the world and tell people about Jesus.” Wow! I must confess, when my wife and I decided to open their account it was so they would have some money put away for college, a car, etc. But words cannot express the joy I felt when I heard Sarah speak these words. Sarah has such a big heart and a generous spirit. In fact, she has also begun saving additional money to give to our church’s missions offering. Why? Sarah is burdened for those who are lost without Jesus. This is evidenced not only through the giving of her money but also through her prayers. Just about each time she offers up a prayer to God she prays that lost people will hear about Jesus. I am so proud of how God is working in Sarah’s heart.
Sarah’s experience should challenge us all to ask ourselves, What will I do with what I have been given? Will I spend it on what is temporal or invest it in what is eternal? Jesus stated it this way, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, where’s your treasure? Wherever it is, there you will find your heart.
Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Seeing What Jesus Sees
In the Bible we see many acts of Jesus’ compassion displayed toward others. In Matthew’s gospel alone we see repeated accounts of Jesus healing all kinds of diseases and afflictions (4:23; 8:5ff; 8:14-17; 14:14). He healed epileptics and paralytics (4:24; 9:1-8). He delivered those oppressed by demons, healing one who had lost his ability to speak (4:24; 8:16; 9:32-34). He cleansed lepers (8:1ff). He gave life to a girl who had died (9:23-26). He gave sight to the blind (9:27-31); and He fed those who were hungry (Mt. 15:32). With a heart filled with compassion Jesus met people’s physical needs; but even more important, He saw and met peoples’ spiritual need.
On one occasion Matthew tells us: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Mt. 9:36). On this particular day as Jesus was looking at the crowds He saw struggling sheep. Matthew tells us they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus also saw a spiritual harvest. Matthew recounts: Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There were crowds of people, but there was one problem: few workers! So, what was the solution to the problem? Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
I find it interesting that Jesus did not instruct His disciples to pray for the people nor did He instruct them to pray for power. After all, He knew that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Instead, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. In Matthew 10 we see that those who prayed—Jesus’ disciples—were the ones that He sent out. Jesus’ disciples were an answer to their own prayers. All Christians, or Christ-followers, are Jesus’ disciples. As disciples, God’s presence and power are with us and enable us to proclaim the good news to those in need of a Savior.
As I look around, not much has changed from that day when Jesus saw the crowds. The harvest is still great. The workers are still few. So, what is the answer? As His disciples we need to see people through the eyes of Jesus. We need to pray earnestly for faithful workers, and we need to be an answer to our prayers! I’m convinced that when we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes, we will be filled with compassion for them, and we will then share the love and shine the light of Jesus. So let’s slow down from the hustle-n-bustle of life and see what Jesus sees—a spiritual harvest all around us—and then act with compassion.
On one occasion Matthew tells us: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Mt. 9:36). On this particular day as Jesus was looking at the crowds He saw struggling sheep. Matthew tells us they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus also saw a spiritual harvest. Matthew recounts: Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There were crowds of people, but there was one problem: few workers! So, what was the solution to the problem? Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
I find it interesting that Jesus did not instruct His disciples to pray for the people nor did He instruct them to pray for power. After all, He knew that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Instead, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. In Matthew 10 we see that those who prayed—Jesus’ disciples—were the ones that He sent out. Jesus’ disciples were an answer to their own prayers. All Christians, or Christ-followers, are Jesus’ disciples. As disciples, God’s presence and power are with us and enable us to proclaim the good news to those in need of a Savior.
As I look around, not much has changed from that day when Jesus saw the crowds. The harvest is still great. The workers are still few. So, what is the answer? As His disciples we need to see people through the eyes of Jesus. We need to pray earnestly for faithful workers, and we need to be an answer to our prayers! I’m convinced that when we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes, we will be filled with compassion for them, and we will then share the love and shine the light of Jesus. So let’s slow down from the hustle-n-bustle of life and see what Jesus sees—a spiritual harvest all around us—and then act with compassion.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Room For Growth?
When I graduated from high school I took a job as a shoe salesman. It was quite an experience to say the least. When parents would come in to find their child a pair of shoes they always wanted to ensure that their child would have plenty of room for growth. Fitting older children was a relatively simple process. However, fitting babies and toddlers often presented some challenges (after all, have you ever tried to get a baby to stand while you feel for their big toe?). Now that I’m a parent, when I go with our girls to find shoes I always check to ensure there is some room for growth.
Let’s take the “room for growth” analogy and apply it to the church—as well as to Christians. Over the years I have observed something in the life of the local church: there is always room for growth—both spiritual and numerical! In fact, based on a careful study of God’s Word, spiritual growth leads to numerical growth (see Acts 2-4). Let’s consider both types of growth.
Spiritually speaking, there is always room for growth. This is true for every Christian. After all, we would all do well to spend more time in the study of God’s Word. No Christian that I know has “arrived.” Now, there are some very intelligent Christians who know a lot of Bible facts. In fact, they easily win Bible Trivia games. However, I do not believe any honest Christian would say that they have arrived (and if they do, they simply demonstrate by their boasting that they have not truly arrived!).
In 1 John 2:12-14, the apostle John provides three basic levels of spiritual growth: child, youth, and adult. The characteristics of a child include: they understand the gospel and know God as their spiritual “da-da” but they are not grounded in God’s Word. The characteristics of a youth include: they understand God’s Word and know God as their Father, they are strong in their faith and defend it, and they overcome Satan because of their knowledge of God’s Word. The characteristics of an adult include: they understand the Word, they know God as their Friend, they are strong in their faith and defend the Word, they overcome Satan with the Word, they teach (or disciple) others and they also enjoy an intimate love relationship with God. So, regardless of your age, how would you describe where you are spiritually: a child, youth, or adult? Over the years I have met adults who were only a child, spiritually speaking, while I have met young college students who appeared to be mature adults, spiritually speaking. No matter how you might describe yourself, I believe you would agree that there is plenty of room for spiritual growth.
What about numerical growth? It has often puzzled me how some Christians get upset if their pastor, church leader, or another church member talks about church growth. Sadly, too many people are content with the size of their church family and give little or no thought to reaching lost people for Christ. Often these people have grown apathetic, whether willingly or unknowingly.
Once while speaking about church growth, someone asked what kind of growth I was referring to. I replied both and went on to explain how spiritual growth leads to numerical growth. For example, as one matures in their faith and gets to know God’s heart and God’s Word, they will want to shine as lights in a dark world. They will want to go and make disciples of all nations. They will want to be God’s witnesses at home and afar. In other words, they will want to be obedient to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After all, a heart for the lost grows and deepens within the child of God who is growing spiritually.
So, is there room for growth? Yes! Room for spiritual growth in all of our lives and room for numerical growth in our local churches. At a recent meeting with the deacons of my local church, one of our deacons asked a great question: “I wonder when was the last time our members shared their faith?” All of us need to answer this important question: “When was the last time I shared my faith with someone?” If we claim to be mature believers and are not being His witnesses and thereby making disciples then we’re not as mature as we may think.
Am I concerned about spiritual growth? Absolutely! I desire to personally grow in the Word and also see God’s people grow in the Word—in fact, growing so much so that we are not simply studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word—but carefully obeying it! Am I just as concerned about numerical growth? Absolutely! Why? Because in the state of Georgia where I live, there are 7.1 million people who are lost without Christ. Imagine how this number grows when you add up the number of lost people in all 50 states! These numbers include our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc. Each one of these people has a soul and will spend eternity without Jesus unless they come to know Jesus! The question is: Do we care enough to share the good news? I’m also concerned about numerical growth because Jesus was concerned about it, so much so that He gave His life so that people may have life eternal. I’m also concerned because of Jesus’ great commission to go and make disciples of all people groups (Mt. 28:19).
Sadly too many churches are not great commission focused—which means that many Christians are not great commission Christians. According to Richard Harris, a North American Mission Board ambassador, “Twenty-five percent of our [Southern Baptist Convention] churches baptized no one last year. Another 63 percent baptized five or less, and 79 percent baptized 10 or less.” Based on this information, Harris states, “That tells me that we have a high number of churches who are not Great Commission-centered churches.” I want my local church to be a Great Commission-centered church. Is that your desire for your local church? If we want our churches to be Great Commission-centered churches then we must be Great Commission-centered Christians! So, is there room for spiritual growth in our lives? Is there room for numerical growth in our churches? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
By the way, if you are reading this post and have questions about being a Christian, or Christ-follower go to this website to learn more.
Let’s take the “room for growth” analogy and apply it to the church—as well as to Christians. Over the years I have observed something in the life of the local church: there is always room for growth—both spiritual and numerical! In fact, based on a careful study of God’s Word, spiritual growth leads to numerical growth (see Acts 2-4). Let’s consider both types of growth.
Spiritually speaking, there is always room for growth. This is true for every Christian. After all, we would all do well to spend more time in the study of God’s Word. No Christian that I know has “arrived.” Now, there are some very intelligent Christians who know a lot of Bible facts. In fact, they easily win Bible Trivia games. However, I do not believe any honest Christian would say that they have arrived (and if they do, they simply demonstrate by their boasting that they have not truly arrived!).
In 1 John 2:12-14, the apostle John provides three basic levels of spiritual growth: child, youth, and adult. The characteristics of a child include: they understand the gospel and know God as their spiritual “da-da” but they are not grounded in God’s Word. The characteristics of a youth include: they understand God’s Word and know God as their Father, they are strong in their faith and defend it, and they overcome Satan because of their knowledge of God’s Word. The characteristics of an adult include: they understand the Word, they know God as their Friend, they are strong in their faith and defend the Word, they overcome Satan with the Word, they teach (or disciple) others and they also enjoy an intimate love relationship with God. So, regardless of your age, how would you describe where you are spiritually: a child, youth, or adult? Over the years I have met adults who were only a child, spiritually speaking, while I have met young college students who appeared to be mature adults, spiritually speaking. No matter how you might describe yourself, I believe you would agree that there is plenty of room for spiritual growth.
What about numerical growth? It has often puzzled me how some Christians get upset if their pastor, church leader, or another church member talks about church growth. Sadly, too many people are content with the size of their church family and give little or no thought to reaching lost people for Christ. Often these people have grown apathetic, whether willingly or unknowingly.
Once while speaking about church growth, someone asked what kind of growth I was referring to. I replied both and went on to explain how spiritual growth leads to numerical growth. For example, as one matures in their faith and gets to know God’s heart and God’s Word, they will want to shine as lights in a dark world. They will want to go and make disciples of all nations. They will want to be God’s witnesses at home and afar. In other words, they will want to be obedient to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After all, a heart for the lost grows and deepens within the child of God who is growing spiritually.
So, is there room for growth? Yes! Room for spiritual growth in all of our lives and room for numerical growth in our local churches. At a recent meeting with the deacons of my local church, one of our deacons asked a great question: “I wonder when was the last time our members shared their faith?” All of us need to answer this important question: “When was the last time I shared my faith with someone?” If we claim to be mature believers and are not being His witnesses and thereby making disciples then we’re not as mature as we may think.
Am I concerned about spiritual growth? Absolutely! I desire to personally grow in the Word and also see God’s people grow in the Word—in fact, growing so much so that we are not simply studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word—but carefully obeying it! Am I just as concerned about numerical growth? Absolutely! Why? Because in the state of Georgia where I live, there are 7.1 million people who are lost without Christ. Imagine how this number grows when you add up the number of lost people in all 50 states! These numbers include our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc. Each one of these people has a soul and will spend eternity without Jesus unless they come to know Jesus! The question is: Do we care enough to share the good news? I’m also concerned about numerical growth because Jesus was concerned about it, so much so that He gave His life so that people may have life eternal. I’m also concerned because of Jesus’ great commission to go and make disciples of all people groups (Mt. 28:19).
Sadly too many churches are not great commission focused—which means that many Christians are not great commission Christians. According to Richard Harris, a North American Mission Board ambassador, “Twenty-five percent of our [Southern Baptist Convention] churches baptized no one last year. Another 63 percent baptized five or less, and 79 percent baptized 10 or less.” Based on this information, Harris states, “That tells me that we have a high number of churches who are not Great Commission-centered churches.” I want my local church to be a Great Commission-centered church. Is that your desire for your local church? If we want our churches to be Great Commission-centered churches then we must be Great Commission-centered Christians! So, is there room for spiritual growth in our lives? Is there room for numerical growth in our churches? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
By the way, if you are reading this post and have questions about being a Christian, or Christ-follower go to this website to learn more.
Monday, January 26, 2009
“Time Is Ticking Away!”
On November 24, 2008, I celebrated 41 years of life on this earth. Wow, as I look back I wonder, “Where has the time gone?” And it seems the older I get the faster the clock ticks on by (perhaps you can relate!). It seems like it was just a couple of weeks ago I was out playing in the woods at my clubhouse with my sister and neighborhood friends. It seems about a week and a half ago I was getting my driver’s license. It seems about a week ago that I graduated from high school. It seems just four days ago I was graduating from college and then only three days ago I was getting married to the best looking young lady in the world—my best friend, Shelley! And it seems like only yesterday that I was holding my newborn babies in my arms. Of course, today Haley is 12, Lauren is 9, Emily is 5, and Sarah is 4.
On January 13, Emily celebrated her 5th birthday. People who see Emily say she looks too little to be five, and I agree. It seems just like yesterday that our family was in China to pick up Emily. I believe our entire family (except Sarah) recalls that moment when we saw Emily for the first time. She was only two when I held her in my arms for the very first time. Now, three years have passed and that little baby is growing up! Where does the time go?
Time is ticking away! At times I have wondered if time ticks by faster the older you get, but I have come to realize that it does not! The clock keeps on ticking at the same pace and with it, minutes, then hours tick right on by and the years on the calendars keep increasing ever so quickly. Too often we have so much on our plates that we can’t slow down long enough to enjoy the moments we are given by our eternal God!
With the realization that our time is ticking away comes an important reminder...time on this earth is short. James reminds us... For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes (4:14). We’re here today, but what about tomorrow? No matter our age, may we give serious thought to the brevity of this life and live our lives with eternity in view.
This week may we remember that the lives of those we come into contact with are quickly passing by and because of this reality may we take a God-given opportunity to shine the light and love of Jesus!
On January 13, Emily celebrated her 5th birthday. People who see Emily say she looks too little to be five, and I agree. It seems just like yesterday that our family was in China to pick up Emily. I believe our entire family (except Sarah) recalls that moment when we saw Emily for the first time. She was only two when I held her in my arms for the very first time. Now, three years have passed and that little baby is growing up! Where does the time go?
Time is ticking away! At times I have wondered if time ticks by faster the older you get, but I have come to realize that it does not! The clock keeps on ticking at the same pace and with it, minutes, then hours tick right on by and the years on the calendars keep increasing ever so quickly. Too often we have so much on our plates that we can’t slow down long enough to enjoy the moments we are given by our eternal God!
With the realization that our time is ticking away comes an important reminder...time on this earth is short. James reminds us... For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes (4:14). We’re here today, but what about tomorrow? No matter our age, may we give serious thought to the brevity of this life and live our lives with eternity in view.
This week may we remember that the lives of those we come into contact with are quickly passing by and because of this reality may we take a God-given opportunity to shine the light and love of Jesus!
“The First...and the Last”
In the book of Revelation, found in the Holy Bible, John records these powerful words of Jesus: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)
Just think, the one, true and living God has always existed. There has never been a time when He did not exist and there never will be a time when He will cease to exist. You see, unlike us, God had no beginning. He is the beginning. Moses informed us that God was the Beginning when he wrote, “In the beginning God...” (Genesis 1:1). And unlike us, God will have no end. After all, He is the end.
Throughout the pages of the Holy Bible we are told that God is eternal. He is forever and forever. He was not created because He has always existed. He will never die because He alone is the Omega...the Last...the End!
Now, allow the truth of these precious promises to encourage you today. If you know God's Son, Jesus Christ, personally as your Lord and Savior, then you and I serve a God who alone is eternal. The God of history, the One who spoke and it was so, is eternal. He is the First and the Last! So, rejoice and take courage today in our Eternal God!
Now with this truth comes the realization that people today need to hear about Eternal God. Those who are dying need to know about the One who will never die. Those who are weak need the strength of Eternal God. Those who are hopeless need to find lasting hope that only comes through knowing Eternal God. Those who are searching for meaning to life need to meet Eternal God. And those who are dying in their sin need to be introduced to Eternal God, the Lover of their souls! So let's be aware of the people around us and as God gives us opportunities, let’s introduce them to Eternal God.
Just think, the one, true and living God has always existed. There has never been a time when He did not exist and there never will be a time when He will cease to exist. You see, unlike us, God had no beginning. He is the beginning. Moses informed us that God was the Beginning when he wrote, “In the beginning God...” (Genesis 1:1). And unlike us, God will have no end. After all, He is the end.
Throughout the pages of the Holy Bible we are told that God is eternal. He is forever and forever. He was not created because He has always existed. He will never die because He alone is the Omega...the Last...the End!
Now, allow the truth of these precious promises to encourage you today. If you know God's Son, Jesus Christ, personally as your Lord and Savior, then you and I serve a God who alone is eternal. The God of history, the One who spoke and it was so, is eternal. He is the First and the Last! So, rejoice and take courage today in our Eternal God!
Now with this truth comes the realization that people today need to hear about Eternal God. Those who are dying need to know about the One who will never die. Those who are weak need the strength of Eternal God. Those who are hopeless need to find lasting hope that only comes through knowing Eternal God. Those who are searching for meaning to life need to meet Eternal God. And those who are dying in their sin need to be introduced to Eternal God, the Lover of their souls! So let's be aware of the people around us and as God gives us opportunities, let’s introduce them to Eternal God.
Shine In '09
Recently my daughter Lauren (9) told me that the bulb in her lamp needed to be replaced. So, I got a new bulb and put it in. However, when I turned the switch on the lamp still did not work. Being the wise person that I am I immediately checked to see if the power cord was plugged into the receptacle. And sure enough, it was. So, I tried other bulbs just to ensure that the problem was the lamp and not the bulb. After several attempts I concluded that the lamp is not working properly. So, when I find the time, I’ll have the pleasure of taking the lamp apart to see if I can diagnose the problem (just maybe some of my electrical/electronic training will pay off).
As I reflected on Lauren’s lamp I thought of something. The lamp looks nice. In fact, it looks almost like new, as if it just came out of the package. And yet, it does not work—it gives off no light! It looks like a lamp but it does not shine like a lamp should. It has a socket for a bulb but it still does not allow a bulb to shine. So, except for being a nice fixture to take up some space on a nightstand, it is pretty much useless.
By comparison, there are those individuals who profess their faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and yet they are like that lamp of Lauren’s...they just take up some space on a pew in the church on Sundays but they never fulfill their God-given purpose of shining the light of Jesus to those around them. Jesus did not beat around the bush, nor did He make a suggestion when He stated to His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Mt. 5:14). Jesus was emphatic---Christ followers are the light of the world! That includes all who profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord. There are no exemptions and no exceptions.
So, will you be like Lauren’s lamp this year which is pretty much useless or will you choose to let Jesus shine brightly through you? We each have a choice to make, so let’s take advantage of each opportunity God gives us to be lights in this world...beginning in our homes, reaching into our neighborhoods, into our workplaces, and wherever we may go!
As I reflected on Lauren’s lamp I thought of something. The lamp looks nice. In fact, it looks almost like new, as if it just came out of the package. And yet, it does not work—it gives off no light! It looks like a lamp but it does not shine like a lamp should. It has a socket for a bulb but it still does not allow a bulb to shine. So, except for being a nice fixture to take up some space on a nightstand, it is pretty much useless.
By comparison, there are those individuals who profess their faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and yet they are like that lamp of Lauren’s...they just take up some space on a pew in the church on Sundays but they never fulfill their God-given purpose of shining the light of Jesus to those around them. Jesus did not beat around the bush, nor did He make a suggestion when He stated to His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Mt. 5:14). Jesus was emphatic---Christ followers are the light of the world! That includes all who profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord. There are no exemptions and no exceptions.
So, will you be like Lauren’s lamp this year which is pretty much useless or will you choose to let Jesus shine brightly through you? We each have a choice to make, so let’s take advantage of each opportunity God gives us to be lights in this world...beginning in our homes, reaching into our neighborhoods, into our workplaces, and wherever we may go!
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