No More Apathy

Do you remember the last time you purchased a Bible? If you live in the west, you probably perused the bookstores and the internet, asked your friends which study Bible they preferred, prayed over your decision, thumbed through the pages, and finally purchased the one you chose.

We take that process for granted. We western Christ followers still have easy access to the best seller in the world. But its life giving words are not so easily accessible to many--including those hated for following Jesus.

Sadly, in our politically correct world, we've backed off sharing life-giving words because of fear of offense. Or some other hurdle. All the while this treasure sits in our homes (sometimes in our hearts), begging to be released to accomplish God's purpose to bless many.

Easy access has borne apathy.

We have a different sense of urgency when we have five Bibles on our shelves as opposed to a smuggled sheet torn from one Bible shared among underground Christ followers.

Instead of apathy, let's ask God for a renewed urgency to share the difference Christ makes.

God says NOW. Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the day of salvation. (See 2 Corinthians 6:2)

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 in its larger context.

What is the day of salvation? How are you involved?

Out of the Saltshaker

God's Spirit was with us as we took a personal look at "Being Transformed through Sharing Faith" last Saturday.

I highly recommend Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert. It is an extremely practical gift to help you face and overcome your fears. Full of practical examples, you will observe many possibilities and explore how you can grow in confidence in sharing the Good News you've found. It also has questions for group study in the appendix--another practical tool.

Thank you to readers who prayed for us that day. We will discover one day how those prayers impacted eternity.

I never lead a retreat or speak unless I've asked a group of people to pray for me, because when we pray according to God's will, I KNOW He hears us. And, since that's the case, I know He greatly blessed those women with a refreshed urgency to share God-words, marrying them with the good deeds.

I also want to lift up Ed Silvoso's Prayer Evangelism as another great tool. The reminder is that we pray and become sensitive to God's holy nudgings before we say anything. Talk to God about your neighbors before you talk to your neighbors about God!

There are many good tools available. There's a resurgence of interest--finally--in obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). It's time. It's past time, yet the Lord is patient. Let's not waste His favor.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Read 2 Cor 5:11-21 and listen for the Spirit's alerts. What do you discern?

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (verse 20).

What is Christ's appeal through you?

Transformed Through Sharing Faith - Women's Seminar

Women's Seminar- Saturday, April 27th, 9 am to 3 pm.

Poor examples and distorted expectations often undermine our confidence in sharing our faith. "Transformed Through Faith Sharing" will examine the Great Commission, the role of the Spirit's enablement, and common fears.

Besides spiritual and emotional refreshment, you will leave with practical ways to overcome your identified fears and share your faith.

This women's seminar will be held at Cross-Wind United Methodist, 616 N State Road 25, Logansport, Indiana on Saturday, April 27th, 9 am to 3 pm.

Your registration of $39 includes a healthy and delicious lunch catered by Rob & Angie McMinn. We invite you to get a group of friends and come sharpen your skill as a disciple of Jesus Christ for the transformation of your world!

Groups of 5 or more pay $29 each if registered together and prepaid by April 20th.

Please send your name, address/email, phone, church affiliation, and checks payable to Paula Gast, 5801 Trinity Road, Muncie, IN 47304. For groups, please send in one envelope with info for each person. Thank you.

 Please contact Paula Gast through transformingword@sbcglobal.net if you have further questions.

 

Stewarding Our God-Stories

The idea of stewarding our God-stories came from John Maxwell's stewardship series. As I studied the material, I was quite taken by his phrase "Stewards of Our Testimony."

Dictionary.com defines a steward as "a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others."

The apostle Peter, who was caught off guard and denied Christ under pressure, later exhorted us to "set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that [we] have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience" (2 Peter 3:15-16a).

Impetuous Peter was now steadily operating under Authority. After Jesus' deep work in him, he was now able to share gently and respectfully. He had experienced Jesus' forgiveness and restoration. The power of the Spirit was writing another God-story and Peter was stewarding something bigger than himself.

Earlier in his letter, Peter mentions "You have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:24).

Interesting, isn't it, how our Overseer stewards us well while helping us become like Him?

Don't we have stories to tell?!

For Your Consideration:

What changes have you observed since you gave Christ authority in your life?
What does Jesus as your Shepherd and Overseer evoke?
How can you steward your testimony more effectively?

I found that sweet picture at http://www.missionaloutreachnetwork.com/group/bless. It's an interesting link to people who are sharing their faith in a variety of ways.