Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Just Do Something

It takes all kinds of people to get the job done. It takes people that have an idea and sometimes even sit on it. Sometimes they say their idea in front of someone who had a similar idea and a great idea goes from idle to action. It takes people that don't care if they crash and burn with an idea sometimes just to get things going. They may not do it perfectly, but they try. After enough tries an idea moves from potential to real possibilities. Next thing, some people are brought in that can coordinate this thing into a better thing. Then someone comes along that realizes that with some real coordination this thing can multiply beyond its current state; and reach the original dreamer's dream. Thank God for those who moved beyond the nay-sayers, gripers and complainers; and just did something! Don't stop believing.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Walking Dead

1 Samuel 2:22-26 seems like an innocent enough passage, but a stern warning can be found. Eli the priest has heard that his priestly sons have been up to no good. While serving as priests of the LORD, they had used their positions to not only rob from people, but they were committing sexual sins with women that were serving at the Tent of Meeting (the very place where God would meet the people). A contingency of people came and told Eli about his sons. Dad went to his boys to confront them, and they didn't even listen to him. Here's where it gets troubling. It says that they didn't listen to Eli, because God had already willed that they not straighten up because He was going to put them to death for this. Eli's words had no chance. They could not prevail against God's will. You see, it was too little too late. It is a reminder that even though God is very patient, and He wants people to repent of their sins and get back on the straight and narrow; His patience can wear thin. There is a tipping-point for God. ---There are people walking the streets right now that God is done with. The problem is that you and I don't know who they are; so we are supposed to keep praying for them and sharing Jesus. ---Meanwhile, the same Scripture shares that the boy Samuel was growing in favor with God and man. Every passage of hopelessness in the Bible seems like it has some hint of hope attached. * Perhaps a person is reading this that has rebelled against God. Please turn back. While God's grace is amazing, it is not without limits. Repent and turn back to God while He still may be found. If not, you may be among the walking-dead.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

The Gotta Do's

As Paul says in Philemon we are to be "active in sharing our faith", but there are some other things christian/church members can do to advance the Good News about Jesus. This is not an exhaustive list, not is it in a particular order: 1.) Live a Christ-like life so that others want what you have, and maybe they will listen or want to hear your testimony about Jesus. 2.) Invite people to church. Most people just want an invite. 80% of people try out church because someone invited them. 3.) Welcome people the first five minutes they arrive on your church campus (no matter how big or small that might be). People decide in the first five minutes if they are even coming back. Folks need to be cultivated in the Word before they believe, so you're going to want them to come back and hear more. So, what does the first five minutes look like at your church? 4.)Be regular in your attending, giving and supporting of your church. Your church needs your faithfulness. Carry on. For the church to move on with the Gospel these are simple "gotta do's."