Lazarus
Word was sent that he was sick, Jesus says its ok his sickness will not end in death, it happened to bring about glory to God.
Any trial a believer faces can ultimately bring glory to God because God can bring good out of any bad situation.
When troubles come, do you grumble, complain, and blame God, or do you see your problems as opportunities to honor God?
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
We need to always remember that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose.
This promise can only be claimed only by those who love God and have choice him to be there Lord and savior.
So Jesus stayed where he was for two more days. Then finally he told his disciples it was time, Lazarus is dead and they need to go see him.
His delay had a specific purpose. God’s timing, especially his delays, may make us think he is not answering or is not answering the way we want.
But he will meet all our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose.
When Jesus arrived he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. Martha came and met Jesus and told him if only who was here, my brother would not have died.
If Jesus had been with Lazarus during the final moments of Lazarus’s sickness, he might have healed him rather than let him die.
But Lazarus died so that Jesus power over death could be shown.
John 11:25-26
25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
My question to you is the same. Do you believe this also?
Jesus has power over life and death as well as power to forgive sins.
He who is life can surely restore life.
Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in anyway.
When we realize his power and how wonderful his offer to us really is, how can we not commit our lives to him?
Then Mary came to meet him and said the same thing” if only you were here, my brother would not of died”
It was at this time that Jesus seeing everyone crying and asked where they placed him that he began to cry himself.
We serve a God who truly cares. Jesus showed that he cares enough for us to weep with us in our sorrow.
according to Hebrews 4: 15, 16 where it says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
God comforts those go through troubles according to these words recorded in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. We must understand that being “comforted” can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.
Mary and Martha truly needed comfort for the lost of their brother but little did they know that Jesus was about to amaze the world with a demonstration of His power over death and was about to bring glory to His father’s name.
The Jesus said remove the stone and they warned him of the smell for he has been dead for four days already but he insisted.
The Jesus spoke his name Lazarus come forth and out he came.
Lazarus responded to Jesus voice ,will you come forth when he calls your name?
When all is said and done, only what God accomplished through us will really matter.
We will take little credit. Jesus worked in and around Lazarus just as he does with us.
We have Christ’s invitation to participate in his work, but we must not forget that he will do much more than we will know.
Lazarus resurrection poses an important question: When you die, do you fully expect that your next conscious experience will be hearing the voice of Jesus call your name?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Help make me a better preacher
Text: 1 Kings 18:17-30
Introduction The trouble was not as said in 18:17 "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" The trouble was a broken altar (V 30). The trouble in many churches is not the Pastor or the program. The trouble is "Broken Altars" in the lives of God's people. The purpose of an altar is: Worship; Sacrifice; Bring Offerings; God's people gather together; Meet God
In 1 Kings 18:30 the broken down altar was repaired by the man of God, even though it had been in that condition for many years.
Many Christians today need to repair some altars.
I. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PREACHING
*** The Preacher is a better Preacher with a church full of faithful people***
A. Repair this altar by attendance Heb 10:25
1. Attend all the services
2. Bring the family
B. Repair this altar by paying attention Pro 4:20-23
C. Repair this altar by attitude Eph 4:30-32
1. Get right with God
2. Stay right with God
II. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PRAYER
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with praying people***
A. Repair this altar with fervency Jas 5:16
1. White hot prayer
2. Heat of passion
B. Repair this altar frequently 1 Thes 5:17
C. Repair this altar by faith Mt 21:21
Faith is "having confidence that He who has promised is able to perform that which He has promised"
III. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PURPOSE
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with a working, serving people***
A. Repair this altar by serving the Lord Ac 1:8
B. Repair this altar by soul winning Mt 28:18-20
C. Repair this altar by our sacrifice 2 Sam 24:24
IV. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF POWER WITH GOD
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with a Spiritual and Empowered people***
A. Repair this altar by having a right spirit Psa 51:10
B. Repair this altar by having right speech
2 Thes 3:11; Ps 141:3; 106:33
C. Repair this altar by having a right surrender
CONCLUSION:
"HARD CORE COMMITMENT"
It was taken from a note found on the desk of an African Martyr.
"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been
made - I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back
away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future
is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth
knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and
dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by
patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my
way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is
clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back,
deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate
in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander
in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed
up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work
until He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem
recognizing me...my banner will be clear.
Introduction The trouble was not as said in 18:17 "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" The trouble was a broken altar (V 30). The trouble in many churches is not the Pastor or the program. The trouble is "Broken Altars" in the lives of God's people. The purpose of an altar is: Worship; Sacrifice; Bring Offerings; God's people gather together; Meet God
In 1 Kings 18:30 the broken down altar was repaired by the man of God, even though it had been in that condition for many years.
Many Christians today need to repair some altars.
I. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PREACHING
*** The Preacher is a better Preacher with a church full of faithful people***
A. Repair this altar by attendance Heb 10:25
1. Attend all the services
2. Bring the family
B. Repair this altar by paying attention Pro 4:20-23
C. Repair this altar by attitude Eph 4:30-32
1. Get right with God
2. Stay right with God
II. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PRAYER
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with praying people***
A. Repair this altar with fervency Jas 5:16
1. White hot prayer
2. Heat of passion
B. Repair this altar frequently 1 Thes 5:17
C. Repair this altar by faith Mt 21:21
Faith is "having confidence that He who has promised is able to perform that which He has promised"
III. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF PURPOSE
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with a working, serving people***
A. Repair this altar by serving the Lord Ac 1:8
B. Repair this altar by soul winning Mt 28:18-20
C. Repair this altar by our sacrifice 2 Sam 24:24
IV. SOME NEED TO REPAIR THE ALTAR OF POWER WITH GOD
***The Preacher is a better Preacher with a Spiritual and Empowered people***
A. Repair this altar by having a right spirit Psa 51:10
B. Repair this altar by having right speech
2 Thes 3:11; Ps 141:3; 106:33
C. Repair this altar by having a right surrender
CONCLUSION:
"HARD CORE COMMITMENT"
It was taken from a note found on the desk of an African Martyr.
"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been
made - I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back
away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future
is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth
knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and
dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by
patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my
way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is
clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back,
deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate
in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander
in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed
up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work
until He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem
recognizing me...my banner will be clear.
I surrender
How do I surrender to God?
When we hear the phrase "surrender to God" we might think that we are going to stop living. The truth is: we will start living! Surrendering to God doesn't mean living without a purpose. Instead, it means to start living with a purpose - the purpose that God has planned for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
God is saying that He has a plan for our lives! We can give up our selfish desires, put our futures in the hands of God, and He will take us far beyond our dreams!
The book of James suggests that we "submit" or surrender to God. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Once again, we see that God desires that we give our lives and plans to Him 100 percent.
James not only touches the point of surrendering to God, but he links it with the second idea: resisting the devil. These two ideas go hand-in-hand. Surrendering to God is not easy and there will always be the temptation of returning to our own self. Even Jesus was tempted to not surrender His life to God's plan! But what happened? He resisted and the devil fled from Him.
Surrendering to God gives us a weapon to use against our enemy, the devil. Even when we are tempted to do our own will and live our lives in our own way, once we surrender to God, He will empower us to resist the devil.
Surrender to God - What's the Phrase Really Mean?
Surrender to God - it's a term you may have heard, but what does it mean, exactly? Surrender is not a word often associated with positive actions. After all, "surrender in the name of the law" usually means trouble for someone. And we know that when one side surrenders to another in battle, it's a sign they've given up any hope for victory.
Surrender means to yield ownership, to relinquish control over what we consider ours: our property, our time, and our "rights."
When we surrender to God, we are simply acknowledging that what we "own" actually belongs to Him.
He is the giver of all good things. We are responsible to care for what God has given us, as stewards of His property, but by surrendering to God, we admit that He is ultimately in control of everything, including our present circumstances.
Surrendering to God helps us to let go of whatever has been holding us back from God's best for our lives. By surrendering to God, we let go of whatever has kept us from wanting God's ways first.
Living Sacrifice - A Biblical Truth
As Christians, we're called to give ourselves to God as a "living sacrifice." The Apostle Paul helps us understand this truth in his letter to the believers in Rome:
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
If you are struggling with total surrender to God, talk to God about your thoughts, feelings, and resistance. Surrendering to God means that we yield our ownership . . .we relinquish control of our time, our property, our career. Anything that we consider as “rights.” We acknowledge what we thought was ours, is actually Gods. We are simply caretakers. We acknowledge that He knows best. We want His perfect plan!
Mark 14:35-36 Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.
When we hear the phrase "surrender to God" we might think that we are going to stop living. The truth is: we will start living! Surrendering to God doesn't mean living without a purpose. Instead, it means to start living with a purpose - the purpose that God has planned for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
God is saying that He has a plan for our lives! We can give up our selfish desires, put our futures in the hands of God, and He will take us far beyond our dreams!
The book of James suggests that we "submit" or surrender to God. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Once again, we see that God desires that we give our lives and plans to Him 100 percent.
James not only touches the point of surrendering to God, but he links it with the second idea: resisting the devil. These two ideas go hand-in-hand. Surrendering to God is not easy and there will always be the temptation of returning to our own self. Even Jesus was tempted to not surrender His life to God's plan! But what happened? He resisted and the devil fled from Him.
Surrendering to God gives us a weapon to use against our enemy, the devil. Even when we are tempted to do our own will and live our lives in our own way, once we surrender to God, He will empower us to resist the devil.
Surrender to God - What's the Phrase Really Mean?
Surrender to God - it's a term you may have heard, but what does it mean, exactly? Surrender is not a word often associated with positive actions. After all, "surrender in the name of the law" usually means trouble for someone. And we know that when one side surrenders to another in battle, it's a sign they've given up any hope for victory.
Surrender means to yield ownership, to relinquish control over what we consider ours: our property, our time, and our "rights."
When we surrender to God, we are simply acknowledging that what we "own" actually belongs to Him.
He is the giver of all good things. We are responsible to care for what God has given us, as stewards of His property, but by surrendering to God, we admit that He is ultimately in control of everything, including our present circumstances.
Surrendering to God helps us to let go of whatever has been holding us back from God's best for our lives. By surrendering to God, we let go of whatever has kept us from wanting God's ways first.
Living Sacrifice - A Biblical Truth
As Christians, we're called to give ourselves to God as a "living sacrifice." The Apostle Paul helps us understand this truth in his letter to the believers in Rome:
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
If you are struggling with total surrender to God, talk to God about your thoughts, feelings, and resistance. Surrendering to God means that we yield our ownership . . .we relinquish control of our time, our property, our career. Anything that we consider as “rights.” We acknowledge what we thought was ours, is actually Gods. We are simply caretakers. We acknowledge that He knows best. We want His perfect plan!
Mark 14:35-36 Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
How to invite people to church
HOW TO INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH
It is a fact that only five percent ever lead someone to Christ. This means that only 5 out of 100, or 1 in 20, will lead someone to Christ.
But it is every Christian’s job to lead people to Christ, and part of that responsibility lies in inviting people to Church. Why should you invite people to church? There are at least five reasons:
1. They will hear the gospel at church; some may even get saved at church
2. They will connect with Christians at church
3. Felt and real needs may be met at church
4. Your church will grow by you inviting others
5. People are more likely to come to church when invited by an individual
Most Christians are nervous, or even a little “afraid” to invite people to church. They fear rejection, the loss of a friendship, or may feel that they will “mess things” up, due to a perceived lack of competence in this area. But you can invite others to church! You will be successful at this! People you love may come to Christ, and the church that you love may grow!
Inviting people to church is not so much evangelism (soul winning) as it is pre-evangelism.
Inviting people to church is not complex, and a simple “plan” may help you feel more assured and confident, and will certainly increase your effectiveness. I call this the 12-Step Plan to Inviting People to Church.
Step One: Have a Right Relationship with God
You must be right with God before you can genuinely and effectively invite others to church or to know Him. Let’s face it; if you feel that things are not right between you and God, you will not invite others to church. If you are truly right with God, you will certainly want to invite others to church!
Step Two: Have a Right Relationship with Those in Your Church
Likewise, you must be right with the people in your church. No one who is at odds with their brothers and sisters can effectively invite others to that contentious congregation. Be right with others, and you will surely want to see your church grow.
Step Three: Maintain a Positive Testimony before Others
Your testimony at work, in your neighborhood, at school, in your family, and in society will have a great effect on people’s response to your invitations to church. When people see that you truly love God and others, they will be more likely to respond to your invitations to church.
Step Four: Pray That God will give you a Burden for Lost People
You must truly love people to reach out to them. If you believe that people must be saved through Christ to go to heaven, and if you believe that people who die without Christ will go to hell, then you must have a burden that reflects this belief. If you don’t have such a burden, pray for it; God will give it to you! Remember, “You have not because you ask not.”
Step Five: Pray Consistently Regarding the Opportunity to Invite People to Church
Each day ask God to open doors for you that you might invite others to church (or to Christ). Pray that you will recognize those opportunities when they arise. Finally, pray that you will have the courage to follow through when God opens a door of opportunity. Look for windows in conversations.
Listen for “life-events,” such as crises, trauma, conflict, or others, that may predispose someone to be more open to a church invitation. It is not rocket science; simply “ask.” Say, “My church may be a place that will help right now; won’t you be my guest this Sunday?”
Step Six: Try to Understand Lost People as Much as Possible
The biggest error many Christians make regarding their relationship with lost people is failing to understand how lost people think. Try to “stay in tune” with how your friends and relatives “think.”
Read popular contemporary novels, listen to some secular music, watch some blockbuster movies, and just “listen” to what’s “out there.” The better you understand them, the better you can relate to them; the better you relate to them, the more effective you will be in reaching them. You can be in the world without being of it.
Step Seven: Get to Know “FRAN.”
FRAN stands for “friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors.” Make a list of all of these you would like to invite to church and get to know them better. Pray over this list, think about this list, and strategize how you will approach the people on your FRAN list.
Step Eight: Get to Really Know Your Church
You should really know your church. Know its purpose, mission, and vision. Know its programs. Know its facilities. Especially know the people at your church. Pay attention to your bulletin, and keep up with your church’s events. Surf your church’s website your church’s services, and participate in your church’s ministries. The better you know your church, the more effective you will be in inviting people to it.
Step Nine: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan
People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan. The same is true when it comes to inviting people to church. Most people simply don’t “plan” to do it. Be intentional about inviting others. Make a list of “prospects.”
Think ahead of time how you will approach them. Build relationships that will open doors to conversations about faith. Hand out tracts, send cards or notes, and leave brochures or bulletins. “Plan” on reaching people and I am sure you will!
Step ten: Be Prepared to Be Persistent
The honest truth is most people you invite to church will not respond the first time. Don’t be discouraged. They are not rejecting you. They are just as afraid as you are! If someone puts you off or flat out rejects your invitation, try again later.
Use courtesy and old-fashioned common sense, but don’t quit on them! Also, keep in mind that you must invite many people to church to see one come! On a daily basis invite a few (or many), and in time you will see many of your invitees at church worshipping God!
Step Eleven: Have Faith that God Will Bless Your Efforts
It us up to us to “plant and water,” but it is up to God to “bring the increase.” Leave the results of your efforts in God’s hands. Have faith that He will honor your sincere attempts to reach lost people for Him. Have faith; God uses it!
Step Twelve: Share with Others What God is Doing Through Your Ministry of Inviting Others to Church
Be sure to share with others in your church about what God is doing in your ministry of reaching out to others. This will encourage them, challenge them, and perhaps give them confidence that they can do it, too! Remember, the more people who invite others to church, the more who will come to Christ!
Don’t let the 12-Step Plan intimidate you; it can all be summed up in the ABCs of inviting others to your church:
A- Always look for opportunities to invite others
B- Be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises
C- Communicate in such a way that says you care
D- Don’t be pushy; there may be future opportunities
It is a fact that only five percent ever lead someone to Christ. This means that only 5 out of 100, or 1 in 20, will lead someone to Christ.
But it is every Christian’s job to lead people to Christ, and part of that responsibility lies in inviting people to Church. Why should you invite people to church? There are at least five reasons:
1. They will hear the gospel at church; some may even get saved at church
2. They will connect with Christians at church
3. Felt and real needs may be met at church
4. Your church will grow by you inviting others
5. People are more likely to come to church when invited by an individual
Most Christians are nervous, or even a little “afraid” to invite people to church. They fear rejection, the loss of a friendship, or may feel that they will “mess things” up, due to a perceived lack of competence in this area. But you can invite others to church! You will be successful at this! People you love may come to Christ, and the church that you love may grow!
Inviting people to church is not so much evangelism (soul winning) as it is pre-evangelism.
Inviting people to church is not complex, and a simple “plan” may help you feel more assured and confident, and will certainly increase your effectiveness. I call this the 12-Step Plan to Inviting People to Church.
Step One: Have a Right Relationship with God
You must be right with God before you can genuinely and effectively invite others to church or to know Him. Let’s face it; if you feel that things are not right between you and God, you will not invite others to church. If you are truly right with God, you will certainly want to invite others to church!
Step Two: Have a Right Relationship with Those in Your Church
Likewise, you must be right with the people in your church. No one who is at odds with their brothers and sisters can effectively invite others to that contentious congregation. Be right with others, and you will surely want to see your church grow.
Step Three: Maintain a Positive Testimony before Others
Your testimony at work, in your neighborhood, at school, in your family, and in society will have a great effect on people’s response to your invitations to church. When people see that you truly love God and others, they will be more likely to respond to your invitations to church.
Step Four: Pray That God will give you a Burden for Lost People
You must truly love people to reach out to them. If you believe that people must be saved through Christ to go to heaven, and if you believe that people who die without Christ will go to hell, then you must have a burden that reflects this belief. If you don’t have such a burden, pray for it; God will give it to you! Remember, “You have not because you ask not.”
Step Five: Pray Consistently Regarding the Opportunity to Invite People to Church
Each day ask God to open doors for you that you might invite others to church (or to Christ). Pray that you will recognize those opportunities when they arise. Finally, pray that you will have the courage to follow through when God opens a door of opportunity. Look for windows in conversations.
Listen for “life-events,” such as crises, trauma, conflict, or others, that may predispose someone to be more open to a church invitation. It is not rocket science; simply “ask.” Say, “My church may be a place that will help right now; won’t you be my guest this Sunday?”
Step Six: Try to Understand Lost People as Much as Possible
The biggest error many Christians make regarding their relationship with lost people is failing to understand how lost people think. Try to “stay in tune” with how your friends and relatives “think.”
Read popular contemporary novels, listen to some secular music, watch some blockbuster movies, and just “listen” to what’s “out there.” The better you understand them, the better you can relate to them; the better you relate to them, the more effective you will be in reaching them. You can be in the world without being of it.
Step Seven: Get to Know “FRAN.”
FRAN stands for “friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors.” Make a list of all of these you would like to invite to church and get to know them better. Pray over this list, think about this list, and strategize how you will approach the people on your FRAN list.
Step Eight: Get to Really Know Your Church
You should really know your church. Know its purpose, mission, and vision. Know its programs. Know its facilities. Especially know the people at your church. Pay attention to your bulletin, and keep up with your church’s events. Surf your church’s website your church’s services, and participate in your church’s ministries. The better you know your church, the more effective you will be in inviting people to it.
Step Nine: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan
People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan. The same is true when it comes to inviting people to church. Most people simply don’t “plan” to do it. Be intentional about inviting others. Make a list of “prospects.”
Think ahead of time how you will approach them. Build relationships that will open doors to conversations about faith. Hand out tracts, send cards or notes, and leave brochures or bulletins. “Plan” on reaching people and I am sure you will!
Step ten: Be Prepared to Be Persistent
The honest truth is most people you invite to church will not respond the first time. Don’t be discouraged. They are not rejecting you. They are just as afraid as you are! If someone puts you off or flat out rejects your invitation, try again later.
Use courtesy and old-fashioned common sense, but don’t quit on them! Also, keep in mind that you must invite many people to church to see one come! On a daily basis invite a few (or many), and in time you will see many of your invitees at church worshipping God!
Step Eleven: Have Faith that God Will Bless Your Efforts
It us up to us to “plant and water,” but it is up to God to “bring the increase.” Leave the results of your efforts in God’s hands. Have faith that He will honor your sincere attempts to reach lost people for Him. Have faith; God uses it!
Step Twelve: Share with Others What God is Doing Through Your Ministry of Inviting Others to Church
Be sure to share with others in your church about what God is doing in your ministry of reaching out to others. This will encourage them, challenge them, and perhaps give them confidence that they can do it, too! Remember, the more people who invite others to church, the more who will come to Christ!
Don’t let the 12-Step Plan intimidate you; it can all be summed up in the ABCs of inviting others to your church:
A- Always look for opportunities to invite others
B- Be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises
C- Communicate in such a way that says you care
D- Don’t be pushy; there may be future opportunities
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