Linda is my favorite waitress at a restaurant that Charlene & I often go to. She's been attending Warehouse 727 about 3 months. She's already brought a handful of friends with her. I love to see her face, especially when she has a new friend with her. She is smiling ear to ear. She doesn't have to say a word to me & we are communicating to each other. She is thinking, "I got another friend to come with me!"
For the last year Christina has been praying for a friend & inviting her to come to church. Her friend finally came with her this week! I got to pray with her after the service...
God wants to use YOU in the process of changing someone's life, just as He used someone else in the process of changing your life!
Do you have any stories to share? What do you think are some important things to remember as we allow the Lord to use us to influence others? I immediately think of 3 words: REAL, RELATIONAL, & RELEVANT.
Until next Saturday, "The Church has left the building!" Jeff
Lord, Make Us Offensive – One Prayer, week #3
Randy Smith, Discovery Church, NJ
We have the Power, the People, & the Promises, so let’s make a difference!
Matthew 16:13-18
Jesus took his disciples on a field trip to Caesarea Philippi - this place is no monastery! Caesarea Philippi is a very sensually driven city in a very sexually driven culture! Jesus' disciples were looking at all types of vulgar & offensive behavior.
Jesus tells His 12 followers that His Church will be established to influence & change the very culture & people they are watching right now!
If we are to make a difference in the world…
1) We need to show God’s Power
Romans 8:11; 6:14; 8:31; 8:39; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 1:20
How do we experience God’s power in our lives?
1. Spend time with God
Practice “10/10/10” = each day spend 10 minutes reading Scripture, 10 minutes praying, & another 10 minutes (with no distractions!) thinking about the Scripture & listening to the Lord.
Hebrews 13:5 God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
2.Spend time serving God
Scripture tells us that God has given us His divine power & presence. To not use the power we have is similar to the difference between a battleship & a toy boat. A battleship might as well be a toy boat if it chooses to not use the firing power that it has!
3. Spend time with God’s people
2) We need to be supported by God’s People
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
I am not to walk alone with God. God created us to walk with others; we need the church!
3) We need to personally stand on God’s Promises
Our culture values diversity & so does Jesus! However, we must not confuse our acceptance of all people (diversity) with the belief that we must accept all beliefs! Our culture may promote the belief there is no such thing as absolute truth; however, Scripture teaches us differently. We must stand for truth even if we offend others.
We can be “offensive” in one of two ways: 1. Being “odd for God” or 2. Speaking the truth in love.
The 2nd way is the manner we should embrace!
Matthew 16:25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Who in your life are you to influence for Christ? You already have God’s power; make sure to use it!