For my fellow Christian friends - I was just reading an e-mail update from a well-run business that I oftentimes patronize. In reading their update it occurred to me that this business is seeking to become "all things to all people" that they might win (and I believe serve) their customers with their (in my opinion) worthy product. It then occurred to me how much I lack in modeling that I may become all things to all people that I might win some to Christ. Rather, it seems that it is far too easy for me to "hate some" that I might show others that I belong to Christ. To think this way certainly is to think against the plain teaching of the Scripture and certainly is not the way of Christ. Oh friends, let's learn new languages, let's enjoy people from other cultures, let's get to know people whose sin is an offense and not sin with them, but love them, give our lives for them, pray for them, and encourage them to seek Christ, while He may be found!
Let's become friends of sinners, let's love them genuinely...not because we want something! Let's value all people, regardless if they hate us, make fun of us, ridicule, or persecute us! Let's leave judgement and wrath to God and free ourselves to be a servant of all people! Pray for me, that I might grow in this!
Let's become all things to all people, not as an "end in itself" but that we might win some for Christ!
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Saturday, November 10, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Decision 2012 Facebook posts
Here are some thoughts concerning the 2012 elections.
To my fellow Evangelical friends: Wise people have said before that people will remember what we are excited about. I would challenge all of us tomorrow to think about what we have said about this USA election and specifically about who wins and who looses. Do people that see things completely different from us see the love of Christ in us? Are we standing for truth, in love? Is it absolutely clear that our hope is in Jesus Christ and not in any political party or presidential candidate? Have we spread gossip, slander, and misused other's names? If so, may we lead in repentance and pray that the change that this great nation needs, begins in you and me.
Other thoughts on Decision 2012: If you consider yourself a Christian, would you say that you love your enemy (aka - the political party/candidate with whom you disagree)? Would others believe you by the way you talk about them? Are we sure that the adds that we have seen accurately portray the other person? Are we sure that the gossip we have heard accurately portray the other person? Let's assume all the dirty things are true. Does that give us the right to "hate" them. Just think about the fact that the rest of the world is watching us to see whether or not the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. We may say that we do not "hate" anyone, but speaking from personal experience, it is obvious to others when our words and actions say something totally different.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
To my fellow Evangelical friends: Wise people have said before that people will remember what we are excited about. I would challenge all of us tomorrow to think about what we have said about this USA election and specifically about who wins and who looses. Do people that see things completely different from us see the love of Christ in us? Are we standing for truth, in love? Is it absolutely clear that our hope is in Jesus Christ and not in any political party or presidential candidate? Have we spread gossip, slander, and misused other's names? If so, may we lead in repentance and pray that the change that this great nation needs, begins in you and me.
Other thoughts on Decision 2012: If you consider yourself a Christian, would you say that you love your enemy (aka - the political party/candidate with whom you disagree)? Would others believe you by the way you talk about them? Are we sure that the adds that we have seen accurately portray the other person? Are we sure that the gossip we have heard accurately portray the other person? Let's assume all the dirty things are true. Does that give us the right to "hate" them. Just think about the fact that the rest of the world is watching us to see whether or not the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. We may say that we do not "hate" anyone, but speaking from personal experience, it is obvious to others when our words and actions say something totally different.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Bible Reading Plan for 2013
Well, here we are almost at the end of the of another year. Reflecting on this past year, one of the greatest blessings for me has been my daily "read the Bible through" program. I have attempted many times before to stick with a plan, but...are you ready for this??? this is the first year that I will be completing the program.
Don't misunderstand...it has not come without falling behind, interruptions, etc., but it has been worth it. I highly recommend using the "You Version" application that is a free download from either Android or iTunes. This year I have used the Discipleship Journal in English. Next year, by God's grace, I want to try to read through the same plan in Spanish.
Why am I saying this to you? Well, I do believe that this same "read the Bible through" plan can benefit you too!!
Here are some other ideas for reading plans for free!
http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/
Let's pray together for a 2013 dedicated to the reading, studying, meditating, and application of the Words of Christ!
In all things...Christ preeminent!
Aaron
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Don't misunderstand...it has not come without falling behind, interruptions, etc., but it has been worth it. I highly recommend using the "You Version" application that is a free download from either Android or iTunes. This year I have used the Discipleship Journal in English. Next year, by God's grace, I want to try to read through the same plan in Spanish.
Why am I saying this to you? Well, I do believe that this same "read the Bible through" plan can benefit you too!!
Here are some other ideas for reading plans for free!
http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/
Let's pray together for a 2013 dedicated to the reading, studying, meditating, and application of the Words of Christ!
In all things...Christ preeminent!
Aaron
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Some thoughts on prayer
Jerram Barrs, Professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, offers some great thoughts regarding the matter of where to begin with prayer. Here is a quote from his work "The Heart of Evangelism."
Recognizing our dependence on The Lord to bring people to faith in Christ, what should be the focus of our prayers? God has placed each of us in a "family" of those we love and those who love us--both actual family members and also the "family" of our close friends, the people whose lives have become closely intertwined with ours. Our first and perfectly appropriate desire will be to pray for these people whom we already love.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Recognizing our dependence on The Lord to bring people to faith in Christ, what should be the focus of our prayers? God has placed each of us in a "family" of those we love and those who love us--both actual family members and also the "family" of our close friends, the people whose lives have become closely intertwined with ours. Our first and perfectly appropriate desire will be to pray for these people whom we already love.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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