“So what’s your course about?”, asked the Christian leader.

“Oh, it’s about the basics of the Christian faith!”, came the reply.

“So it’s about how you care for the poor? And, the sick and those suffering with AIDS? And those rejected by the privileged in this world?”, the Christian leader followed up.

“No, no!”, came the reply. “Not those, just the basics!”

How could issues of poverty and justice be left out of “the basics” if they are so deeply enshrined in the Bible’s pages?

I’m told there are 2,100 mentions of poverty in the Bible.

I believe our Christian faith must involve us in good works for the poor and rejected. And our good works must be done in a way that people will see God at work. Finally we must be confident enough in Jesus that we’re prepared to talk about belief and faith, when we’re asked.

How might that unfold in the “real world”?

It’s a conversation you might like to have in your small group. Find out about the issue. Explore the Scriptures. Read, react, agree or disagree. As a group, explore and discover things!

A few years ago, while I was serving in the military, I was depressed and disgusted with my life. One day when I was on patrol duty around the barracks, I resolved to take my life with my weapon of service. Suddenly, a friend arrived to relieve me of my patrol. Seeing my depression, he held out a small radio receiver and said, “Take this receiver. I received a broadcast from abroad; somebody was speaking our language. Go take a rest and listen well to what the speaker says.”

I turned on the small receiver and a few minutes later I heard a voice read Acts 16:27-31: The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Through this verse, I believe I heard the voice of Jesus tell me, “Do not give yourself over to death, believe only! I am here to give you life. I will give life to you and to your family, and to your friend that is with you!”

After hearing this, my purpose in living was restored to me because Jesus gave me His life. I told my friend about this event, and he gave his heart to Jesus also. When I shared the story with my family, who are devout followers of another religion, they gave glory to Jesus. They also accepted Jesus as their King and their Savior Who is able to give them life.

Last week, our family went to the city and we bought each of the kids a treat. Callum, our 3 year old, got a doughnut. When I asked him if I could have a little bite, he responded, ‘No Dad. I’ll just tell you what it tastes like.’ (!!!)

We have a friend whose family recently experienced a major tragedy. She knows many Christians, but, thus far, she hasn’t seemed that responsive to Jesus. When I last saw her, she talked about their tragedy. As I was leaving, I asked if I could pray with her. She said that many people had told her that they were praying for her, but no one had asked to pray with her. She said that it would be a first for her. After I prayed for her and her family, she teared-up, thanked me and gave me a hug. I believe that she experienced some more of God’s grace and comfort as we prayed.

Following Jesus Is not primarily a philosophy or belief system, which we espouse. Instead, following Jesus is about being in a relationship and a lifestyle with Jesus. And this is something people can experience. Talking about Jesus is so important. Interceding for people is so important. But with these things, we need to help people experience Jesus by bringing them into our relationship with him. Don’t just tell people what following Jesus is like. Give them a taste. Let them experience your spirituality in tangible ways.

How do you taste and experience the LORD’s goodness?

Consider some of the people in your sphere, who don’t follow Jesus. How could you help them experience Jesus and your relationship with Jesus?

Apart from the headlines, I happened to read this today.

“The devil is called in Scripture the prince of this world, for he has great power in it because he governs many of its rules and principles. He is the father of all lies and deceptions, which he spreads to separate us from God and prevent our return to happiness. Now there are many things in the world that pass as great, honourable, and most desirable, but they are so far from being so that the true greatness and honour of our nature consists in not desiring them. To abound in wealth; have fine houses, good food, and rich clothes; have titles of dignity and power; command respect, honour, and admiration of others; overcome our enemies and subdue all who oppose us; these are the great, honourable, and desirable things to which the spirit of the world turns the eyes of all people.

Many Christians today are afraid of standing still and not engage in the pursuit of these things, lest the world and worldly Christians take him or her for a fool. The history of the gospel is chiefly the history of Christ’s conquest over the spirit of the world.”

This was written by William Law who lived 1686 – 1761.

His thoughts caused me to ask myself, “When I face Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, will he say “Well done, good and faithful servant. You lived the life I wanted you to live.”” Or, will he say, “Who are you? I don’t you!”, because I was duped into following the spirit of the world?

Throughout our conversations I would reflect on the global strategy of TWR. Our work is about bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to women and children and young people around the world; even though they face terrible abuses such as brutality, war, starvation, slavery, forced prostitution, and often state sponsored abortion. Our work is to help them in these terrible circumstances. We also work among HIV/AIDS suffering communities.

During my discussions with Philip it brought home again that a common denominator is male behaviour; and, inadequate fathering over generations.

Philip asked me if I had ever had a conversation with my children about the failures of my fathering techniques and style. His question set me aback. It’s a challenge worth overcoming in order to strengthen the relationship between me and my daughter and son.

Our conversations became broader. What impact would beautiful fathering have on our prison populations? And, what impact would beautiful fathering have on families, both rich and poor? What impact would beautiful fathering have on the Church? Where could this start in the church?

And, “Where does the answer to beautiful fathering lie?”

I’ll give you a hint. If it’s about relationship, it won’t come through Church or State sponsored programs.

Jesus has a mission that all people, and all creation, will be brought back to a stunning relationship with God. That’s why God sent Jesus to earth. That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit. We are part of an awesome missional, outward-moving community.

When we make disciples, we initiate them. We spur them to become passionate about nations, and their neighbours, encountering God. Together, we go out and make more disciples. Until all people have had the opportunity to become disciples in the Kingdom of God.

Have you ever baptized someone into the Kingdom of God? Do you want to?

Who are you inspiring to be immersed into God’s Kingdom?

Are you taking people on Jesus’ mission?

Read more

People love stories, whether in movies, on television, or at the theatre. Everyone loves a story. Little children endlessly say, “Tell me a story.”

One finds the scriptures endlessly laced with stories. Embedded in them are profound theological truths and lessons and very often directly the evangelistic content of the gospel.

The story has appeal because it is like real life. Most people do not experience life as a set of ideas or abstractions, but live out the lives they have to, having experiences, and then thinking about them. Our listeners will identify with such stories and say, “Yes, that’s just like me.” Cliff’s story helped me!

Cliff helped me understand my deep relationship with Jesus. Being able to tell stories is important because our communication theories demand new ways of breaking through to the minds of young people who are over-stuffed and glutted with information.

People in our times have become accustomed through the media to a world of story rather than educational or moralistic teaching. Whether a soap opera is on video, television, film, movie, or radio drama, they all come to us through story and their messages are brought through story.

All this reminds us that we have to look at our communication methodologies to ensure that we are not dull, predictable, or plain irrelevant. Even more important, it calls upon us to be stoytellers so that the impact of the gospel will be experienced by those who don’t know Jesus.

Thanks to Leighton Ford…

Here’s M’s story in his own words:

I used to dislike Christians. However, after listening to the program and getting to know some Christians, a barrier has been lifted. Through reading these Christian books, I got to know more about Jesus Christ. Even though I am a monk, I face many struggles in my heart and I sometimes feel hopeless when negative situations come into my life. Also, I do not know where my soul will go when I am gone. Many times I find solutions to my problems by listening to your programs and reading your books.

I learned that we are beneficiaries of Jesus’ sinless life. I was so intrigued with the portion of scripture that said ‘because of what Christ did for us, we have been freed from trying to keep the law in order to earn favor with God by following His rules that we keep breaking no matter how hard we try.’ This teaching went against everything I had learned before about achieving merit on one’s own strength…I used to believe that the requirement of the law was to do good deeds. I cannot do this though, as anger and jealousy arise in my heart. After reading this, I keep thinking about what it taught me.”

TWR’s Cambodian staff believes that God is calling M, and they are praying that he will open his heart to accept Christ as his savior one day. Pray for the staff as they continue to keep in touch with M, and that God’s word will be a source of light for him.

Source: TWR E-Snapshots – October 08