Thursday, June 18, 2015
24 Ways to connect with God
by Shirley Brosius from IDisciple
24 ways to connect with God as you go about your day.
Read your Bible and hear God speak.
Pray and let God listen.
Take a walk in nature and praise God for the wonders of creation.
Shoot arrow prayers as challenges arise
.
Pray for neighbors as you drive by their homes.
Pray for neighbors as you drive by their homes.
Pray for your family whenever you pause by a stop light.
Pick a symbol that reminds you of God and display it prominently.
Pray for situations as you read the newspaper.
Thank God for the morning as you arise.
Thank God for health as you brush your teeth.
Sing hymns or songs of praise as you shower or drive to work.
Sit and meditate in a quiet place.
Ask God for wisdom in establishing priorities as you plan your day.
Thank God for your food.
Pray for guidance and safety before leaving in your car.
Pray for family members as you see their photos around your house.
Attend worship on Sundays and pray for church staff weekdays.
Listen to Christian radio.
Watch Christian television.
Call a lonely friend and pray with her/him on the phone.
Thank God for your senses when you see a beautiful sunset, hear music, smell food or touch a baby’s face.
Memorize scripture as you exercise.
Evaluate your day as you go to bed and ask forgiveness for sins.
Tell God your troubles as you fall asleep.
If you will add just one of these ideas to your daily routine, then your life will be that much richer.
For YOU!!!!
Verse of the Day - Romans 5:8
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)
Monday, June 15, 2015
Who were Circuit Riders
Circuit Riders
In Early American Methodism
Dr. Robert Simpson
John Wesley's Methodist plan of multiplemeeting places called circuits required an itinerating force of preachers. A circuit was made up of two or more local churches (sometimes referred to as societies) in early Methodism. In American Methodism circuits were sometimes referred to as a "charge." A pastor would be appointed to the charge by his bishop. During the course of a year he was expected to visit each church on the charge at least once, and possibly start some new ones. At the end of a year the pastors met with the bishop at annual conference, where they would often be appointed to new charges. A charge containing only one church was called a station. The traveling preachers responsible for caring for these societies, or local churches and stations, became known as circuit- riders, or sometimes saddlebag preachers. They traveled light, carrying their belongings and books in their saddlebags. Ranging far and wide through villages and wilderness, they preached daily or more often at any site available be it a log cabin, the local court house, a meeting house, or an outdoor forest setting. Unlike the pastors of settled denominations, these itinerating preachers were constantly on the move. Their assignment was often so large it might take them 5 or 6 weeks to cover the territory.
Brother Harwood in New Mexico, when asking how to begin his work, was told: "Get your pony shod. Then start out northward via Fort Union, Cimarron, and Red River until you meet a Methodist coming this way... thence westward and eastward until you meet other Methodist preachers coming this way. All this will be your work....I saw at once that I had a big field."
Francis Asbury (1745 - 1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, set the pace. He traveled 270,000 miles and preached 16,000 sermons as he traveled the circuits. Peter Cartwright (1785-1872) described the life of the circuit- rider. He wrote in his Autobiography: "A Methodist preacher, when he felt that God had called him to preach, instead of hunting up a college or Biblical Institute, hunted up a hardy pony, and some traveling apparatus, and with his library always at hand, namely, a Bible, Hymn book, and Discipline, he started, and with a text that never wore out nor grew stale, he cried, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.' In this way he went through storms of wind, hail, snow, and rain; climbed hills and mountains, traversed valleys, plunged through swamps, swollen streams, lay out all night, wet, weary, and hungry, held his horse by the bridle all night, or tied him to a limb, slept with his saddle blanket for a bed, his saddle-bags for a pillow. Often he slept in dirty cabins, ate roasting ears for bread, drank butter-milk for coffee; took deer or bear meat, or wild turkey, for breakfast, dinner, and supper. This was old-fashioned Methodist preacher fare and fortune."
Not only did the preacher face physical hardship, but often he endured persecution. Freeborn Garrettson (1752-1827) wrote of his experience: "I was pursued by the wicked, knocked down, and left almost dead on the highway, my face scarred and bleeding and then imprisoned." No wonder most of these preachers died before their careers had hardly begun. Of those who died up to 1847, nearly half were less than 30 years old. Many were too worn out to travel.
What did they earn? Not much in dollars. Bishop Asbury expressed their reward when he recruited Jesse Lee, "I am going to enlist Brother Lee. What bounty? Grace here and glory hereafter, if he is faithful, will be given."
Bibliography:
Tipple, E. S. Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long Road. The Methodist Book Concern 1916.
Cartwright, Peter, Autobiography of Peter Cartwright, Abingdon Press 1956.
Maser, Frederick and Simpson, Robert Drew, If Saddlebags Could Talk, Providence Press 1998.
McEllhenney, John G, Editor United Methodism in America, Abingdon Press 1992.
Cartwright, Peter, Autobiography of Peter Cartwright, Abingdon Press 1956.
Maser, Frederick and Simpson, Robert Drew, If Saddlebags Could Talk, Providence Press 1998.
McEllhenney, John G, Editor United Methodism in America, Abingdon Press 1992.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
ATHEIST'S HOLY DAY
Florida Court Sets Atheist Holy Day!
Gotta love this Judge!
You must read this....a proper decision by the courts...for a change.
FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days.
He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days.
The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.
You must read this....a proper decision by the courts...for a change.
FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days.
He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days.
The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"
The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case?
The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.."
The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.."
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."
The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.."
The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.."
The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool.
Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."
You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!
Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."
You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!
JUST CHECKING IN...
A Minister passing through his church
In the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
To see-who came to pray.
In the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
To see-who came to pray.
Just then the back door opened,
And a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man
Hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was torn and shabby,
And His coat was worn and frayed,
The Man knelt down and bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed at precisely noon,
The preacher saw this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
With robbery a main fear,
He Decided to stop and ask the man,
'What Are you doing here?'
The Old man said he was a factory worker
And-lunch was half an hour
Lunchtime Was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power.
I Stay only a moment
Because-the factory's far away;
As I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This Is kinda what I say:
I Just Came By To Tell You, Lord,
How Happy I Have Been,
Since we Found Each Other's Friendship
And You Took Away My Sin.
Don't Know Much Of How To Pray,
But I Think About You Every day.
So, Jesus, This Is Ben,
Just Checking In Today.'
The minister feeling foolish,
Told Ben that it was fine.
He Told the man that he was welcome
To Pray there anytime.
'It's time to go, and thanks,' Ben said
As he hurried to the door.
Then the minister knelt there at the altar,
Which he'd never done before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
As he met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed down his cheeks,
He Repeated old Ben's prayer:
'I Just Came By To Tell You, Lord,
How Happy I've Been,
Since We Found Each Other's Friendship
And You Took Away My Sin.
I Don't Know Much Of How To Pray,
But Think About You Every day.
So, Jesus, This Is Me,
Just Checking In Today.'
Past noon one day, the minister noticed
That Old Ben hadn't come.
As more days passed and still no Ben,
He Began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him,
Learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
But He'd given them a thrill.
The week that Ben was with them,
Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles and joy contagious.
Changed people were his reward.
The Head nurse couldn't understand
Why Ben could be so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had.
The minister stayed by his bed,
He Voiced the nurse's concern:
No Friends had come to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Ben spoke up
And with a winsome smile;
'The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
He's been here all the while.'
Everyday at noon He comes here,
A dear friend of mine, you see,
He Sits right down and takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:
'I Just Came By To Tell You, Ben,
How Happy I Have Been,
Since We Found This Friendship,
And I Took Away Your Sin.
I Think About You Always
And I Love To Hear You Pray,
And so Ben, This Is Jesus,
Just checking In Today.'
Monday, June 8, 2015
BIKER SUNDAY
FREDERICK NEWS/POST: FROM THE PEW 4/24//15
MONROVIA — Parishioners rolled up to Bush Creek Church of the Brethren last Sunday on Harleys and Yamahas. The church partnered with the Frederick Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association to conduct worship and a blessing of the bikes. After the service, attendees headed outside and circled each motorcycles one by one. Many in the group placed their hands on the bikes. All bowed their heads. Someone in the CMA leadership then offered a prayer over the rider and his or her motorcycle. In the back corner of the lot, Frederick CMA founder Norman Tyler wrapped his arms around Kristofer and Crystal Herbert. He asked God to watch over the young couple and keep them safe in their travels. He prayed for the mechanics who work on their Yamaha R6 to be able to keep it operating properly. He prayed that they would be able to avoid any obstacles in their path. And he asked for God’s protection even when they are not riding — that their marriage will be strong and they’ll be guided to make good decisions together.
Kristofer grew up riding dirt bikes and motorcycles but Sunday was the first time he ever had one blessed. He figured asking for divine protection made sense since he spends a lot of time on the R6. He rides to work each day unless it is raining. And nearly every weekend, the couple heads out together just for fun. Although this year, they anticipate that they’ll spend less time joyriding. The couple is expecting their first child in August. Crystal also has a motorcycle license and said they intend to teach their child to ride. She attends Bush Creek regularly and was eager to experience fellowship with the CMA.
The Frederick chapter travels around the county offering prayers at any church or organization that expresses interest, said Terry Reese, CMA members. “We are non-denominational.” The group also partners with businesses. The previous week, CMA members gathered in front of the Frederick Harley-Davidson dealership to pray with riders, he said. Blessings aren’t limited to motorcycles either. “As long as it has a motor, anything can be a part,” Reese said. They’ve blessed dirt bikes and even ATVs. Typically, the blessings are done in early spring at the start of riding season.
Sunday’s blessing was the first for Bush Creek but CMA members attended the church once before last fall. At that time, only the pastors and a handful of parishioners knew they were coming. The CMA group dressed up to look as frightful as possible. They wore ripped jeans and black leather coats. Several guys wore long shaggy wigs, Tyler said. Partway through the Rev. Leo Barnes’ sermon, Rod Fry of the CMA stood up and interrupted him. Fry walked to the front of the room and began to speak. Several parishioners glanced back and forth at each other. “They wanted to escort me out,” Fry laughed. He serves as chaplain for the Frederick CMA chapter and said Barnes was in on the act. As Fry spoke, he began taking off his rough clothes and long wig. Underneath, he was nicely dressed and clean shaven.
The intent was to show that we “can’t judge anybody by their book cover,” said Barbara Tyler, co-founder of the Frederick chapter. No one can know another person’s heart. And everyone deserves a chance to hear God’s message no matter how he might look. The name for the Frederick chapter is Won By One, because they focus on individuals, she said.
It is up to those who have already accepted Christ as their savior to help others find their way back to God, Fry said. He offered the sermon Sunday, asking those in attendance, “If you truly believe, what are you going to do about it?”
Association members try to answer that question in everything they do, Barbara Tyler said. They view their group not as a club but as a ministry. “We ride, yes. But we ride to open doors,” she said. Offering blessings is just one of many activities in which the group participates. Members help at local soup kitchens, share their message at various biker events and raise funds to help missionaries and pastors around the globe. At Sunday’s service, they showed a short film highlighting some of the volunteer efforts the global association undertakes each year.
“It’s just exciting to hear what CMA is doing,” said the Rev. Melissa Barnes. Bush Creek already has a missionary focus and the CMA’s message reinforces that helping others is what the Lord is about, she said. Sunday’s service included several songs sung by the church’s choir and the congregation. Leo Barnes conducted and led several prayers and the call to worship. Debbie Reese of the CMA assisted her 9-year-old daughter, Kianna, and another elementary-age child in reading scriptures from the book of Matthew in the Bible. Before and after worship, CMA members and Bush Creek parishioners mingled, laughing and talking and sharing messages about God’s love.
Nancy Hernandez is a former staff writer for The Frederick News-Post. She writes once a month about her experiences visiting denominations in Frederick County in “From the Pew.” Suggestions welcome atreligion@newspost.com.
WHY GO TO CHURCH
Why go to church.....?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it
made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.' This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column. Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.' This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column. Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some
32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my
work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!'
When you are DOWN to nothing....God is UP to something!
Faith sees the invisible, believes the
incredible and receives the impossible!
Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
All right, now that you're done reading, send it on!!!
I think everyone should read this!!
When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, 'Jesus, could you
get that for me...... while I forward this message to your children??
IF YOU CANNOT SEE GOD IN ALL, YOU CANNOT SEE GOD AT ALL!
B. I. B. L. E. - simply means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!
When u carry "the Bible" Satan has a head ache;
When u open it, he collapses;
When he sees u reading it; he loses his strength,
AND when u stand on the Word of God, Satan can't hurt you!
Do you also know:
When you are about to forward this to others, the devil will discourage you?
Go , Forward it & move forward
Share. Tell people that JESUS Loves them. I have started mine with you.
OUR LORD'S PRAYER
Our Lord’s Prayer
By Mike Moser
Our Father who art in Heaven
Yes?
Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.
But you called ME
Called you? No, I didn’t call you. I’m praying. Our Father who art in Heaven
There – you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME. You said, “Our Father who are in Heaven”. Well, here I am…what’s on your mind?
But I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord’s Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right. Go on.
Okay, Hallowed by thy name.
Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By “Hallowed by thy name”?
It means, it means … good grief, I don’t know what it means. How in the world should I know? It’s just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what “hallowed” meant before. Thanks!
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We’re kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn’t what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there’s the way you spend your money – all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME.. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you – for example
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven’t thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. We’ll work together, you and ME. I’m proud of you.
Look, Lord, if you don’t mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day our daily bread…..
You need to cut out the bread – you’re overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang- ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME and here I am. It’s too late to stop now. Keep praying ………..Well, go on.
I’m scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you’ll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she’s told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I’ve sworn to get even with her!
But – your prayer – What about your prayer?
I didn’t ----mean it----
Well, at least you’re honest. But, it’s quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn’t it?
Yes, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She’ll wish she had never been born
No, you won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. You know how unhappy you are? Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann. Then, I’ll forgive you; and the hate and the sin, will be Ann’s problem – not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you’re right, You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You. (sigh) All right, all right … I forgive her.
There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don’t think I’ll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven’t been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know. But, you’re not through with your prayer, are you? ……Go on.
Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I’ll do that. Just don’t put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?
No, but I’d like to know. I want to please you now. I’ve really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you… I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me… How do I make you happy?
YOU JUST DID!
BE A WITNESS
BE A WITNESS!!!
Galatians 1: 6-9
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Ephesians 2: 8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Taking it to the road
Many of us are intimidated by the idea of sharing faith with others. God meant for us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ through the natural outcome of living for him. We tend make it more complicated than it needs to be. We often are intimidated and feel inadequate by what we perceive the approach should be. It is not necessary to complete a 10-week course on evangelism and apologetics before getting started.
One of the ways to present salvation to all sorts of people is your personal testimony. The reasons are simple.
People are most interested in a true human interest story (they can identify with other people best), and
You are interested in sharing with others what Christ and salvation mean to you personally.
When giving your testimony to a friend, a co-worker, someone that you meet on the street, or in a church service. There are a few guidelines that will make your testimony the kind that others will like and will bring glory to Christ:
Realize what is at stake: the destiny of the souls of men.
You are representing Jesus Christ. II Cor. 5:18-20.
Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance in preparing and presenting your testimony.
Begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence and close with a good conclusion. Include relevant, thought provoking facts and experiences.
Give it in such a way that others will feel associated with you.
Be sure your experiences are scriptural before you share them with others. Interpret your experiences by the Word of God and not vise-versa. The Bible is our authority
Give enough details to arouse interest.
You should always have a general outline already in your mind. By this, we mean that you can give your testimony in two or three minutes to an hour or more. You never know when or for how long you may be called on to give a testimony.
If you are the first or only one to give a testimony, always give the plan of salvation.
Be lovingly enthusiastic. Let them know you really believe in what you are saying. Don't bore people with the greatest thing in the world.
Speak loudly and clearly, in a relaxed tone of voice.
Smile often. A smile tells a person, "I like you," and "You're worth smiling at." Ask the Lord to give you a happy, radiant face. Eph. 4:15.
Avoid mannerisms when you speak, such as: rubbing your nose, playing with your ring, jingling coins in your pocket.
Feature Christ, and not yourself.
Have a good appearance: clean, good posture, smell good.
Be full of life.
Be full of life.
Please remember salvation in a testimony:
Tell the circumstances involved in your salvation.
Spell out exactly what salvation is. Be clear and simple.
Think: Could a person be saved by hearing that testimony alone?
Think: Could a person be saved by hearing that testimony alone?
As a general rule, it is good to quote at least one clear salvation verse, and no more than two. Eph.2:8-9; John 3:16; I John 5:13.
Always distinguish between faith and works, between salvation and service, Christ and religion.
Remember the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Rom. 1:16. Rely on His Word and the Holy Spirit.
Rom. 1:16. Rely on His Word and the Holy Spirit.
Please observe the following Don'ts:
Don't use Christian jargon. Words such as "born again," "convicted," "converted," do not communicate truth to the average non-Christian.
Don't preach-- Do talk, share something of value.
Don't tear down. Be positive!
Don't let your testimony drag on. When you have finished, you can stop. Don't keep talking just to talk.
Don't apologize. This gives the person or audience lack of confidence.
Don't mention church denominations, especially in a derogatory way.
Don't speak critically or negatively about any other individual or group. You are here to talk about Christ and try to lead a person to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Don't give the impression that the Christian life is a "bed of roses." Some people are told that when they give their life to Christ, that all of their problems will be solved and life will be a complete joy for the rest of their lives. If you have been a Christian for very long, you know that you will still have problems.
Don't give a bragamony.
Example-What is a savior?
We call Jesus our Savior. Here is an example of how to explain to someone that you are witnessing to what a savior is.
Let's suppose that you are 10 miles from shore and your boat sinks and you can't swim. Along comes another boat as you cry out for help. - What is a Savior?
Let's say that the man in the boat throws out a book for you entitled "How to Swim". Would you call this man a savior? I don't think so. You may have a few other names for the fellow with your last breath, but I doubt that it would be savior.
Let's say that the man in the boat throws out a book for you entitled "How to Swim". Would you call this man a savior? I don't think so. You may have a few other names for the fellow with your last breath, but I doubt that it would be savior.
Now let's say that he gets out of the boat and shows you different methods of swimming. He shows you the dog paddle, the backstroke, and a few other things. Is this person a savior? NO! You might call him an example at best.
How about if he throws you a life preserver, pulls you into his boat, gives you a blanket, some hot chocolate and takes you about a mile from shore and throws you back into the water so that he may continue on his way. Is he a savior? NO! Maybe an indian giver. He really didn't save you because you will still drown one mile from shore just as quickly as you will ten miles from shore.
None of these examples are of a savior. A savior is one that gets you out of the water into his boat and takes you all the way to shore.
Jesus did not just give us a book with instructions in it, He was not just an example for us to follow, He does not take us part way to Heaven and then cast us back out again. When Jesus saves us, He stays with us through this life and takes us all the way and sets us on Heavens shore. That's what happens when you accept Jesus as your savior. He has stated that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will not cast us out (John 6:37).
Jesus did not just give us a book with instructions in it, He was not just an example for us to follow, He does not take us part way to Heaven and then cast us back out again. When Jesus saves us, He stays with us through this life and takes us all the way and sets us on Heavens shore. That's what happens when you accept Jesus as your savior. He has stated that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will not cast us out (John 6:37).
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