Community News 3/22/18

Day 4 of Week 3: When Necessary

Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:16

Spiritual Preparation

When seeking to be a witness for Christ, it’s important you are spiritually prepared for whoever and whatever God places in your life. Today, let’s take a moment to spiritually prepare ourselves for our mission.

It is vital as we go into any ministry opportunity that we be rejuvenated with the Spirit, which we receive at salvation. However, maintaining vibrancy comes through spiritual disciplines of prayer and reading the Word. I know that when I’ve neglected to pray or read because of “busyness” I feel drained and distant from God. It’s why it’s important we place the highest priority in praying and studying Scripture each day. Do this and you’ll be ready and equipped for the people God brings into your path.

Ephesians 5 says that we are to be filled with the Spirit, a continual work that the literal meaning “be filled” describes. Colossians 3 serves as a parallel by showing the Word must dwell within us. Don’t neglect to refresh yourself through times of devotion in the presence of God. This is easily one of the most important things, if not the most, you could ever do in your life. In fact, you can never have too much prayer or time in the Word!

Along with prayer and study, pray for opportunities to meet people and talk about Christ. Pray for open doors to share your testimony with others. If you ask God for these opportunities, He will provide them!

Adapted From: Authentic Witnessing in Today’s World - You Version

Community News 3/19/18

Day 1 of Week 3: When Necessary

Mark 2:17

What is a Witness?

Every week people are throwing parties for the lost at churches all across the world. Staff and volunteers alike plan and prep for Sunday mornings with such enthusiasm and attention to detail as any celebration party. But what if we threw these parties and no one ever came but those who are saved? What would be the point of throwing a party if the guests of honor weren’t there?

In Mark 2 Jesus is explaining why He came to Earth. To the surprise of many at that time, it wasn’t so that He could hang out with the spiritually stable or prominent religious leaders. It was so that He could get into the messy business of compassion and serving the down and out. Jesus came to relate to the broken, sick, and lost to lead them to eternity.

In this one verse, we are being challenged as believers to do the same and we call it witnessing. It’s the very core of our mission on Earth. Many often ask what their purpose is, and if that’s you, start with this verse.

Go out there and be a witness for Christ. This means looking for opportunities to meet unbelievers, building relationships with them, and sharing what Jesus did in His own mission on Earth.

In this reading plan, we are going to explore what a witness is and how to practically share the Gospel with those outside the faith. It’s time to equip yourself for the mission you’ve been given as a disciple.

Adapted From: Authentic Witnessing in Today’s World - You Version

Community News 3/16/18

Day 5 of Wk 2- When Necessary

John 9:1-33

Moving from the WHERE of sharing our faith to the HOW, we'll take a look at a story in John 9. But before you read that passage, understand what's happening. The beauty of this story is that we get to see the three aspects of this man's life that are the same three aspects we talk about when we share our beliefs with others.

Just like this man after the miracle Jesus did for him, we talk about who we were before Jesus met us (this will be different for everyone, but we were ALL broken, lost, & ashamed). Then we talk about when we met Jesus: the moment when we knew everything was going to change. And then we get to show the example of our changed life - the life we live now.

This is so incredibly important because critics can challenge a lot of things, but you can't deny a CHANGED LIFE! 

Practical Steps // Begin rehearsing your story this morning so you can tell it easier: where were you before Christ, what happened when you met Christ, and how are you different now?

                  Adapted From: Next Steps: Bring - You Version