Shelter in a Storm

Is it a fundamental misunderstanding that causes a person to investigate “church” from the standpoint of what they can get out of it?  Is it selfishness?  Perhaps it’s a matter of what the minimum requirement for membership might be, since it should feel comfortable and relaxing to go to church. 

I overheard a conversation recently, wherein the participants discussed the subject of choosing, or changing their church affiliation.  In the whole discussion there was no mention of truth, grace or doctrinal correctness.  The selection process seemed to focus on what the various organizations were able to provide in the way of activities for children and whether worship services met various criteria such as fitting into a busy secular schedule, the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of the music, and a general feeling of being welcome and fitting in.  What all of these things have in common is that they fulfill self-centered needs.

First impressions are very important.  The reality is that these are the kinds of things that create first impressions.  Maybe some of these are reasons a guest might come back, and that in coming back they might find a firm foundation for belief, truth, and grace.  Without Christ as a foundation, connection and affiliation with a local church becomes a loose decision based on emotions and feelings which easily change from day to day and week to week.   

We can be very good at taking care of the physical needs of people in the name of Jesus, but always remember that the goal is that a soul is saved and God is glorified.  In our acts of caring it’s important that people know that it is to God’s credit that His church has such character.  It’s a life of service for the purpose of bringing people to Christ.  The act of Worship should certainly be uplifting to the worshipper, but our expression of love for the creator and His Christ are at the center.

We will make a first impression.  Our guests will evaluate their first experience with us, so we must try to accommodate their expectations, and then help to focus our guest’s evaluations on our core beliefs.  When it comes to caring, and sharing the Gospel, people must be led to understand why we care, so they can be looking for a foundation, not just a shelter in a time of storms.  Perhaps a secular activity is a good place to knock out the making of a first impression.

If The Door is Open, Come On In.

Someone you know might substantiate their claim of a stake in Heaven with phrases like “I’m a good person,” or “Sure I believe there is a God,” or “I used to go to church all the time, growing up.”   Others might feel, having grown up in the western hemisphere that they are Christian simply because they do not identify with the Buddhist, Hindu, Jew or Muslim, which are typically identified as eastern or middle-eastern religions.  These are wonderful conversation starters.  Every one of these positions indicate that you are talking to a person who’s belief system has little foundation and who is more likely than some to be open to talking about God.

I Peter 3:15 says in part, to have your answer ready when you are asked the reason for the hope you have.  So, where do we begin in preparation for the next time one of these ideas comes up in conversation?  Have you ever had a delicate conversation or perhaps a heated discussion with someone, and a minute after they are out of earshot you think of exactly the thing you should have said?  If only you had anticipated the flow of the conversation, you’d have closed the argument.  Preparation begins with anticipating and to some degree directing the discussion.  Take some of your meditation time to play out the various scenarios in your mind.  Take some time to develop that humble, one line zinger that causes a person to reflect on their relationship to God.   Don’t neglect the “humble” part.  Your goal is not to “win” the argument or close the discussion, but to open a sincere dialog.

Not every conversation about our Spiritual reality will be the same.  Depending on a person’s level of exposure to the Gospel they may be up for a discussion about baptism by immersion; or maybe they only hear the word “Jesus” in songs at Christmas time.   As a missionary, you will have to take people from where they are and move them toward the Cross.  Recall in Acts 8, that Phillip came upon a fellow who was reading from the book of Isaiah.  The story makes a clear point that Phillip began with that very passage and before the ride ended, the Ethiopian had his eye on some water in which he could be baptized.  Another example might be that it is best to allow someone to discover their own sinful tendencies, rather than pointing them out.  Then again, a shock and awe approach might work on some.

Before you think yourself out of this idea, be aware that you certainly do have enough information to have a conversation about God with this person.  What did you know before you were taught to believe, repent and be baptized?  What was the piece of information you gleaned that caused you to believe, repent and be baptized?  That’s the key.  If you don’t recall a compelling book, chapter and verse from the Bible, teach from your own conversion experience to begin, and then introduce them to the church.  Introduce them to the friendly, forgiving, truth-seeking, loving, humble and caring family of God.

Don’t let a beautiful opportunity slip away.  Keep your list handy and keep praying for the harvest.

The Light of the World

Think of the love that Jesus showed toward the residents of a dark, fallen world.  Look with wonder that people were drawn to a man whose appearance, by Biblical accounts, was average at best and who was of limited means, but somehow impressed people so that at a word, men would devote their lives and follow.   Jesus brought light and hope to the world.  In just three short years he so influenced people that His example is still felt and His light is still reflected 2,000 years later.  OK;  He is Jesus.

But, didn’t He say that we are the light of the world?

“Light of the World” is a familiar metaphor for Christians whose character and example stand out and command the admiration of those with whom they come in contact.  As we go about our business, care for our belongings, raise our children and live our routines, people may see us as a fine neighbor, a loyal employee or a good friend.  A regular observer of our conduct might grow to appreciate the higher standard to which we hold ourselves.  Our light may shine in such a way that folks might be drawn to us and find out that we have hope in Jesus. 

Even if our light shines this way, we must ask ourselves a difficult question; “Is it enough?”  From one perspective, “right living” could be considered a minimum expectation.  It’s possible that many souls have been saved because a Christian was caught setting a good example.  A person of good character and conscience might recognize joy and hope, and subsequently wonder what it is that makes Christians so special.  There are no statistics to support this assertion, but our light might be more effective if it were taken to the people who are in the dark, rather than waiting for those in the dark to seek the light.

Think of the names of the people you know outside of the family of God.  Make an actual list.  Pray with the list in your hand, that your light will draw these people to Christ.  Do not put this off.  It is an important first step in getting more of our members involved in growing the church, and it is a simple task.   “Just do it.”