Some oyster fishermen off New England learned an important lesson. They discovered that their oyster beds had become infested with starfish. The fishermen cut up the starfish they caught and threw them overboard. Much to their dismay, rather than destroying them they were actually helping them multiply.
The truth is, if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place. In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish.
For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the most dire circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived. Jesus said of His church that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
If anything divides us, let’s multiply!
Tags: evangelism, persecution, starfish
Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:4).
Joseph Stalin didn’t plan to assist the church in Russia during his purge of political and religious dissidents. But he did help it when he sent some pastors and Christian leaders to the labor camps of Siberia. From Magadan, where they got off the ships, the prisoners were sent in work gangs to forests, mines and remote areas to clear land, dig out vital ore, and cut roads through remote areas. It was grueling work that many did not survive.
But those believers were not silent. They banded together, and as they were sent from place to place they witnessed and taught, leaving behind clusters of believers. In many communities of Eastern Siberia, strong churches still stand and groups of Christians witness to the faith and courage of those dedicated servants.
Wherever the Lord “scatters” you, look for opportunities to talk about how good your God is. People need that hope.
Tags: evangelism, persecution, Russia
Our short-term trip to New York City is now back home. I just read through the Mission Trip Evaluation forms that the team turned back in and it appears to have been a great trip. The office is working to put together a trip report for this weekend via pictures or video.
One of the evaluation questions was: “How do you think this trip has changed/will change you?” One member responded: “It gave me confidence to minister back home. It taught me how to just strike up a conversation with someone and ask about their needs.” What a great lesson.
We sometimes think that we have to know a lot of theology to talk to someone about faith. But this person learned its not about us and what we know, rather its about them and what they need. It starts with caring about them. Perhaps there is someone you know who just needs a listening ear.
Tags: Caring, evangelism
There’s a legend about a rabbi who welcomed a weary traveler into his home for a night of rest. After learning that his guest was almost a hundred years old, the rabbi asked about his religious beliefs. The man replied, “I’m an atheist.”
Infuriated, the rabbi ordered the man out, saying, “I cannot keep an atheist in my house.” Without a word, the elderly man hobbled out into the darkness.
The rabbi was reading the Scriptures when he heard a voice, “Son, why did you throw that old man out?”
“Because he is an atheist, and I cannot endure him overnight!”
The voice replied, “I have endured him for almost a hundred years.” The rabbi rushed out, brought the old man back, and treated him with kindness. How do you treat unbelievers? If God patiently waits for them to come to faith, can you?
Tags: evangelism, judging, mercy
Children were arranging the figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child in the little manger scene. They lighted two candles and carefully tried them in various positions until the light fell exactly where they wanted it. One child excitedly said, “Be sure that Jesus shows!”
What if that thought could be foremost in our daily lives – “Be sure Jesus shows.” Like the candles, we can direct attention to Christ in our daily actions and proclaim to our neighbors that we are genuine Christians.
What are you going to do today to make sure Jesus shows?
Tags: Christmas, evangelism, witness
We keep track of all the visitors that attend New Hope each week. We consider a “visiting family group” to be from 1 individual to a family of five. In the 2009 year we had a total of 281 visiting family groups come through our doors. Obviously, some were visiting family from out of town because of a holiday, baby dedication, or special event, but the majority are within driving distance and are potential converts and new church members.
There were 86 visiting family groups in the Saturday night services, 60 visiting family groups in the Sunday 9AM service, and a whopping 135 visiting family groups in the Sunday 10:30AM service. In a day when nothing is traditional any more, seekers still choose to attend that 10:30 AM service over the other alternatives.
The 10:30 service is a mission field! On an average Sunday there will be two visiting family groups attend that service (last Sunday there were 7). These are people who have expressed an interest in our church, have never been here before, and are prime targets for what we say our mission is: To make disciples who make disciples. It also contains those who come back a second, third, and fourth time: great potential.
If anyone really wanted to make a difference in the Kingdom of God, that’s the service to attend and become involved in. That’s the service where needs are the greatest. That’s the service to be praying for.
Tags: church, evangelism
“On the eleventh day of Christ my True Love sent to me: Eleven Pipers Piping“.
The eleven Pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles. Jesus had hand-chosen them, including the one unfaithful apostle. Each of these apostles was given the intense training of Jesus Christ Himself. They walked through crises with Jesus, heard His messages repeatedly, saw signs and wonders, and experienced bitter persecution.
They each received a calling (the word ‘Apostle’ means ‘sent one’). Some, like James, lived a short ministry, while others, like John, lived a long ministry. Each, with the exception of John, died a violent death at the hands of their persecutors. And each leaves a legacy of church plants and hundreds of converts to Christianity. They each received a message and took it to the far corners of their world. They were the eleven Pipers Pipers the good news of Jesus Christ.
Tags: apostles, evangelism