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An Easy Method for Sharing Your Faith

From Rick Warren, a new way of breaking down the Christian Message.

Who have you cared enough to tell? Who are you taking to Heaven with you?

If you just have a vague idea in your mind, it’s never going to happen. You need to get specific.

One way to do this is to write down the names of six people you want to take to Heaven with you. They may be friends, family, or co-workers. They’re people you care about, people you can invite to church, or people you can share the Good News with.

George Gallup did a survey that said in America there are 34 million people who said, "I would go to church if somebody invited me." Do you think you might know one of those people? Probably!

The world is far more ready for an invitation than we are ready to invite. So take the challenge. Write down the names of six people. Then pray and ask God to give you an opportunity to invite them.

Your first thought might be, "I don't know what to say!” Below is a simple four-step tool to help you.

Then at the proper time when you’re talking with someone who wants a purpose for living and the hope of Heaven – but hasn’t a clue how to get either one – you can ask, "Have you ever established a spiritual base for your life? These are the four things you need to do to get into Heaven.”

B – Believe
You must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and showed he was God by coming back to life.

Do you believe that? If yes, then you’re one fourth of the way there already.

A George Gallup poll said that 87 percent of Americans believe this. That’s why Christians celebrate Easter. Do you believe? Then say, "I believe Jesus was who he said he was – God – and he proved it by coming back to life.”

A – Accept
You need to accept God’s free forgiveness for your sin.

Would you like to accept that? I don't know anyone who’d reject it.

Why would you? If you’ve got this one, you’re half way there. Do you agree, "I have sinned, and I need to accept God’s free forgiveness for my sin”?

S – Switch
Switch to God’s plan for your life. That means you’re going to say, “I’m no longer going to do what I want to do. I'm going to live the plan God made me for. I want to know God’s purpose for life and from now on God’s going to call the shots, not me.”

When you become a Christian, you put a sign on your life that says, "Under New Management!" Now you’re doing God’s plan for your life. After all, your plan hasn’t worked out too well.

If you’re willing to do this, you’re three quarters of the way there.

E – Express
Express your desire for Christ to be the director of your life – the manager. The word in the Bible is Lord.

Are you ready to express that?

After explaining the four steps, ask the person if he or she is willing to take them. If he or she is, and if he or she has never invited Christ into his or her life, lead in this simple prayer:

“Dear God, I believe you sent your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins so I could be forgiven. I'm sorry for my sins, and I want to live the rest of my life the way you want me to. Please put your Spirit in my life to direct me. Amen.”

If you get the privilege of praying that prayer with someone, explain to the person that he or she has just crossed the line. The person has verbally put his or her trust in Christ. Let the person know that even if he or she doesn’t understand everything yet, that’s OK.

It’s just like when a baby is born into a family. That baby doesn’t understand everything. That’s the purpose of a church family – to help babies grow spiritually.

Then, congratulate the person. They’ve just joined the family of God.

Does that seem hard? Do you think you could do that with somebody?

I was talking to one of our church secretaries and she said, “I’ve been a Christian for many years, but I’ve never led anybody to Christ.” After I shared this simple technique, she said, “I can do this! My dad is not a believer and we’re not close, but I believe God wants me to call him.”

She picked up the phone and called him and explained the four steps, and he prayed that prayer and started crying. He gave his life to Christ. Now her dad is going to Heaven.

She told me, “If I hadn’t listened to the prompting of God and hadn’t obeyed what he said, my dad would be headed for Hell.”

Who is it that God has brought into your life to share the Good News with? God wants to use you.

Our theme at Saddleback for the 21st century is this: “Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.”

Have you written those six names yet?

Christianpost

The Gospel of Superman Returns!

Cool article in the Christian Post...

You definitely don’t need x-ray vision to see through the plot lines to the messianic overtones in the latest installment of the Superman saga. Using intense and inspiring imagery, director Bryan Singer weaves together a story that simultaneously marks the triumphant return of the man of steel and the timeless story of the Son of Man.

I must confess, though, that before I saw the movie I was a bit skeptical. I said to myself, “self, I hope this isn’t a forced attempt by my brothers and sisters to make a movie about an alien superhero into a New Testament narrative”.

And boy was I wrong. There’s no forcing here. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the Christ parallels in “Superman Returns” are as obvious as the lies in “The Da Vinci Code”.

At the small risk of giving just a little bit away, although I doubt any of these things will catch you by surprise, allow me to give you a glance into one of the best Savior metaphors I’ve seen in a long time.

Clark Kent is sent by his father (named Jor- El by the way…get it? El- the Hebrew name of God the Father) because the people of earth "lack the light to show the way."
And if that weren’t obvious enough, the ghost of Marlon Brando continues by saying: "For this reason, I have sent them you, my only son."

At that point I was expecting a huge “John 3:16” sign to flash across the screen.
And if that’s not enough for you, there is a point where Jesus Superman sustains a stab wound in his side, and soon after poses with his arms outstretched as though crucified.
Wait! There’s more!

How about the mild mannered reporter not being able to lie (i.e. righteous), and coming back from an absence to be the Savior of the world? I’m telling you folks, Matthew-Mark-Luke-and John should have been included in the credits!

So as I left the theater, one strong theme stuck in my mind. There is a scene in the film where Lois frankly states: “The world doesn’t need a Savior…and neither do I.” To me, this is perhaps one of the most subtle yet strongest parallels to the story of Christ, because it is directly reflective of the world in Jesus’ time, and the world in our time as well. Lois saw the need for a Superman as an immature weakness because she was deceived into a false sense of security. Of course when things fell apart she was all about the savior thing, which is a lesson we all should take f rom the film. The world DOES need a Savior, and so do you and I. Sometimes we don’t see it until catastrophe hits, and sometimes it is too late. That’s why we must be about the business of the Father, which is to help people see their need for the only One who can rescue them f rom the ultimate catastrophe: an eternity apart from Christ.

Here was one of my favorite scenes. The last exchange in Superman Returns includes a line where Superman assures Lois:

“I’m always around.”

Which reminded me that I have a Savior I can call on at any time in any circumstance.

And no, it’s not the guy in tights…it’s the God of the Universe.

Greg Stier, Christian Post Guest Columnist

Many Americans Unbalanced in Faith & Lifestyle

The latest Barna Group survey found that 51 percent of adults identified family as their first priority and only 16 percent listed faith, making it a runner-up. Among the different people groups measured, evangelicals were twice as likely as non-evangelical born again adults and almost five times more likely than notional Christians to place faith at the top of the list.

Further in the study, however, the small percentage who placed faith as their highest life priority were among Americans who largely think of themselves as being highly spiritual. According to the survey, 59 percent of adults described themselves as a "full-time servant of God" but only 25 percent listed faith as their most important priority. And only one out of every four who consider themselves "deeply spiritual," ranked faith first.

"Spirituality is in vogue in our society today," said George Barna, founder of the research institute that bears his name. "It is popular to claim to be part of a 'faith community' or to have a spiritual commitment but what do Americans mean when they claim to be 'spiritual?'"

ChristianPost

Majority of Unchurched Claim Christian Faith

A new Barna survey found that 76 million adults in America do not attend church although more than half of the unchurched say they are Christian.

Having more than two decades of studies on the unchurched population, the Barna Group surveyed 1,003 adults from across the nation for the latest study and found that 34 percent of the adult population has not attended any type of church service or activity, other than a special event such as a funeral or wedding, during the past six months. And nearly one-quarter say that a person's faith in God is meant to be developed mainly through involvement in a local church.

Denominationally, Catholics made up the largest share of unchurched adults with 29 percent and Baptists followed with 18 percent.

Although unchurched, 77 percent say they are either absolutely or moderately committed to the Christian faith and millions of them engage in spiritual activity during a typical week. Nearly two-thirds pray to God, one-fifth read from the Bible, and five percent participate in a small group for Bible study, prayer or Christian fellowship.

ChristianPost

Got Church?

I hated church. Sure, I attended for many years, but did so out of obligation. Years later there was a major shift in my church experience when I became a Christian and discovered a church I could relate to.

I was un-churched for twenty years when a friend invited me to a relevant place where for the first time I heard what Christianity really is. Not religious activity, but a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And I learned that becoming a Christian, beginning that relationship, requires a decision. I took that step and I stuck with that church.

I think of church as a vehicle that makes me accessible to God. Sure, God could force His will on us; but He doesn't work that way. By participating in a local church we expose ourselves to worship, teaching, serving, outreach, ministry, and community — and we allow God to grow us.

When Jesus returned to His Father, a plan unfolded. A God-created community called church was launched. A community devoted to Jesus's teaching and saved by His grace; they gave to the needy; shared their possessions; and spread His message of hope. Acts 2 describes this new kind of community -- the first church.

Can a Christian survive apart from a church? God is certainly sufficient to care for our needs outside the church. You can still get to heaven if you don't go to church. But even though it's technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation, I wouldn't recommend it.

When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). But 1John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.

The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It gives no examples of Christians who belong to the "universal church" but have no link with a local church.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.

How to Find a Church There are some great churches out there. Find one!

A Thankful Heart

After Thanksgiving service at church last night and driving home on a dark stretch of road with a clear sky full of stars, I began to think about the wonder of God and what I am really thankful for this year.  Like so many, the usual items such as my family, my home, my relationships, good health and jobs came to mind.  Then, I clearly remembered all of these blessings in my life have been put there by a loving and caring God.

I was humbled as I took time to remember He is the giver of all good things.  He is the lover of my soul and the one who watches over me on a daily basis.

Twenty years ago, He showed me what life would be like if I only acknowledged His Son, Jesus Christ.  I made that decision to follow Him with all my heart.  What I frequently forget to do is, to thank Him for the gift of Christ in my life.

Things would be so different for me, my marriage and my family without the Gift of Christ.  Lord, this Thanksgiving, I am grateful and thankful for your Son.  He is the best Thanksgiving Blessing I've ever received.

Got Group?

The last thing I need are more commitments. So when a friend invited me to a men’s breakfast early last Saturday I wasn’t overly enthusiastic. (It was Saturday – the one morning I can sleep in – and it was another commitment.)

Being the friend that I am, I said “yes”.  I figured I’d keep my buddy company.

Several years ago, as young Christians, Sheri and I joined our first couples group. What a ride that was.  Our spiritual lives jumped off the charts! We were introduced to the bible, we learned about church life, our confidence grew, and most importantly – we discovered community.

Community – in the context of small groups and close relationships – is where real growth happens.

Sheri and I are group evangelists. When a couple comes to us with a broken marriage, the first question we ask is, “Are you connected?”;  The first next step we suggest to new Christians is “join a small group”;  As we mentor engaged couples, high on our list is “group” and accountability. We’ve learned – by trial and error mostly – that community is an obligatory element of the Christian life. We were designed to do life in community.

So, that Saturday morning I dragged myself to the restaurant with expectations set somewhere between pancakes and orange juice. I hadn’t been to a men’s event in years and wasn’t motivated enough (i.e. too tired) to engage.

Or so I thought.

There was an agenda, but as with most group experiences the real value was in going “off topic”: sharing personal stuff, laughing, praying, listening, encouraging... It was great!

Sheri and I have relationships all over the place – couples group, marriage accountability, a corporate board for Growthtrac, close Christian friends – we’re well connected. Who would’ve thought I needed one more connection.

• more on Small Groups

Got Baptism?

This week our church celebrated the sacrament of baptism. One by one, around fifty new believers went public with a story and a dunk in the water. Nothing amps me up like baptism, witnessing the changed lives, the excitement, the courage. What especially impassions me is how God seizes people of all ages — from 60-somethings to middle-schoolers — and how they all share the same transformation.

Have you been baptized?

If you're a Christian, the bible says that's something you need to do. At some point every Christian needs to step out and go public with their decision to follow Christ. Baptism is a way of saying, "Hey, I'm a Christ-follower!" The immersion in the water (and some churches do a sprinkling instead) symbolizes the changed life: Past sins washed away by Jesus' death on the cross, and the birth of a new life in Christ.

Baptism is not only something Jesus commands us to do, it's a moment you'll always remember.

More Reading...
Baptism
Been Baptized?
The Growthtrac Spiritual Channel

Legacy

This past year has been a tough one for us in many respects.  We've experienced the death of my husband's father in November 2004, our sister-in-law in May 2005 and the death of a very close friend's son-in-law this past week.  My husband's father was much older and you come to expect death as a person ages. The other two individuals were only 47 and their deaths were very unexpected.

Each memorial/funeral was very different in how the family responded to their grief and their memories of the individual. 

What came to mind after the memorial service we attended this past week is - there is a legacy we leave behind.  It can be one of pain, bitterness, hatred, anger and very difficult memories or it can be one of hope, joy, laughter, belief in God and togetherness as a family.  I know I would prefer the later.

With our children and grandchildren, what memories will we leave them??  Will they know we loved them? Will they know we loved, honored and respected our spouse? Will our family be sitting there by themselves or will they be surrounded by many friends and acquaintances who bring them joy and laughter as they speak about us?  Will thoughts of us bring a smile to their face?  Will they know we prayed for them? Will they know we helped others in need?

Most importantly, will they know about our love for Christ? Will we have shared His love and story of grace?  Will we leave our family with hope and a future to see us again in heaven, or will we leave them wondering?

Strategic Chili

This past weekend, we paired-up with a neighbor couple and organized our First Annual Chili Cook off.

But this wasn't just any neighborhood get together.

We live in a community of new homes with lots of young families who've lived here a year or less. We're guessing that most of us are unconnected — and probably un-churched — and could benefit from some introductions and new relationships.

We began simply with a vision of facilitating neighborhood connection, which might in time develop friendships and establish a support system of caring friends. And who knows: eventually deeper relationships may develop; we begin doing life together; enrich marriages; an invitation to church...

So we planned, mailed out invites, rented the tables & chairs, bought the ice & soft drinks plugged-in the crock pots, and prayed. There was no agenda. No evangelism or "church talk".

We had a great turn out. Forty new friends laughed and ate chili on this crisp fall afternoon. Success. Good chili too.

We're planning a Christmas cookie exchange (our Third Annual) this December. We're thinking about being a little more purposeful and actually tossing out a "community group" (small group) invitation.