Acts 8:26-40
What is your witnessing technique? Are you out for numbers only, beating people over the head with your testimony, hoping to mark notches on your spiritual belt? Or are you philosophical, enjoying deep discussions on religion, without communicating the simple message of Jesus? Or are you a silent witness, never opening your mouth about Jesus unless someone asks – and few, if any, ever do? Or are you simply... available?
Philip was available. He hadn’t gone to a Witnessing Conference, where he did role-play scenarios practicing various witnessing techniques. He hadn’t studied up on the way others approached people about Jesus, pouring through book after book getting ideas for the right things to say at the right moment. He hadn’t memorized the “Roman Road” with all the associated commentary so he could repeat it verbatim to anyone he ran across. Nope… he hadn’t done any of these things. He was merely available.
Take a moment to read Acts 8:26-40 once more (use the link above), and then think about what Philip did.
First of all, Philip was led by the Spirit (v. 26). This means he was leading the kind of life that allowed him to hear when the Spirit spoke to him. He had a deep, personal relationship with Jesus and was open to what His Spirit led him to do.
Next, Philip was obedient (v. 27), acting upon what the Spirit told him to do. Once he was in the company of the statesman, he didn't leap right into witnessing or giving a long, theological discourse. He talked with the man, listening and looking for the right opening (v. 30). He asked a simple, leading question. Noticing that the statesman was reading Isaiah, the prophet, Philip said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" That opened the conversation wide for a good discussion, didn't it? When the statesman responded (v. 31-34), Philip was tactful, opened his mouth, and "began to preach Jesus to him"… just that simple. No long treatise on religion… no confusing doctrinal garbledegook… no long, pre-rehearsed discourse filled with “Christianese” words that only a long-time Christian would understand… None of that… Instead, Philip’s shared the simple message of Jesus and Him crucified (v. 35). The results? Read verses 36-38 for yourself.
Study Philip's method of witnessing. If you really want to learn a witnessing “technique” by heart, this is the one to follow. The steps are simple, uncomplicated, and easy. All you have to do is be available.
Devotional by Dogwood Ministries Inc.
Showing posts with label Devo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devo. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Courage & Faith in God's Will
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
Matthew 17:20
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
I think everyone struggles with courage when doing something that may be awkward, scary, or threatening in some way. In preparing for this mission trip to Italy, sometimes it can be a little nerve-racking to think about trying to communicate with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you do. In my case, I don't speak very good Italian! So, I have to trust that God will intervene and help me communicate, even when I may feel as though nothing is getting across or understood. [Non capisco?]
It's also a little scary thinking about flying over the ocean for many hours.. I must say, it makes me a little nervous. But, I know that God has a plan and a purpose for my life, and I believe that going to Italy for a short time this next week is a part of that plan, whether I'm supposed to meet one person to share my story & the Gospel, or several students. I trust God with my safety, my life, and every piece of this mission trip because ultimately, He knows exactly what I'm supposed to do and who I'm supposed to encounter in Italy.
I think a lot of people struggle with the thought of God having this perfect plan for our life, especially in the midst of a trying time. Sometimes, bad things happen and it's easy to doubt God and to blame God for those circumstances. But, it's important to trust God and pray about everything.
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Philippians 4:6
We all worry a lot, about different things. Stop worrying and start praying! God is always there, whether you're worried about a test, a flight, an illness, a friend, an enemy, money, or anything else - give it to God, and thank Him for all He has done, and all He will do.
Matthew 17:20
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
I think everyone struggles with courage when doing something that may be awkward, scary, or threatening in some way. In preparing for this mission trip to Italy, sometimes it can be a little nerve-racking to think about trying to communicate with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you do. In my case, I don't speak very good Italian! So, I have to trust that God will intervene and help me communicate, even when I may feel as though nothing is getting across or understood. [Non capisco?]
It's also a little scary thinking about flying over the ocean for many hours.. I must say, it makes me a little nervous. But, I know that God has a plan and a purpose for my life, and I believe that going to Italy for a short time this next week is a part of that plan, whether I'm supposed to meet one person to share my story & the Gospel, or several students. I trust God with my safety, my life, and every piece of this mission trip because ultimately, He knows exactly what I'm supposed to do and who I'm supposed to encounter in Italy.
I think a lot of people struggle with the thought of God having this perfect plan for our life, especially in the midst of a trying time. Sometimes, bad things happen and it's easy to doubt God and to blame God for those circumstances. But, it's important to trust God and pray about everything.
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Philippians 4:6
We all worry a lot, about different things. Stop worrying and start praying! God is always there, whether you're worried about a test, a flight, an illness, a friend, an enemy, money, or anything else - give it to God, and thank Him for all He has done, and all He will do.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Hands & Feet of Jesus
We are called to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus Christ himself. Please be praying for our team as we prepare for and set out on our journey, and as we ready ourselves for the calling to Bolonga, Italy. Our mission is to grow deeper in our faith, to become a disciple and missionary in our everyday living, and to teach others.
My challenge to you is this: practice being a disciple and missionary in your everyday living. Reach out to coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, classmates, a waiter/waitress, cashier, homeless person.. You don't have to leave the country to be a light. Ask God to cross your path with someone in need of His love, someone who may need a friend, and to use you and speak through you to reach that person. It probably won't be a person you expect it to be, but it will be the person God has chosen for you.
I also challenge you to get in contact with someone who does mission work in foreign countries. PRAY about an opportunity to serve God and to reach people, even if it's something you're completely uncomfortable with. I really don't love to fly over the ocean for 10 hours, but I know God will keep me safe. It's not going to be about comfort or fun or what you want to do. God will put you in some pretty uncomfortable situations, but these situations and experiences will cause your faith to grow in unimaginable ways.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 25:19-20
My challenge to you is this: practice being a disciple and missionary in your everyday living. Reach out to coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, classmates, a waiter/waitress, cashier, homeless person.. You don't have to leave the country to be a light. Ask God to cross your path with someone in need of His love, someone who may need a friend, and to use you and speak through you to reach that person. It probably won't be a person you expect it to be, but it will be the person God has chosen for you.
I also challenge you to get in contact with someone who does mission work in foreign countries. PRAY about an opportunity to serve God and to reach people, even if it's something you're completely uncomfortable with. I really don't love to fly over the ocean for 10 hours, but I know God will keep me safe. It's not going to be about comfort or fun or what you want to do. God will put you in some pretty uncomfortable situations, but these situations and experiences will cause your faith to grow in unimaginable ways.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 25:19-20
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