Carnivorous Christianity

I often hear people talk about wanting to go deeper in classes and study groups.  Every teaching clinic I have ever taught has that as a question that rises from the group.  In our age of information it is often mistaken that more knowledge means going deeper.  In reality, it is not more knowledge but more maturity that is required.  Look at what the writer of Hebrews told the churches:

11 We have a great deal to say about this, and it’s difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

There comes a point in our walk with Christ that we must turn knowledge into action.  Knowing more is not the goal.  Righteousness is the goal.  The ability to live a holy life is the goal while on this Earth.  This ability comes from two things:  Holy Spirit and personal choice.  When you place faith in Jesus Christ, turning your life over to God, then the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you.  However, God has given each of us the ability to make choices.  Thus, the Holy Spirit dwells in you and you must choose to obey.  The very presence of the Spirit causes a shift in desires and wants.  Coupled with personal choice, the individual makes massive strides toward maturity.

Carnivorous Christianity defines those who are making those choices toward the “meat” of Scripture and social realities.  We all seem to understand that learning is indeed critical.  However, application is something from which we shy away.  We want to learn but do not want to live?  The moment I learn that I am to love my enemy and pray for him rather than seek revenge I am held accountable.  The Spirit that dwells within has noted my knowledge and is now expecting the personal choice to live out that which I have learned.  The writer above uses the term “inexperienced”.  In other words, these people had knowledge but have not put it into practice.  They knew about righteousness but had not started living righteous.

My kids have recently started baseball/softball season.  We practice batting, catching, and throwing.  We also practice situational drills.  During these drills we set up a situation.  If the ball is hit to 3rd with a man on 1st where do you throw it?  These type of drills are good to help the kids know what to do.  However, until an actual game is happening it is just theory.  It is in those game moments that we see what needs to be encouraged at that next practice.  The energy, nerves, and fast pace can rattle anyone until they have the experience.  We can sit in church every week and listen to great sermons.  We can sit in groups and dive into wonderful studies.  Until we take that knowledge and put it into practical experience than we have not met the goal.  Our goal is to be “meat-eaters” of Christianity.  No amount of classroom learning equates to actual practical experience.  Theoretical Christianity does not meet needs, love people, or change the world.  Practical experience allows for training that classrooms never could.  This experience trains you in knowing good from evil and gives the strength to choose the good.

Put down the milk of theoretical Christianity and take a bite of the meat of practical Christianity.

 

Mirror Mirror

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall who’s the fairest of them all?

Who doesn’t remember that line?  The Queen always wanted the mirror to reveal her as the fairest of them all.  However, the reflection was not her own but of Snow White.  Self-image and self-esteem are often defined, unfortunately, by what we see in the mirror.  The best looking can see someone who is fat and ugly.  The ugliest can see beauty.  There are dangers in not seeing reality for what it is in any case.  It is important that we see the proper reflection…our true self.  God has created you in a particular way.  Obviously, the way we treat this gift from God can alter the perfection that God intended.  That is not the discussion today.  In this post, I would like for us to look at who God has recreated us to be.  At our birth we are innocent before God.  We have been “made in His own image” in that our Spirit is at peace with God.  When moral accountability begins so does spiritual accountability.  Sin twists, bends, and disfigures.  Because of this we are no longer suitable to be in God’s presence at death.

There is hope!  Knowing our condition, God sent Jesus.  He did what we could not so that we could be changed.  At the moment of faith, we are made right before God again.  In this right standing we must give honor to the one who did the work.  We did not do anything but Christ did everything.  God looked upon the perfection of His Son coupled with our belief and we are made right.  The apostle Paul would comment in a letter that it was no longer Paul that lived, but Christ that lived within. So when you look in the mirror, we should be reflecting Jesus.  Look beyond, the wrinkles and scars.  Look past the blemishes.  Let Jesus shine through for your benefit and for the benefit of others.

In Hebrews chapter 1 we see the idea that Jesus Christ is the perfect reflection of His father God.  The Son reflects God’s own glory and everything about Him represents God exactly.  If it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me, then I should be reflecting Jesus who is the perfect reflection of His Father.

Am I?  Am I really reflecting God?  If I were to ask those around would they be in agreement?  The Mirror wasn’t for the Queen.  What would the mirror of your friends and co-workers reveal?  If you don’t like the answer you believe you would get here are a few tips to help you along:

Choose.  Jesus had to choose what He would follow.  Jesus had to choose His responses.  These decisions are not always easy but are worthwhile.

Communicate.  Jesus stayed in communication with God.  He knew what was desired.  He knew the plan because of the communication that was maintained.  Reading scripture and talking with God are more than tic marks on your daily journey.  They are the lines of communication needed to receive up-to-the-minute notifications.

Capitalize.  Let one victory become the next one.  You cannot eat an elephant more than one bite at a time.  Set small goals that lead to medium goals that lead to larger goals.  You want to win the championship, but today’s game comes first.

Calibrate.  I was always told to make small corrections before making dramatic corrections.  If, at the end of the day, you notice something out of whack then make small corrections to get back in alignment.

Have a great day!!

Blank Slate – Day 3

What is most important to you?  Do you find yourself wanting to be involved in that more than you now are?  Do you find yourself struggling to maintain integrity?  Achieving balance is hard work.  Learning to define yourself in a healthy way is also work.  Becoming a new you or the best you God created is not easy.  Establishing a blank slate in our lives provides a lot of opportunities and distractions.  With this new year or new life upon you what will you make of it.  God does the heavy lifting of forgiveness and cleansing, but you must do the work of organization and maintenance.  This is where priorities come into play.  We can have a perfect setup, but if our priorities are out of touch with our reality then we can get twisted quick.

God began with balance on Day 1 of creation.  God provided definition on Day 2.  On Day 3 God is establishing priorities to the world order.  If things fall apart it is not because God is wrong, but our priorities are wrong.  It is on us.  It is our problem.  God will help and has provided useful tools and information trough Scripture that will certainly guide us but the final decision has been left up to us.  The world order God established was centered around Himself and in a particular stack.  While this galaxy may be centered around the Sun, the universe is centered around the Son.  In addition, notice how God chose to order creation.  He did not start with animals or man he finished with them.  Notice how he ordered things.  He started with vegetation.  This would remove problems with erosion and provide more Oxygen to sustain life later.  Vegetation would establish itself and then be home and food to the next order of Creation.  Birds and fish were next.  The food chain would begin as the larger beasts would be created next.  Finally, the crown jewel of Man was created.  He would dominate and subdue all that has been created.  He was king of the world except for THE KING of ALL.  God has His priorities and we see them in Creation.  Do you?

How do we establish our priorities?

1.  What will your life revolve around?  Jesus would later say that a person cannot serve two master.  He must choose one or the other.  We cannot live full and rich lives trying to have several priorities  equally.  Something falls or fails.  So, then, what is the one thing your life will revolve around?  God established the world to revolve around Him.  Should our lives be any different?  How would your life look, or change, if suddenly you decided that God was the center of your universe.  We often think, as Eve did, that we are the center.  God is.  Think of your life like a clock.  the hands move in a particular order.  This order is established by the motor in the middle driving the arms around.  We have all excepted that 1 is before 2 and 5 is before 6.  Yet, none of that happens without the motor in the middle.  I will tell you that any motor other than God will fail you.

2.  Order your life around God.  Now that God is the center how do the other things shake out?  What is the #1 thing God would have you focus on?  What is #2?  See the pattern?  We are not to order these things according to our desires.  We are not the motor in the middle.  God is.  Pray. Read. Think.  What does God want me to focus on in the #1 position?  While you might not have 12 things, consider establishing 3.  Focus on those 3.  As you allow God to be the center and prioritize your life around Him you  will begin to flesh out what He wants.  What are the top 3 things He wants you to be about?

So, what is most important to your center?

 

Blank Slate

Every new year is like a blank chalkboard after a school holiday.  The cleaning crew has done its job and the boards are clean, clear, and ready for chalk!  One can barely, if at all, see any reminders of the former session.  You have a new year that you are staring at right now.  Maybe you have a new you that is staring at you wondering if the new will just be another version of the old or if it will be different.  There is something inside of us that longs for the different, the slower, the simpler.   While I would not trade the technology I have grown accustomed to and that you are using to read this very blog, I do yearn for those moments when the pace was slower, life was simpler, and relationships were real.

We have a chance!  We have a blank slate.  What will you write on it?  How will you manage the space?  What will eventually get erased for something else to be written?

As many of you might start a new Bible reading campaign on this day, or week, we find ourselves in Genesis.  God had a blank slate on which he masterfully created everything we know today.  In those seminal moments, He was methodical and patient.  I do not desire to argue about how long it took but rather the potential thought behind it all.

Day 1 – Balance -Darkness covered the entire surface.  God decided that the darkness was out of balance and light was needed.  The balance of light and dark carries over into all facets of life.  We must have balance.  Some call it Chi while others call it Yin-Yang.  The Bible calls it Light/Dark.  For many of us I believe life is usually out of balance.  God started with balance and so should we.

I can always tell when my car tires are out of balance because something shakes, making the ride uncomfortable.  The efficiency reduces because there is too much drag in one area.  The danger rises because if the tire wears too thin and blows while driving down the highway the car could get out of control, spin, flip, or hit other cars.  God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface and the decision was made to bring light into the situation.  The Holy Spirit hovers over our lives trying to get our attention light the low pressure gauge to alert us.  Where is life uncomfortably shaking?  How is your efficiency and productivity?  Are you being dragged down because of something out of balance.

Begin with balance.  Make the necessary choices.  Don’t resolve. Do.  There is no try.  There is either do or do not.  What will you do today?

For Shame, For Shame

As we approach the Holiday, or as some feel, Shame, season of the year I wanted to share a few things to help us navigate these choppy waters of family, friends, and holiday events.  Many of us will spend much “quality time” with family members that can dredge up all manner of evil like CSI diving in the East River.  Even approaching the house, memories invade and emotions stiffen.  These negative emotions are often due to some trauma, experience, or relationship that carries such negativity that we can hardly breathe.  Shame is:

1. negative emotion: a negative emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness, and embarrassment
2. capacity to feel unworthy: the capacity or tendency to feel shame
3. state of disgrace: a state of disgrace or dishonor

Why do we feel these emotions around a time of year where thankfulness and joy are to abound?

1.  Your track record of behavior is not how you were raised.  If you were honest, you would admit that the current behavior, lifestyle, housing arrangement, etc is not approved by the parental unit.  You fear the subject being brought up though our false-pride and bravado would kick in and you never openly say those words!  You dread the judgmental looks and comments from family.  As early as Genesis 3 we see this pattern happening.  Adam and Eve had made a poor choice of lifestyle and now were awakened to shame, guilt, and fear.  This sin is what causes us to feel that way too.

2.  Your family has a history of being holier than anyone else.  Let’s face it, sometimes our family is perfect and we cannot live up to that kind of standard.  Dad is the model citizen and mom wins all the awards in the community.  Your family has been like a glass house to the public and held in high esteem as the family everyone wishes they had.  Maybe you had friends openly state they wish they had your parents.  All the while you rolled your eyes and prayed to God that this would somehow end.  This is the same kind of feeling you get about halfway through any holiday meal!  Your prayer life triples right there at the table.  It is hard to live up to those family standards.  In fact, you haven’t and now the shame is poured out on you, possibly without you even deserving it!  Maybe your sibling was the perfect child.  Imagine living in the home with Jesus and having to hear, “Why can’t you be perfect like your brother Jesus?”  You might have heard those kinds of things.  Having everyone drop in together for a meal, a day, or more can be overwhelming.

3.  The Family Secrets.  You know what I am talking about.  Those events from the past that no one is supposed to discuss.  The time that Dad got drunk and….  That one day where your sister skipped school and then cried for days after.  That Summer where you felt all free and wanted things to be special before leaving for college.  The time when you heard the screams from the basement.  All of these secrets have never been exposed to public discussion.  All of these events are locked up in your heart and spending time with certain family members creeps you out.  Maybe, you don’t want Uncle Joey hanging too close to your kids.  Yes, these things can bring a sense of shame; a wish that you had a different family.

How do we deal with shame?

Be honest before God.  Adam and Eve came clean and God dealt with them mercifully.  We must be honest before God about those actions we can control.  Faith in Jesus may not erase your memories but there is no condemnation in Him either.

Be honest with yourself.  There are those things that are out of your control.  Be who God created you to be.  Live how He desires for you to live.  My parents don’t “approve” of all the things I do, but as an adult they are not in control of me.  If I am good with God then I am good to go.

Forgive.  For more read THIS.

The holidays do not have to be something you dread.  God provides a multitude of coping skills through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Here are a few that you can request starting right now:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Happy Holidays!!

 

The Phoenix Church

The phoenix is an Egyptian mythological bird of red, gold and purple plumage, colors of the rising sun. The phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and resurrection, died in the fire of the funeral pyre, but arose from the ashes.  Given so much talk these days of declining and dying churches, here and there, in addition to Ed Stetzer’s blog, dead church is becoming more of a reality than any want to admit.  The church is to be filled with life, light, hope, strength, and the Holy Spirit which brings all of these to bear.   How could that which provides a pathway to life be dead?  How can that be?

Here is a description of the church:

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

How could any body of people with this reality be dead?  As Dr. Vance Havner used to put it, spiritual ministries have four stages: man, movement, machine, and monument.  When the church moves into the monument stage, she is declining into death.  In this stage the church is simply looking back at the monuments of glory from years gone by.  The way things used to be: attendance, money, and more.  Like the glorious phoenix dying on the funeral pyre the church is setting itself on fire through a series of rebellions as well as masterful deceptions by the enemy as articulated by Thom Ranier.

Is there any hope?  Many would say no citing that the traditional church has become too old in a world that prefers new.  The established church has become this beastly burden of bureaucracy that cannot move like an overweight, out of shape, boxer entering the ring.  The rate of change is such that the established church cannot keep up.  For some, it is easier to build new than remodel.  I beg to differ and will share my thoughts tomorrow.

There is still hope.

Say What?!?

Minion What

►

Have you ever had that reaction?  When someone made some remark about you and you thought, “Whaaaaat?”  Maybe you heard something in class or at work or over lunch that struck you as odd, weird, or just plain wrong.  We often react the way the minion did.

Recorded in the book of Acts is the growth of the early church.  People from all over the world were coming to faith in Jesus.  The power of the Holy Spirit was manifested more during that time than maybe any other.  The innocence and passion of the first believers magnified the Spirit in their lives.  So much so, that Peter’s shadow healed people.  Paul’s apron healed people.  The fame of these men spread and soon others wanted in on the action.

11 God was performing unusual miracles through Paul. 12 Even handkerchiefs and aprons he had used were taken to the sick, and their diseases were driven away, and the evil spirits would go out of them. 13Some Jews who traveled around and drove out evil spirits also tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to do this. They said to the evil spirits, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches.” 14Seven brothers, who were the sons of a Jewish High Priest named Sceva, were doing this. 15But the evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you—who are you?”

Those demons knew these sons of Sceva were out of their league.  It was as if the demons said, “Whaaaaat?”  What they heard was such nonsense.  They knew Jesus.  They recognized Paul.  These men they did not know.

How often do we go around trying to be someone else?  The clothes, makeup, speech patterns, words, and more we choose often is a result of wanting to be someone else.  We are unhappy with ourselves for some reason and attempt to be someone else.  Maybe they are richer or more famous.  Maybe we believe they like themselves more and we want to emulate that position.  Regardless, we need to be who we are designed to be.  These men were trying to be someone else and it caused them great embarrassment and harm.  They were trying to look and act like Paul.  They were not Paul.  They were not believers.  They were users and haters.

• Believe it – God made you special.  God loves you as you are not when you try to be someone else.
• Sacrifice it – Give your life to God by faith in Jesus unlocking your full potential.
• Own it – By faith you have been forgiven.  You have received the Holy Spirit.  You are a child of God.
• Live it – Following Christ is like fulfilling the dream you never thought was possible.

Have a great day being you!

 

The Day The Music Died

In 6th grade band I was trying out for 1st chair.  For the non-bandy types this means the number 1 position in the instrument area.  The music was provided in time for a week of practice.  I practiced it until I had it cold.  I was new in this school and had much to prove both for myself and my social position.  If I could win 1st chair from the one who had it I would score major points in many areas important to a 6th grade boy!  The day finally came for tryouts. In the middle of band, while everyone was present, we had to play the piece for the teacher.  As each took a turn, I couldn’t help but notice that theirs sounded strange.  About that time, it was my turn.  I straightened up in the chair and played it just the way I had practiced.

I got last chair.

You see, the picture at the top represents what is called the key signature.  It tells a player how to  play certain notes.  In this picture you see that there are 3 sharps (#).  I played the music as if it had 2 sharps.  There is no real reason for this other than God knew I needed humility at this point in my life!

If we use the wrong standard of measurement, or the wrong key signature, you will not win what you desire.  I believe that our denomination, state conventions, and churches are using the wrong standard of measurement when it comes to gauging success.  Every year we pass out awards for those who have baptized the most overall and per capita.  I believe we have been negligent when it comes the commands of Christ in this regard. Let’s look at 2 verses.

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few.”

I was taught and have preached this verse of Jesus with passion for evangelism.  However, I think we fell short.  When you harvest, the reproduction(evangelism and conversion) has already taken place.  The harvest is of the fruit which contains seeds for more reproduction.  In other words, the harvest is of disciples.  This fruit is what every farmer is after.  Disciples are what Jesus wanted.  However, we have grown happy just to have leaves push through the soil and reveal a field of green.  This is at the heart of awarding for baptisms and not disciples.  We award churches for cultivating the soil, planting seeds, and seeing green leaves.  No farmer in their right mind thinks that is the harvest.  The harvest is later.  The goal of Jesus is not converts but disciples.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

If we continue to play in the wrong key like I did on that day, then we will never sit 1st chair.  Baptism numbers are not as telling as evangelism ratios.  How many people does it take in your church to win someone to Jesus?  The current SBC statistic is here.  What is it in your church?  You see the harvest is the fruit of the growth and ability to reproduce.  The harvest is the a field of stubby green.  The farmer does not get a check(award) because of sprouts(converts).  The farmer gets a check(award) with the harvest(disciples).  Evangelism ratios are not the only way to measure discipleship.  However, it is better than what we are doing.

What other standards could we use to measure discipleship?

Church Bullies

A good friend of mine was verbally blindsided.  While in a denominational meeting, what was a mild discussion turned into something more.  Seemingly out of nowhere, an individual rose up and spewed ridiculous expressions in front of a group of people.  While we all sat stunned, he kindly replied with class and strength.  This event is not unusual in church and denominational life.  I have witnessed many types of people who are out for power, or blood, whichever can propel them into the limelight and feed the need for influence. Bullies all seem to want the same thing: power.  They either have a deep troubling need of their own or they are trying to overcome a desire to fit in.

When it comes to church life things don’t change because people are just people.  The problem is that we are to be changed by Jesus Christ.  We are to be new creatures, but instead, some things do not change.  Why people bully is simple.  How they bully is more complex.  Here is a list of several types of church bullies.

1. The Elephant – this one just blows through everyone with strength and noise without really recognizing they are doing it.  This type is obvious to most of us because it is the most public.  The Elephant rumbles through meetings with volume and bravado.  He will over-talk and out-talk the victim making them feel belittled and useless.  People get trampled and wasted.  While this person will come right at those who offend, there is no love or respect in their actions.

2. The Puppet-Master – this one goes behind the scenes gathering up people and makes a power play.  The puppet-master is opposite the Elephant.  Instead of going straight at their offender, he controls those around.  The Puppet-Master strings up person after person with the lies or gossip they want others to believe.  When they feel like they have enough people on their side, they will make a move.  Controlling the action from the background allows them to seem to be innocent when they are bullying everyone from their minions to the target.

3. The IED – this blows up unexpectedly harming all who are around.  This one hides in the sand just underneath the surface waiting for the target to walk across them.  When the mark does just the right thing the IED blows up.  This bully is that person everyone tells you to avoid and history speaks for itself.  Don’t talk to her in the morning until after their coffee.  Don’t bring up this or that topic.  If you find yourself dodging certain people you might be a victim!

4. The Stealth Bomber is a combination of the Puppet-Master and the IED with tech savvy.  She flies under the radar until the bomb is dropped, there is much work done while in stealth mode.  Through texts, emails, and pm’s she will gather all the information needed to make a sneak attack.  One model might cloak with smiles and handshakes while secretly stabbing you in the back.  Another stays cloaked, whispering in the dark hallways.

5. The Hijacker is a new addition to the church bully hall of fame.  This bully uses emotion to control the flow of information and decision-making. Usually, this person will use tears and a cracking voice while grabbing for the tissues.  While blowing their nose and drying their eyes they express their position in a long and drawn out way to acquire the approval of everyone around.  To bully others into supporting a position is something most people cannot handle.  So, they go along to keep the peace and ease the false tension in the atmosphere prepared by the Hijacker.  You need to be aware of this type because it is on the rise.

6. The Air Horn uses short blasts of language to stifle any debate or discussion.  She uses spiritual, church lingo to stop all arguments and debates.  For example, the church might need to discuss an important topic but gets stopped with a spiritual platitude.  The Air Horn will say things like “You just gotta have faith” as if you don’t.  Another phrase might be “You just have to trust God” as if you don’t.  This bully uses spiritual phrases that make you feel less of a Christian simply because you use logic and reason.

The point is that bullies are not Biblical regardless of their intent or speech.  Jesus made it clear how we are to handle things if someone offends us.  You go to that person in love and discuss rationally the issue at hand.  If there is no resolution and it is a serious spiritual matter then take a couple of people with you to discuss the matter.  There is only One who is to have power in the church and He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  We, in this day, have been given the Spirit as a Comforter, Guide, and Counselor.  May we not walk away from Scripture or the Spirit just to get a power fix.

Stop the bullying.  Exchange it for love and respect which is commanded by God.

The EPIC Plan

We all want days like this, right?  How do we achieve them?  As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been given an EPIC plan from the King!  Let me briefly share it with you.

Let’s begin with 2 words of encouragement because I know what you’re saying.  It is the same thing I used to say.  You don’t believe you can.  You don’t think you’re qualified.  Some of you believe success is for someone else.  I disagree.  I believe that God desires to so much more in you, to you, and through you then you could ever think or imagine.  I believe God has your best interest in mind, all the time.

Encouragement #1 – Power
Jesus said that all power in Heaven and Earth had been given to Him.  All of the resources of God are at His disposal.  Jesus is telling you that these resources are available to you to carry out the plan.

Encouragement #2 – Presence
Jesus says that He will be with you always.  He will walk you through the process.  He will hold your hand.  He will cheer and cry with you.  He will, forever, be with you.

When you look at these verses  in Matthew 28 you see how He has created bookends around the plan of power and presence.

18Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What is this plan?  It is EPIC!!

Engage the world around you.  When Jesus said “Go”, He meant what He said.  We are to go into the world.  Our world today is not as receptive to the street corner screamers and Bible bashing believers of days gone by.  Actually, I am not sure how productive they ever were but they were popular at one time.  Today’s culture is spiritually savvy.  They have been inoculated with just enough Jesus to be dangerous.  Through evangelism efforts, VBS, event ministries, and more people have become aware of the Gospel.  We must engage them in a relationship.  Striking a balance between the time needed to develop this relationship and the urgency of knowing Jesus could return at any time is a difficult one to accomplish.  However we must attempt to speak into the lives of people through a relationship.

Proclaim the message of Christ.  A relationship is the beginning of an opportunity to share the gospel with them.  Over time, there will be a certain amount of trust that will allow you to turn a conversation in the necessary direction.  We are to go into the world.  Some critics would have you believe that we are only responsible for those in our immediate areas.  According to the earlier verse and this one we are to go everywhere!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

We are to engage and proclaim locally, nationally, and internationally as God allows and provides.

Instruct the commands.  The third part of this plan is to teach new believers the ways of Jesus.  Conversion is not the endgame.  Making disciples is the endgame.  David Platt and Francis Chan have pulled together a great resource for accomplishing this task at Multiply Movement.  Making converts is exhausting because you never get any help!  If you make disciples then you are building in a growing number of people exponentially.

Continue until completion.  Until Jesus returns or every human being as accepted the call of discipleship, there is no stopping point.  We continue to engage, proclaim, and instruct.

Be EPIC!  You know you want to!!