LINGO – CHURCH WORD #9

Rev. Knolls at his computer Cypress UMC

WITNESS noun \'wit-nes\
1 one who has personal knowledge of something
2 a : something serving as evidence or proof, sign b : public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction <the heroic witness to divine life — Pilot> 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." –Acts 1::8

Did you know the average church-goer will, over the course of their life, hear 4,000 sermons, sing 20,000 songs, participate in 8,000 public prayers and lead zero sinners to faith in Jesus Christ? This is a sobering and sad statistic. How close are you to average? If you have never been a part of bringing another soul to Jesus, then you’ve missed one of the most precious experiences of life. Sharing Jesus with another person and seeing the difference He makes in their life is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. “And like Paul, all Christ-followers who ‘get’ what it means to be used by the Holy Spirit are thrilled with any opportunity to help move a person even an eight of a millimeter closer to God.” (Bill Hybels)

Sadly, I’m sorry to say many people miss out on it. According to a recent study, on average within three years of a person becoming a Christian, they will no longer have close friendships with people who aren’t Christians.  This happens because of a multiple of factors, but the end result is that Christians are loosing evangelistic contact with other people.

Unfortunately, too many believers have lost that burning sensation to share the message of hope. Why are we not excited about sharing the story of Jesus? Are we too concerned about being politically correct? According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Barna Research Group, only 53% of born again American Christians feel a sense of responsibility to tell others about their faith. In other words, nearly half of American Christians don’t share the Good News!

The institute of American Church Growth polled 4,000 people and asked them how they were influenced to attend the church where they eventually became members:

• 2 - 3% just walked in
• 2 - 3% came through the churches programs
• 5 - 6% were attracted by the preacher
• 1 - 2% came out of a special need
• 1 - 2% were reached through visitation programs
• 4 - 5% came through a Sunday school class
• ½ - 1% came through a public evangelistic crusade/campaign
• 75 - 90% were converted through the influence of friends and relatives

So when Jesus calls us to be a witness for Him, He calls us to reach out to the least, the lost, the left out and not just rub elbows with other Christians. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ so all may hear the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, go now and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

-Rev. Harold Knolls, Associate Pastor at Cypress United Methodist Church


Suggested reading:
Bill Hybels Just Walk Across the Room, Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith

LINGO – CHURCH WORD #10

My older brother Marty and I

RIGHTEOUS: right·eous/Adjective

1. (of a person or conduct) Morally right or justifiable; virtuous.

2. Perfectly wonderful; fine and genuine.

Growing up, it was not uncommon for my older brother to aggravate me by hitting me, throwing things at me or calling me names. When my brother did something to me that was wrong I would make sure to let my parents know, because when you are treated poorly you usually go to someone who can make things right! My parents could offer me justice and had the authority to get things back on track.

In the world, when things go wrong, God’s attributes and character include making things right. In the days of Noah, when the world was headed in the wrong direction, God called upon Noah because he had a Godly character. 

Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)

When God wanted someone to go into the promise land, he called upon Abraham. 

“Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)

When God entered into the world, He chose Mary to carry the baby and Joseph for the father. 

Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man. (Matthew 1:19)

God’s ultimate act of making things right, was the cross. In our brokenness and our disobedience to God’s will, we do not have the ability to make thing right with God. However, Jesus goes to the cross, bears all the sins of the world so that when God looks at all of us He sees “righteous people”.  By the cross, we are right with Him again. 

When we receive Holy Communion or when we remember our baptism, we remember the God who makes us righteous because of His deep and abiding love for us.

In our human condition, we want things made right when we have been wronged. In our walk with God, He deems you and I right on the cross.  He is the ultimate judge of true righteousness.  Trust in Him.

Prayer: Thank you God for the gift of your son Jesus. On my own, I am not righteous. I ask for you to continue to allow your Holy Spirit to sustain, encourage and mold me to walk close to you everyday. Amen.

What do you think?  Still have questions, please comment below.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS KIDS - CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT

TRYING TO FOCUS...

This week, as I sit in class, I have been trying to focus however, our world has experienced a tragedy in Arizona, flooding in Australia, and we have been remembering the earthquake in Haiti. Today, I felt the need to pray for those in recovery in Arizona, Australia and Haiti. There is so much need in our world but I know God is in our midst. Will you join me in prayer?

But you, O Lord, do not be far away!

O my help, come quickly to my aid!

Deliver my soul from the sword,

my life from the power of the dog!

Save me from the mouth of the lion!

From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.

I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

Psalm 22:19-22

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THE NEW YEAR IS THREE DAYS OLD

While the New Year is already three days old; I have already worshiped our great God and spent time with family and friends.  It has been a great start.

Today, I am happy to return to work and I thought I would share with you a prayer.  I believe it would be a good way for you to enter you day as well.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury,pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen