Thoughts from Pastor Tim - November 18

Dear Church Family –

Good news!  We’ve been hearing reports in the last few months about greater spiritual interest in our culture—college ministries growing in leaps and bounds, Bible sales soaring, more conversations on faith, and morality, and purpose being initiated by unbelievers.  The headlong pursuit of self that has driven our culture is leaving people empty and wondering and hungry for spiritual guidance from a trusted source.

It's a great time to be alive and to be part of God’s great work in the world.  It’s a great time to engage with people in our culture, and a great time to remind ourselves of a Biblical strategy of evangelism.

1.     Pray to the Lord of the harvest – Matt 9:38 - “…pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

            2.     Adorn the doctrine – Titus 2:10 - “…showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”

            3.     Be ready to give an answer – 1 Peter 3:15 - “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”

            4.     Do the work of an evangelist - 2 Tim 4:5 – “…always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Which reminds me, once again, of the words of Oswald Chambers that are both exciting and convicting:

“We do not sufficiently realize the power we have to infect the places in which we live and work by our prevailing habits in those places.”

Try asking someone a question such as…

Do you ever think about your purpose in life?

Do you ever wonder about right and wrong?

Do you ever think about God?

Do you ever worry about how to lead your family?

Or craft your own question.  You might be surprised at the conversation it opens and the opportunity it gives you to share a reason for the hope that is in you. 

I’ve been reminded this week of how much I love our Emmaus Church family!  Thanks for being part of shining Christ’s light in our community.

With hope in Christ – Pastor Tim