As a runner, it's been nice to see the recent boom in the sport. People of all shapes and sizes are out giving it their best. There has been tremendous event enhancement--color runs, zombie runs, 200 mile relays, and more.
One of my favorite additions to the running world is the "couch to 5k" app. This simplifies the training process, and literally turns a non runner into a racer! The one thing, though, that the app doesn't do is make the commitment. The individual must do that.
I've known people who were pumped to have downloaded the app, but have never used it. It's not the app that gets you off the couch!!
The same thing has happened in the church. The "boom" has happened more in the contemporary style churches. Loud music, flashing lights, skinny jeans (nothing wrong with any of these--however I do not do skinny jeans), etc. The church "event" has definitely been enhanced over the last decade.
One thing that hasn't changed though, is that the individual still has to make a decision to commit!! I'm not one to get hung up on which is right, traditional or contemporary, and I'm pretty sure Jesus isn't concerned with your worship style. I am sure, though, that He definitely wants commitment. He didn't die so we could own an app, take up space on a pew/really hip stadium seat, or simply be a member. He died so that we could have life, and the life that He gives only comes from complete surrender and commitment.
There are many "Christians" out there just like those "runners" that I know. They think that they are runners (or Christians) because of their association with the sport (or Church), and yet they have never gotten off the couch (or pew). They haven't made a real commitment.
Isn't it time to lace up, and get in the race?
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Evangelism is spelled LOVE
So I'm in the midst of prepping a sermon for next Sunday (8/16/15)...though I won't give all the details at this time--I would like to throw this nugget out there.
Evangelism is a word that makes most Christians run for the hills. "Why in the world would we want to get out of our comfort zone?" "You mean, you actually want me to talk to someone about Jesus--a stranger?" Yes, yes, and yes!!
Remember the old Batman and Robin shows from the late 60s (no, I wasn't around in the 60s--reruns baby!!) with the "Bam/Pow" fight words? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEruYOORRk4 I think most of us believe that's how evangelism should be. You're supposed to hide behind the mailbox, light post, tree trunk, or some other object that doesn't really hide you, and jump out with a "BAM! Jesus loves you!!" Really, who doesn't want to sign up for that?! You're more likely to get "POWed" back or simply run the person off. But this is our image of evangelism, isn't it? And this is why most people are terrified when the topic is brought up (mentioning "evangelism" or "stewardship" is a sure fire way to clear a room of "Christians").
Jesus didn't jump out from behind a tree. He simply invited others into relationship. It was through that relationship that others got to know Him, and respond to Him. He just loved people right where they were--that's it. That's all He's asking us to do, love people. That's evangelism.
How do you evangelize (especially if hiding behind a mailbox is out of the question)? You practice loving people. You offer up what I like to call "You Matter Moments" to people (you can also call them "I See You Moments"). All you do is acknowledge people, and if you see them on a regular basis--you've begun a relationship. Once you've established that you are a guy or gal that cares (this is called building trust), you can begin to share more about why you are the way you are (that's the "BAM/POW" Jesus part, but a little less threatening).
That's it. Evangelism--BAM!
Evangelism is a word that makes most Christians run for the hills. "Why in the world would we want to get out of our comfort zone?" "You mean, you actually want me to talk to someone about Jesus--a stranger?" Yes, yes, and yes!!
Remember the old Batman and Robin shows from the late 60s (no, I wasn't around in the 60s--reruns baby!!) with the "Bam/Pow" fight words? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEruYOORRk4 I think most of us believe that's how evangelism should be. You're supposed to hide behind the mailbox, light post, tree trunk, or some other object that doesn't really hide you, and jump out with a "BAM! Jesus loves you!!" Really, who doesn't want to sign up for that?! You're more likely to get "POWed" back or simply run the person off. But this is our image of evangelism, isn't it? And this is why most people are terrified when the topic is brought up (mentioning "evangelism" or "stewardship" is a sure fire way to clear a room of "Christians").
Jesus didn't jump out from behind a tree. He simply invited others into relationship. It was through that relationship that others got to know Him, and respond to Him. He just loved people right where they were--that's it. That's all He's asking us to do, love people. That's evangelism.
How do you evangelize (especially if hiding behind a mailbox is out of the question)? You practice loving people. You offer up what I like to call "You Matter Moments" to people (you can also call them "I See You Moments"). All you do is acknowledge people, and if you see them on a regular basis--you've begun a relationship. Once you've established that you are a guy or gal that cares (this is called building trust), you can begin to share more about why you are the way you are (that's the "BAM/POW" Jesus part, but a little less threatening).
That's it. Evangelism--BAM!
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