12 THINGS I DO WHEN I SHARE JESUS DOOR TO DOOR

Yes, I do go door to door to share Jesus with people! And yes, I do find it to still be a very good approach to getting the Gospel out to people!  And yes, I do see lots and lots of positive responses from those I go to and many of them are giving their hearts and live over to Christ. 

For the most part people, even those not interested, have been cordial and polite. It has only been on very rare occasions a person is rude and mean spirited. 

But what I am going to share in this post is 12 things that I go door to door to share Jesus with people in my community.  These are 11 things that I have found to be important reminders.  I share this strategy with you because it can easily be done by any Christian in their own neighborhood where they live or with a Home Fellowship Group of churches that wish to be more missional. 

1.  Go In Teams Of Two Or More

Going in teams of two is a very Biblical approach. In Luke 10 when Jesus was sending out the 72 He sent them in teams of two.  We see the Apostle Paul and Barnabas forming a missional team. We see Peter and John often together on missional activities.  

Teams provide safety, encouragement, and accountability.  If you have to go by yourself then I guess you have to but if you can find someone to go with you, even if its just there to pray while you talk, then that is more desirable.

2. DON'T WEAR SUNGLASSES

I know that sounds silly but the reality is that if people can't see your eyes they will be more suspicious of you. You will look intimidating and it will create an immediate wall of separation between you and the person you're talking to. 

Your eyes communicate your sincerity and passion. Allowing people to see your eyes is part of the communication and connection you are wanting to establish with a person you're trying to share Jesus with. 

3. KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKET

Again, this is about creating trust and putting people at ease.  The reality is that if you talk with a stranger while having your hands in your pocket the person will concentrating more on your hands and pockets than what you are saying to them.

When strangers see you with your in your pocket they are wondering if you have a knife, gun or some other thing they should be worried about.  The solution is simple: Take your hands out of your pockets and fold them in front of you, so they are in plan sight. 

4. INTRODUCE YOURSELF

This seems obvious but I have been amazed with the number of people who have gone door to door but never once shared their name or the name of the person that came with them.  Here's what I usually say,

"Hi, my name is Jay Moore and this is my wife Linda."

The shorter the introduction the better.  Once you share with a stranger your name psychologically you are no longer a stranger! Why? Because they now know you by name.

5. TELL THEM WHY YOUR THERE

This is important and needs to be share real quickly.  The people you are visiting are wanting to know, so there's no need to have a chit chat session with them.  After I introduce myself I will say something like this:

" ... we are going through the neighborhood sharing with people that God loves them, we care about them and because life is really tough for people these days we have come by to see if there's anything you need God to do for you, any miracle you need God to perform for you that we can pray about for you.  Is there anything you need God to do for you?"

Many times after saying this many people have questions.  They may ask, "Are you JW's" or "Are you with a church?"  or they may not really understand what you said and they ask, "What are you here for?"  After answer those clarifying question I'll always go back and say, "So, is there anything that I can pray for you about?"

6. PRAY WITH THEM FOR THEIR REQUEST

After they share their prayer request immediately pray for them about that specific need. Ask God to meet that need and do in such a way that the person knows it was God who did it.  Believe me when I tell you that people are hungry for prayer - they need prayer - and very often accept offers for prayer.

Prayer communicates to the person you care about them.  And communicating that you care is critical to preparing to share the Gospel.  There's old saying,

"People don't care how much you know - until they know how much you care."

Praying for people communicates that you care a whole lot!

7. ASK PERMISSION TO TELL THEM A TRUE STORY FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Once you have prayed for them ask them if you can tell them a true story from the word. of God. This is important because the Bible teaches us that faith comes from hear and hearing the word of God.  To share a Bible story about Jesus is a powerful way to initiate a spiritual conversation that will lead to a Gospel presentation. I would suggest the story of Jesus at the house of Simon the Pharisee' when the sinful came and began to cry on Jesus' feet.  

Don't read the story - tell it in your own words but accurately.  Don't add to the story but also don't leave anything out of it. 

8. TRANSITION TO TELL YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY

After sharing a true story from the Bible immediately begin to share you personal testimony of coming to Christ.  Don't ask permission.  They already gave you permission to share a Bible story just continue to talk by sharing your story in Christ.  Start your testimony off by saying, "Just like this person who was desperate to see Jesus and receive forgiveness of sin so I to had a time in my life when I wanted my sins forgiven.  Then tell them your story. Share with them what you life was like before coming to Christ, how you came to Christ and what your new life in Christ is like now.

9. TRANSITION TO TELL A SIMPLE GOSPEL PRESENTATION

Once you have finished your testimony say something like this, "And the best part of my new life in Christ is that Jesus now has me going around telling people that just like the person in the story was forgiven of their sins and just like I was forgiven of my sins, so now they too can experience Jesus' forgiveness for their sins.  And then share with them a simple Gospel presentation.

10. ASK THEM THE QUESTION

Once you finished sharing the Gospel ask them the million dollar question! Ask them, "Would you too like to experience Jesus' forgiveness of sin?"  If they say, "yes" then lead them in a sinners prayer of commitment. A good fisherman knows that they need to reel in the line if they will ever catch a fish; likewise a good disciple maker knows they need to ask the question to receive Christ.

11. CELEBRATE THEIR DECISION

Once you're done praying get excited and let it be known how amazing a decision they just made.  Let them know and experience your excitement for their decision to follow Christ.

12. SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO COME BACK IN A FEW DAYS

Before you leave make sure you set up a time to meet within the next few days to begin learn more about Christ and what he has commanded.  This is when you begin to disciple them to be obedient followers or Christ.

Staying Focused On What Missional Living Is All About

Are you focused when it comes to missional living or are you all over the place and not really sure what it is you should concentrate on?  This is short video I am going to share with you that we need to get back to the heart of what missional living is all about and what you need to stay focused and prepare to live that powerful missional life anytime, anywhere and with anybody.  

WHAT AND BE CHALLENGED!

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1 Powerful Way To Encourage Other Christians For Missional Living

Missional Living is as much about helping and encouraging other Christians to live missional lives as it is about sharing Christ with those that have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In this episode of The Ordinary Christian I am going to share with you a powerful way you can do both at the same time.  Watch and be encouraged!

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2 Essential Characteristics For Developing A Missional Living Reputation

Listen to what it was that caught the attention of the Apostle Paul and others around the known world at that time that caused him to thank God for them every time he thought of them.  These two things were the characteristics that built a powerful missional living reputation for that church.

Do you have those characteristics?  Watch and find out.  

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How To Shine The Light Of Christ At Thanksgiving

Here's one idea how you can quickly and easily shine the Light of Christ in your part of this dark world during Thanksgiving.  

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Gaining Wisdom For Missional Living

Powerful and effective Missional Living requires the wisdom!  Where does that wisdom come from?  Watch this short video and encouraged to be wise in sharing Jesus with others, making reproducing disciples makers and on shining the Light of Christ brightly in your part of this dark world!  

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS BOYCOTT BUSINESSES? A Missional Living Perspective

Should Christians who are on mission with Christ boycott companies just because they don't agree with their social agenda?  Undoubtedly you've been encouraged to do so! But is that the best approach when your desire and aim is to shine the Light of Christ brightly in your part of this dark world?  MAYBE NOT! 

Take a few moment and watch this video to learn about a different perspective when it comes to this practice of Christians boycotting companies.  Now please know that I am not ruling out the possibility that boycotting is appropriate especially when it comes to some group like, Planned Parenthood, who as part of their service kill babies and sell their body parts.  I am referring to companies that have legitimate service and goods but maybe their social agenda isn't what we would want as a Christian  

Watch the video and then leave a comment sharing your thoughts. Please remember to keep your commitments respective and not hurtful.  

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5 Biblical Powerful Biblical Principles For Missional Living

In this video I am going to share with you 5 Biblical Principles for living a missional life found from Jesus' Sermon On The Mount.

Do You Truly Value The Gift Of Eternal Life That Christ Has Given You?

5 Biblical Principles For Shining The Light Of Christ

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

#1:  ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE LIGHT - NOT JUST SOME!

"You are the light ..."

Having the Light of Christ isn't for just a few special people. Every single person who has given their life over to Christ by faith has the light!

#2:  CHRISTIANS ARE TO SHINE THE LIGHT IN THE WORLD - NOT CHURCH BUILDINGS!

"You are the light of the world ..."

To much of what we do to shine the Light of Christ happens in building tucked away from the real world.  The people who need to see the Light of Christ are not coming into our church buildings. Christ told us to go shine His light in the world.  

#3:  CHRISTIANS ARE TO DISPLAY THE LIGHT - NOT HIDE IT!

"A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

We are not to hide the light away so nobody knows that you follow Christ. Instead, we are to shine His light in a way that lots of people can see it and benefit from it.

#4:  GOOD DEEDS IS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE LIGHT - NOT JUST WORDS!

"let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds"

Doing good deeds or loving actions is a way to illuminate people's lives so they can see Christ and God's love.

#5:  THE GOAL IS TO GLORIFY GOD - NOT OUSELVES!

"glorify your Father in heaven"

The goal of shining the Light of Christ is for people to glorify God the Father.  It should never be our aim to get the glory for ourselves. The glory always belongs to God and God alone!

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6 Bible Verses Describing God's Mission

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1.  MATTHEW 24:14

This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.

2.  MATTHEW 28:18-20

Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

3.  MARK 16:15

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

4.  LUKE 24:46-48

"This is what is written: the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high."

5.  JOHN 20:21

"Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

6.  1 PETER 2:9-10

"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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy,but now you have received mercy."

Missional Living Is Kind

Jesus said that the world would know that we are His disciples by our love for one another and the Apostle Paul said that love in kind, so one of the ways the world will know about Jesus is through our kindness. Watch this video to learn more and then take some time to evaluate your own missional living to see if kindness is part of it.

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5 Things To Be Clear About For Powerful Missional Living

When it comes to living a powerful missional life that brightly shines the Light of Christ there are some things one needs to be absolutely clear about! Today we are going to look at 5 of them.  We will be looking at Joshua 1:1-9 with the call of Joshua to join God on His mission and the 5 things God made perfectly clear for him so that he would be able to accomplish the task he was being assigned.

I. You Need A Clear Word From God! (v. 1-2)

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites."

Here we see God coming to Joshua explaining to him the situation about the death of Moses, about how He was appointing Joshua to become the new leader and commanding him to get the people ready to cross over into the Promised Land! Basically God is telling Joshua to GET READY - GET THE PEOPLE READY - YOU'RE HEADING OUT!

In this passage there is no indication that Joshua was confused about who it was that was talking to him.  Joshua knew it was God!

There is also know indication that Joshua was confused about what God was telling him to do.  Joshua knew exactly what God was telling him to do!

To be effective in missional living we need to tune our heart, mind and spirit to be able to recognize when God is speaking to us and to understand what God is telling us to do. There can't be any confusion on either point.  We are following Jesus on His mission and as such we need to be able to understand when God is shifting gears or making course correction.  WE NEED TO HAVE A CLEAR WORD FROM GOD!

II.  You Need To Claim God's Clear Promises! (v. 3)

"I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses."

Did you catch the fact that God was giving Joshua a "Clear Promise"!  God used the phrase, "I will"!  It didn't say, "I might" or "It's more than likely" but it was a very definite, " I will".  He gave the same promise to Joshua that He gave to Moses.

The Bible tells us in 2 Cor 1:20 that all the promises of God are "Yes" for those that are in Christ.  When we know and by faith hold onto God and His promises we can claim those promises for living a powerful missional life. Knowing God's promises and knowing that God has said "yes" to those promises for us who are in Christ is powerful when shining the Light of Christ. 

III.  You Need To Receive A Clear Vision From God! (v. 4)

"Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west."

Did you notice how clear and specific God's explanation of what the Promised Land consists of?  God gave Joshua the exact boundaries that the Promised Land would reside in.  

When God assigns a mission He imparts a vision that is very specific!  When God told Noah to build an ark, God was specific in the exact way he wanted it to be built. God's vision is always clear and specific.

What has God clearly called you to do? What does it look like? What things need to happen and take place for it to be done?

IV.  You Need To Rest On God's Clear Assurances (v. 5)

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

In this passage God give two assurances that Joshua could hold on to:

1. No one will able to stand against you all the days of your life;

2. God presence would never leave him.

In Matthew 28:18-20 we have what has come to be known as Christ's Great Commission.  In it Jesus gives us, who are on mission with Him, 2 assurances.  These two assurances are:

1. That Jesus has the authority to assign us this mission.  We are on a mission under the authority of God himself.

2. And that His presence would be with us always!

Once you clearly internalize the reality that you are on a mission under the authority of Christ himself, who has all authority in both Heaven and earth, and that Christ himself, through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit goes with us that's the makings of a powerful missional life!

V.  You Need To Hold On To God's Clear Guarantee For Success (v. 6-9)

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

3 different times we hear God telling Joshua to be strong and courageous. These 3 reminders was to emphasize God's guaranteed success!

Verse 6: tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because "He will lead them to inherit the land". There's no if's, and's or but's - Joshua would accomplish this mission.

Verses 7-8: tells Joshua to be strong and very courageous because obedience to the Law of Moses guarantees success.

Verse 9: Reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous - don't tremble or be dismayed because God is with him wherever he goes and because of God's presence success is guaranteed.  

We too can be confident of our success to the mission that Christ has called us to because Christ is the Sovereign Lord of all creation.  HIs will must be done!

How Patient Are You In Your Missional Life?

Jesus told His disciples that the world would know that they are His disciples by their love for others. Love for others is the proof of a sincere relationship with Christ.  Love is the Light of Christ that shines from us to others who still need to know Christ. 

The Apostle Paul in I Corn. 13 says that "Love is patient" - therefore I like to say that "Missional Living is Patient".  Watch this video and then evaluate yourself and ask how loving or patient are you with those who still need to know Christ.

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Missional Living Is All About Loving!

Jesus told us what the proof of truly being His disciples, which is to be on mission.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

Watch this video and then ask yourself: "Do I live the kind of missional life that proves I am a true Follower of Christ?"

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16 Proofs Your Missional Living Is Sincere!

One of the most effective tools for living a powerful missional life is the ability to sincerely love those who don't know Christ.  Listen to what Jesus says in John 13:35

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Did you see that? The proof of our life in Christ and the proof of us living a sincere missional life is our ability to love others.  How we love others will speak loudly to those who have not surrender their life over to Christ if our message is true or not.  

IT'S OUR ABILITY TO LOVE!  THEREFORE, LOVE IS THE PROOF OF SINCERE MISSIONAL LIVING!

But what does love look like when it comes to missional living?  It's a nice thought but how do you put it into practice?  Let's take a look at 1 Cor. 13:4-8 and see how the Bible describes love and through it we will get a better idea of how we are to love those who don't know Christ yet!

1.  Missional Living Is Patient 

How patient are you with people?  Are you willing to allow time for the Holy Spirit to work in their life?  Or are you pushy and demand people to respond quickly and immediately!  When it comes to missional living we need to remember that we are working on God's time table and not our own.

2. Missional Living Is Kind

Kindness is a virtue that is an absolute essential when it comes to share Christ with people.  Being helpful and meeting peoples needs people know you are not just all talk.  Dale Carnegie has been quoted saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  When it comes to missional living that is so very true! 

3. Missional Living Is Not Envious

Missional Living is never about what you can get from others but what you can give to them. When you are envious of people (their lifestyle, possessions etc..) it's nearly impossible to sincerely share Christ and His love for them.  Why? Because your eye is on what someone has and not on whom (Christ) you can share with them.

4. Missional Living Is Not Boastful

Missional Living is never about bragging yourself or making yourself look good! Mission Living is bragging on Christ and making him look desirous. 

5. Missional Living Is Never Proud

Missional Living is be willing to go to the homeless, the helpless, the beaten down and the forgotten. People filled with pride have no room in their heart to associate with the outcasts of this world. By the way those were the ones Jesus specifically targeted to go and share the Gospel to first. 

6. Missional Living Is Not Rude

Missional Living is sincerely being nice to those of the world.  There are to many people in the name of "sharing the Gospel" sound more rude and hateful. How is possible to sincerely share God's Good News and do it rudely?  You can't!

7. Missional Living Is Not Selfish

Missional Living is not about "YOU" but about "OTHERS".

8. Missional Living Is Not Angered

Missional Living can take the insults, the slandering, and the abuse and still feel love and compassion even for those who are hurting them. 

9. Missional Living Doesn't Hold Grudges

Missional Living doesn't keep any records of wrongs done to them.  There will be times when someone will hurt you over and over again but its you unconditional love for them that God uses to soften their hearts and come to faith in Christ.

10. Missional Living Doesn't Enjoy In Evil

Missional Living abhors when evil men and activities advance.

11.  Missional Living Rejoices In Truth

Missional Living is all about sharing the Truth. The truth of Christ which can set people free!

12.  Missional Living Protects

Missional Living is about helping and protecting people and their reputations and not about harming them.

13.  Missional Living Trusts

Missional Living is about trusting God to do His work as we are being faithful to our job of sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

14. Missional Living Hope

Missional Living always believes that at some point individuals that we are praying for and sharing with will come to faith in Christ.

15. Missional Living Perseveres 

Missional Living never quits - never gives up - never stops.  It's always advancing!

16. Missional Living Wins

Missional Living is about sharing with the people of this world how they can "WIN" IN CHRIST!

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How To Keep Moving Forward In Missional Living When Things Get Tough

How do you keep going in missional living when things get discouraging and difficult? That is the question we are going to look at in todays Missional Living Devotional.

Missional Living: How To Know God's Dream For Your Life!

Today in our Missional Living Devotional we are going to look at the need for having a dream if we are going to achieve great things as we live a missional life.  But the question that needs to be raised is, “Where does that dream come from?”  Do we create our own dream? Some people do. Do we allow some other person to tell us what our dream should be?  Some people do! 

 Today I am going to suggest that as Followers of Christ we should allow God to give us the dreams that we pursue and not allow them to come from man.  Why? To answer that let's take a look at what the Bible says 1 Cor. 2:9

 “However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him”

Why should let God be the one to determine the dreams we pursue? Because no human being can dream up a dream big enough that can please God.  When you allow God to give you your dreams for you to pursue you will be blow away. 

Today we are going to use Jesus as our example.  Allowing God the Father to reveal His dreams and purposes was Jesus’ way for knowing what he was to pursue while here on earth. 

 “Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.”  John 5:19-25

 I.  God’s Dream For Us Always Relates To What He Is Already Doing! 

 “ …the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing”  (v. 19)

 A.    God is already and always at His work! You don’t have get God working – He’s already working.

 “In his defense Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." John 5:7

 B.  God isn’t sitting up in Heaven twittling his thumbs waiting for us to ask him to do something.  God is already busy about his work.

 ·       The Call Of Moses (God said, "I have come down to … therefore I’m sending you.")

·       The Call Of Noah (I have come down to destroy the earth but saving you … therefore build a boat)

This is not a work we do for God but it's a work we do with God.  It’s His work that he’s already doing and will do it through us.

II.  God Reveals His Dream For Us And Invites Us To Join Him! (v. 20)

 ·       God’s dream for you life isn’t discovered but revealed to you by God.  You don't hunt after God's will as if it was hidden somewhere - God shows you what His will is.

·       How did Moses know he would deliver the Children of Israel from Egypt?  God told him.

·       How did Noah know he was to build a boat?  God told him.

·       How did Abraham know He would have a son in his old age?  God told him.

·       How did Joshua know how to defeat the city of Jericho and that the wall would come crashing down? God told him.

·       How will you know what God’s dream for you is?  God will tell you!

Two Important principles to remember: 

1. Whenever God spoke to someone they all knew it was God speaking to them.
2. Whenever God spoke to someone they all knew exactly what He was saying. 

Take A Look At The Prophet Jonah: He knew it was God talking to him; he knew what God wanted but he just didn’t want to do it.  Even after he did it and the people repented he griped and complained because he knew that if they repented he would forgive them.

III.  God Invites Us To Join Him Because He Has A Relationship With Us! (v. 20)

 It’s A Love Relationship:

1.       It’s out of his love for us that He doesn’t leave us in the dark what is happening or what is going to happen.

2.       It’s out of His love for us that he give us an eternal sense of purpose for life.

It’s A Friendship Relationship:

 “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:15-16

 1.       Did you notice that Jesus refers to His disciples (that includes us) as His friends!  How amazing is that?  What better friend can you have than Jesus? And what great compliment can you be given than for Christ to think of you as His friend?

2.       Did you notice how much Jesus makes known to us from God the Father?  EVERYTHING!

In other words Jesus holds nothing back!  When it comes to a “Need to know basis” you’re in the need to know group!

 IV.  What Do You Need To Do To Get God To Reveal His Dream?

 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 (NIV)

 JUST ASK IN FAITH!

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HOW TO HELP THOSE UNSURE ABOUT GIVING THEIR LIFE TO CHRIST!

How do you help those people whom you share the Gospel to but aren't ready to surrender their life over to the care and control of Christ?  It's not that they are opposed to it but they are just unsure and need more information.

In this short training video we are going to ask and answer that question.  I pray you find it to be helpful as you go out and shine the Light of Christ to your part of this dark world!

Please share your thoughts as a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!

6 Principles For Overcoming Temptations

Temptations isn't something you'll ever grow out of as a Follower in Christ. At least not during this life time.  Everyday, from the moment you get up until the time you lie your head back down to sleep you can be tempted to sin against God and people.  

Temptation in and of itself isn't a sin. According to the Bible Jesus was tempted but didn't sin! If the most perfect person who has ever lived but did so being tempted, we should expect that we too will be tempted.  The Bible does teaches that Christ's Followers can overcome temptation. We don't have to feel helpless and hopeless when it comes to temptation. Christ has made sure that we have all that we need to overcome it. 

So today we are going to look at 6 Biblical principles that will aid us in our ability to identify and overcome temptation.

#1:  Anticipate Temptations!

"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Matthew 26:41 (NASB)

In this passage Jesus is warning Peter, James and John to be watching and praying as a strategy to overcome temptation.  Jesus says this the night he is to be arrested and while he is in the garden praying for his upcoming arrest. Jesus has already told Peter that before the rooster crows he will deny him three times.  An hour earlier Jesus had asked Peter, James and John to pray with him during this time of struggle but when Jesus comes back where he left them to pray he found them instead asleep.  Jesus was warning Peter that a time of temptation was headed his way and he needed to be prepared. That preparation was to watch and pray.

How often during the day are you looking around to see if you can see the activities of the enemy and ready to anticipate Satan's temptations?  If you're not anticipating that temptation will be coming how can you be ready for it when it does come?  In boxing there's a saying, "It's not the hardest punch that knocks you out but the punch you don't see coming."  Likewise, it's not the severest temptation that will make you fall but the temptation you see coming!  And why don't you see it coming? Because you weren't anticipating it!

#2:  Understand Where Temptations Will Attack You!

"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived , it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death."  James 1:14-15 (NASB)

Where will temptations attack you?  Where you are weakest! Notice what that verse says! We are tempted when we are carried away by our own lusts.  I'm not carried away by someone else's lust. Satan will always attack us at our weakest point.  He is looking for the chink in our armor and when he finds it that's where he will attack.  If you have a weakness for gossiping - then Satan is going to give you temptation opportunities to to gossip!  If your weakness is in drugs then Satan is going to hit those triggers that will cause you to want to get some drugs.  It is in the area of your weakness Satan will tempt you to sin!

#3:  Cry Out To God!

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you and you will honor Me."  Psalm 50:15

What should you do in your day of trouble - in your day of temptation?  Call upon God! When we are being tempted and I mean right in the midst of temptation, we need to learn to cry out to God for help! We need to do it right then and there before Satan's temptation gets a strong hold on us.  

Did you hear God's promise? He says that if we cry out to him in our day of trouble HE WILL RESCUE US!  It's not a may rescue you; or you should be rescued but he said he will rescue you.  When we cry out for help, as His children, He will show up to help us. When God shows up to help us Satan flees and runs away.  Bam! You're Then Rescued!

#4: Find An Accountability Partner

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."  James 5:16 (NASB)

Who do you have that you can call when you are going through a really difficult temptation? What Godly person do you know you can trust will not only can keep your confidence but also pray for your deliverance? Having that kind of person in your life will make the temptation experiences less daunting.  Having someone you can call immediately when you are being tempted is such a great resource to getting through that time of testing.

#5:  Run! Don't Resist!

"A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil. But a fool is arrogant and careless."  Proverbs 14:16 (NASB)

Notice the wise man is the one who turns away from the evil or from the temptation to do evil.  He leaves the situation but the foolish man is the one who is arrogant and careless.  

First I want us to look at the foolish and arrogant person. Why are they foolish and arrogant? Because they think that they don't need any help to overcome temptation! They feel they can stand in the midst of the temptation and resist it.  Understand this the Bible never tells us to resist temptation.  It does say to resist Satan but never temptation.  Why? Because the longer you stand in the temptation situation telling yourself you're going to resist it the only thing you are thinking about is the temptation.  YOU CAN'T RESIST IT!  Instead you need to RUN FROM IT!

"I Thought about the wrong direction in which I was headed and turned around an came running back to you."  Ps. 119:59 (LB)

Once you realize that you are in tempting situation you need to run away from that situation. Don't walk! Don't saunter away! No! You need to RUN! Get yourself out of that situation! Get yourself away from that temptation as quickly as possible.  And where do you run to?  TO GOD! The best place to be to overcome temptation is in the presence of our Lord God! Why? Because that's one place Satan would never dare to try and tempt you.  God is your refuge of safety! He is the Rock of your salvation! He is your high and mighty tower where you can find safety for your soul.  

#6:  Look For God's Escape!

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."  1 Cor. 10:13 (NASB)

Did you read the part where the scripture says that God will always make sure that every temptation you experience there is a way of escape!  The question isn't whether there's a way to escape - the question is are we looking for the escape that God has promised!

Take a few moments and share a comment below and let's us know what you have found to be helpful in overcoming temptation!