Connecting people to life in Jesus...Real time!

Perhaps you have wondered over these past several weeks as we have been spending some time considering how the unbelieving world views us: Why does it matter? Should we really care about what the world thinks about us? Here are some of the thoughts I have as I sit in the middle of these questions myself:

NO, we shouldn’t care!…Jesus promised us that the world would hate us just as it hated Him. So, on the one hand we should not care what the world thinks about us! Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and His truth, and, let the world think what they will think.

Our mission to connect people to life in Jesus can only be realized through the clear and faithful proclamation of the Word of God. Each of us needs to get to a place where we properly handle the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

On the other hand…

YES, we should be aware!…Jesus met people where they were at, and led them to truth. He didn’t embrace their sin and call it good, but He did love them where they were; He did offer them an opportunity to receive Him. Some did and others didn’t.

We also need to correctly handle that Word of Truth in time and in relationship with real people. Our mission to connect people to life in Jesus can only be realized through the timely and sensitive application of that truth in relationship with people. We need to make the most of every opportunity, giving the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Hard Evidence for Jesus' Power!

If, indeed, Jesus can back up His claim in Luke 4; if He is THE ONE who has been set apart by God Himself to bring Good News to the poor, shouldn't we be able to see real people set free by Him?

What does that look like in real time?

Check this out! http://www.sarahmarkley.com/2009/08/my-new-name-part-1/

Take some time to read all 5 parts and the conclusion posted today, August 31st, 2009

"Chad said he had to forgive me.
He must.
Because Christ had forgiven him of so much. He wasn’t that different than I was, in his words, and that we all equally were in need of forgiveness. In his opinion, he didn’t want to forgive me but he had to. For the love of Christ, he forgave me. And he did so fully. And he still loved me even though I’d hurt him and ruined everything so desperately. Jesus in the mix screwed up his desire to hate me, to hold a grudge, to be bitter."

Now, that's power! Power to redeem; power to reclaim; power to rebuild; power to restore; power to renew....all on account of Jesus!