Evangelism Stinks

There I said it! Evangelism Stinks! And most of us Stink at Evangelism! You have seen every gimmick, slogan, method, strategy known to the church and all statistics show that both the believer and the unbeliever is left with a bad taste in our mouths when it comes to giving out the most important, life-giving message in the world.

And the truth be known, most of us are sick and tired of the guilt and frustration of trying to give the Gospel to people who seem to not want it or seem to have no need of it. Understand this, we all believe it's important, biblical, even an awesome privilege and responsibility but something few of us have done often and with little success.

Regardless of this-those of us who are believers love Jesus and we really want our friends and family to find him too. We really believe He is the life that is truly life, as we have seen in Matthew 5:3-9.

This week we will begin looking at what it means to be salt and light to our world. It is my prayer that we will experience encouragement and release to live a life-giving lifestyle that will intentionally change who you are all day long. A lifestyle that will allow you to pray and watch and to see your circumstances, vocation, people in your life differently and through Jesus' life giving purpose.

I believe all of us want to live life on purpose and for a purpose. A life full of Jesus that we are experiencing and then giving it away to all who need to hear it's life changing message. And truthfully I believe this is the life Jesus wants for all of us.

One more guilt relieving statement I will share with you this weekend. You can't save a soul!(now you are off the hook!) I know you love Jesus and desire to use you life for His Kingdom. I believe you can be fruitful in this desire right now! No new clinics, methods, seminars or even more courage or verses memorized. I believe each of us can know and see how God is using us for His kingdom purposes.

I hope you will prioritize being together this weekend. It's so important to worship Jesus together and be encouraged in His Word.

See you this weekend!

God BLess

Pastor Randy

Peacemakers Are Kingdom Builders

While in Africa this summer I saw the effects of Civil War. The room I stayed in while in Gemena had been gutted by the rebels. The one piece of furniture(beside the bed) had a broken leg, no shelves and a door that wouldn't close due to the conflict. The effects of the lack of peace are evident for all to observe. And it's a horrible way to live.
Jesus tells us that those who experience the fulness of His life are called to be peacemakers. As we will see this weekend you are never more like God than when you are a peacemaker. Now don't confuse this with some form of appeasment, or peace at any price type, or natural dispostition, or heaven forbid some form of gaggy Minnesota nice. It cannot mean that!
The world, your world, our church is in great need of peacemakers. Jesus invites you to this life-You will never be more like God! Will You??

See You all this weekend! I know we will all be challenged by God to allow him into the little wars of our lives. The effects are plain for all to see. And it's a horrible way to live.
Thankfully because of Jesus-you can live in peace, personally and in all your relationships.

Blessed Are the peacmakers, for they will be called sons of God. Mt. 5:9

God Bless

Pastor Randy