We have had a lot of emphasis on "outreach" efforts during the last couple of months and we are about a month away from our Spring revival which will be an outreach effort to our community. We have seen quite a few new faces in our congregation since the start of the year and many of them have come to be with us because of one common thing. Someone invited them, spent time with them, or brought them along.
I have been attempting to become more familiar with our Southern Baptist Convention and other related entities in the hopes of being a positive part of the process for the future. This week it has sent me into a conversation with some friends about how far we should go in trying to expose people to the gospel and the love of Jesus. It has been very open and surprising discussion in which I believe I have settled into a few positions.
First of all, I believe that we should talk about Jesus with people whenever the opportunity arises. I also believe we should go out of our way to create an opportunity to talk about Jesus. By going out of our way, I also believe we should be careful not to take a step off of "the way." I believe it is appropriate to build a friendship with someone that may be a vehicle to also share a witness to the love of Jesus, but that relationship must be built on truth and honesty. In addition, I must remember that I am not trying to impress them with myself or my church or to try to represent myself as someone I am not. My goal is to be a "good witness." To tell what I saw happen with my own eyes, in my own life. To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me, God.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
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