Consider this

            Every once in a while, in every church, everywhere, you will hear people say things like:   “I did not like the singing today” or “That service went way too long” or “The preacher was really boring today!”    You may also hear something along the lines of, “No one ever visits me” or “Why is there not more stuff for my kids?”             Why do people make comments like that?   Well, at least partially, it is because they see themselves as “guests” to be served, rather than “hosts” with a responsibility.               If I am hosting someone in my home, I will go out of my way to make sure that they are looked after and enjoying themselves.   In fact, I will give up just about anything (my food, my space, even my bed) if it means that my guest will be cared for properly. ...

            I hate “gimmicky” things and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to evangelism.   Over my 22 years here, I have seen more useless “evangelism strategies” than I can count.   If we are ever going to share the story of Christ effectively, we are going to have to do it in a way that is real and natural.   Here, then, are four “real” and “natural” ways to live and share what you believe.            1.   Look around.   While most people seem to have their lives together, many times that is not the case.   Many quietly struggle their way through their days just hoping to survive.   The question is not whether people need help or the hope of the gospel, rather the question is “Can we see where people really are and will we put ourselves out to get involved?”            ...

            As the boy packed his lunch that day, I am sure that he had no idea how significant that action would become.             Jesus was nearby, teaching and healing a huge crowd of people.   As evening came, Jesus’ friends became concerned about the fact that the crowd had not eaten anything all day.   Approaching him they said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food” (Matthew 14:15).   Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat” (verse 16).   Philip, looking around and seeing more than five thousand people said, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7).             Enter, again, the little boy.   I am not...

          In the gospels, the story of Jesus’ birth is preceded by the prediction of the birth of “John the Baptist”.              John’s father, Zechariah, was a priest at the temple in Jerusalem.   One day, while he was burning incense to God, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13).               This was surprising news to Zechariah and so he asks, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (verse 18).   That is a logical question, right?   I mean, he is asking for a sign so that he can believe something that seems quite unbelievable.   Who would fault him for that?        ...