Luke 2:8-20 recounts the incarnation from the perspective of the shepherds. But what kind of shepherds were they? And what was this strange sign the angel gave to them? And what do the details of Jesus birth mean, both to God's purpose and will, as well as to me today some 2000 years later?
This message is not a list of things you need to do to share your faith. Neither does it answer the question of how you do it. It highlights a few dynamic things that are of utmost importance, that, if true, will inspire and motivate you to share.
Almost anything we could say should, or should not be done... ultimately goes back to the character and nature of God. The question "What is God like?", is of extreme importance to individual integrity and to cultural morality. The topic of 'giving' is no different. Why should a Christian give?
"What are you up to?"
"Oh, just killin time."
That is a really sad expression. Time is life. When our time is up, our physical lives end; we die. There is a way that we can change that expression to "Oh, just livin time!" Let God's time disrupt your calender and clock. It is uncomfortable and scary, but life giving! Let God's KAIROS disrupt your CHRONOS! Don't understand? Give a listen!
What is the best context and way to discover your Spiritual Gift? And how can you be dynamically inspired and motivated to use it? This is a message about JOY, THANKSGIVING, and INSPIRATION?
How do you see you? More importantly, how does it compare to how God sees you? Salvation does just that... it saves! It saves us from ourselves and our slavery to the desire to be affirmed by others! 2 Peter 1:3-4 identifies our sainthood, as well as our sanctification. It tells us that you "...have everything we need for life and Godliness." Born again one! Come out of hiding and live in Biblical Community with others that flows from the truth of how God sees and supplies you in Christ! Be free!
When we think of total surrender to Christ, our minds are often drawn immediately to our lack. But the place to begin to consider this important topic is not with us, but with Christ! In Christ God expects, accomplishes, accepts, maintains, and blesses our surrender to Jesus! He is worthy of it, so we give it! It may be frail and weak on our end, but He is strong to complete it!
Nothing is different until I think different. I want think different until I WANT to think different. These are 2 basic and important truths for us to embrace as the Holy Spirit works to RENEW OUR MINDS in Christ. The good news is "We have the mind of Christ!" The victory is ours, lets think about life the way Jesus does!
What is worship... and what does it truly mean to do so? If ones faith in Christ is real, one action it will produce is worship. Worship flows from saving faith. Rom 12:1-2 says it is the reasonable action, in view of a faith that truly understands the mercy of God! And that action flowing from faith will change your life... because worship will change you!
In Numbers 15 God gives the Israelites a visual reminder to obey His commands. He commands them to make tassels with a blue cord and wear them. What is fascinating about God's reminder is what is recorded before and after chapter 15. They could not obey! Why was obedience impossible for the Israelites? And what about obedience to God for us today?