Sharing the Food of Life with the Starving Masses
 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19, 20 (NIV)
Look at I Corinthians 6:9-11. Paul knows that some of the members of the church at Corinth were idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, slanderers and swindlers. How does he know this? Because he did as Jesus did. In Mark 2:17 Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." So Paul boldly preached the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who most needed to hear it - those living in sin and ignorance.
From what we can deduce about Paul's personality from his letters, he would probably walk right up to a group of male prostitutes or homosexuals he would see on a street, introduce himself, and start up a conversation. Once he made them feel at ease with him, he would probably tell them his story. Then he would begin to explain logically why Jesus is the son of God, and the savior of all who believe in him. Telling them that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) In this way, Paul spread the Good News of Christ, and added many to the church.
The example Paul set for us is to be BOLD. Paul was not afraid of stones, whips, prison or death. He would not be silenced. He always spoke boldly to the poor and the powerful, commoners and kings, Jews and gentiles. He was emboldened by the same Holy Spirit Jesus will ask his Father to send to us. All we have to do is ask.
Therefore, go boldly into your world - your workplace, school, neighborhood - and spread the Good News that Jesus Christ saves.
When thinking about being a witness for Jesus, I find it best to remember what would be required of me if I were on the Witness Stand in a court of law. The very first requirement would be to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. Amazingly, many people have felt it beneficial to the cause of Christ to "embellish" their own story or stories of what Jesus has done for others. This is an ego driven madness induced by the Evil Spirit, not the Holy Spirit. So, when witnessing about Jesus, always tell only the truth.
The next rule I find very important is the motto engineers refer to as KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid.
When telling your own story, keep it simple. Do not worry that it may not be interesting or inspiring enough. If you are filled with and being directed by the Holy Spirit, he will speak through you to the person(s) you are talking to, and they will hear exactly what is required for them to feel His presence. Honesty and simplicity are always the most effective elements of speaking, music, art, drama, and design. The clutter of an abundance of elaborate or complex elements can confuse and overwhelm your listener(s) causing discomfort and disinterest in your story. Whereas, a simple story told with sincerity can be easily identified with, and easily believed. Do not feel it is your job to stir the listeners emotions; the Holy Spirit will do that. After all, did He not do the same for you the hour you first believed?
Once you have told your story, always ask if the listener(s) has any questions. This has two benefits. It shows that you have a sincere interest in your listener's concerns and feelings; and it draws him into thinking about what you said. This will open both his mind and heart to the Good News, and make them available to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
When the person(s) you are witnessing to asks questions or states objections, DO NOT BE DEFENSIVE. This is a negative rather than a positive response, and will produce a negative rather than a positive result. Always begin with something like, "I understand your concern ...," or "I felt like that at one time myself..." And, again, keep your response simple and direct to the point of the question or objection. Example:
"Why should I believe that someone else would actually let himself be killed for me? That seems so strange to me. It is hard for me to believe."
"I understand how you feel. I thought the same thing myself once. But then a friend read to me this passage from Paul's letter to the church at Corinth:
'Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world.' (I Cor. 1:20)
And then the simple statement from John 3:16 - 'For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live.'
That made me think that what the world thinks is right is often foolish (just look at TV and politics), and what God thinks is what really makes sense. And, yes, it is a strange thing that Jesus did. But it was a good strange thing, as opposed the not-so-good strange things man thinks makes sense."<br />
Another question you might face is:
"Do you really believe in the virgin birth and bodily resurrection of Jesus? I just don't believe that is possible."
"I know exactly what you mean. We only want to believe what we are used to; what we can see.
You know, for years we believed that life could only exist under certain conditions. We believed you have to have light, and the temperature has to be within a certain range, and the gravitational pressure has to be in a certain range. And so we were completely sure that life could not exist in the deepest parts of the ocean. But, then, one day the scientists Bob Ballard, the man who found the Titanic, was searching the ocean bottom looking for a sunken US submarine. And there on the bottom of the ocean he found something that changed all of science. In total darkness, in boiling water heated by volcanic vents, in water poisoned with gases we consider deadly, where the water pressure is so great it can crush a tank like a soda can, there was life. And not just a little life; but, abundant life. Life where we were sure - scientifically sure - could not possibly exist. Or, so we thought. But, we forgot that God knows more than we do. And he can do things we think are impossible. So, I decided that if it is possible for life to exist where I don't understand how it can, then it must be possible for God to have accomplished the virgin birth and bodily resurrection of Jesus."
Finally, always ask if there is something that is on your listener's mind, maybe something that he has been thinking about for awhile, and ask if you can pray with him about it. Again, keep the prayer simple and to the point. Do not try to put in your hope for a conversion or a sermon thesis. Example:
"Is there anything that has been on your mind lately?"
"Well, yes. I have been worried about my son. We just don't seem to be able to talk anymore."
"Well, it always helps me if someone else prays with me about a thing like that. Would you like to try it?"
"Well, okay."
"Dear Lord, be with my friend and his son and comfort both of them. Help them each to see the others point of view and realize that it's just their love for each other that really matters. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."
Conclude your meeting with an invitation to visit again whenever the other person may feel like it, and an invitation to the next prayer meeting or church service you will go to. Offer to give your friend a ride. Also, provide them with your phone number. You never know when God might move them to seek more knowledge of Him, and need a willing guide.
If you need help is deciding how to tell your story, you might want to check out MY STORY.
Be brave. Be Bold. And may the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
| Witnessing to Young People  When dealing with this area of witnessing for Christ, it is best to remember that teenagers are more likely to receive a message form another teen. That is why peer to peer witnessing is best in this area. However, adults can be effective in witnessing to teens as long as they remember a few special requirements.
First, just talk to them. Do not present facts, data and statistics like a teacher. DO NOT lecture the kids; they will HATE IT! Do not preach to them, either. They can get that if they choose to attend a church. And, most important, DO NOT TALK DOWN TO THEM! Just talk to them as one human being to another. If teenagers sense that you are honestly sharing your real private self with them, they will concider that a display of respect for them, and will respond positively.
It is also important to use a vocabulary teenagers understand and are comfortable with. Do not use words and phrases outside the generation and education level of your audience. At the same time, DO NOT TRY TO SOUND COOL! Do not use words and phrases you do not fully understand and are not comfortable with. You will only sound goofy at best, if not down right stupid.
Above all, remember you are talking to children. Be sensitive, patient and understanding. Do not belittle, bore or scare the kids. Keep in mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:1-6 and 19:13-15. Clearly Jesus has a great deal of sensitivity for children, and they hold a special place in his heart and in the kingdom of heaven.
When witnessing to teenagers, as with adults, keep it simple. Do not try to awe, impress, or inspire them. Just tell your story with honesty and sincerity, and allow the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts and minds or your listeners as He sees fit. The best plan is to tell how it was before Christ came into your life; what happened that caused you to accept Jesus as your savior; and how it is now. Keep it short and to the point. Allow the Holy Spirit, not your ego, to guide you as you speak. The result WILL BE positive, even if you do not see it. Remember, there are those who plant the seed; God, who waters the seed; and those who are called to reap the harvest. If you are called to plant the seed, do it with the joy His spirit places in your heart.
After you have told your story, ask if any one has any questions. Make your answers short and to the point. Try to personalize your responses by using phrases like, "I understand how you feel," or, "I thought that myself at one time." This will make it easier for your audience to identify with you, and accept what you are telling them as something real for their lives. Do not show anger or frustrations if the questions or comments are clearly sarcastic or aggressive. Let the peace that passes understanding rule your emotions, and the Holy Spirit will guide your words. Again, remember, they are children. And, just like that great Christian American Art Linkletter said, "Children say the darndest things."
Stephen's Storyby  Nathan Sheen.
There was a time when I was a skeptic of all I know and believe now. One day I was told of a man who came and fulfilled the prophecies of the prophets. I accepted this and I was given the Holy Spirit. My goal was to do the work that Jesus had appointed the Church.
One day the twelve approached me and told me that the church was growing so fast that they were unable to handle everything themselves. They chose seven of us. Their names were; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and myself.
We were to give food to the poor and hungry, and minster to them while we were doing this. I did everything I was instructed to do. God did amazing things while I preached and helped many people. We were doing what Jesus had instructed us to do. I cannot explain the Joy I had every time I saw a person receive the Holy Spirit.
One day some of the men from the synagogue came and asked me many questions concerning Jesus. I was overjoyed by this. These men could led thousands to Jesus. Instead, these men returned to the synagogue, and soon the people became very angry with me. The elders came and took me to a council. I was frightened by this. What was happening? Men came forward and told lies about me. I was very upset by this.
I began praying to God for wisdom for my defense. Soon they asked me if I had a defense.
I told them of Abraham, and how God had promised him this land. I told them how Jacob lived in this land. I told them how Joseph saved Israel from desecration. I told them how Moses led the people out of Egypt. I told them how Solomon built the temple for God to live in.
Then God led me to get direct with the elders and other men in the room. I said that they were no better than the men who had murdered the prophets of old. They were very offended by this.
Then I saw the most wonderful and desirable thing; Jesus with the Father in Heaven sitting together. I shouted out what I was seeing. The men, being very upset, rushed at me and carried me outside the city. They began throwing stones aimed at my head. The stones became larger and harder. As I lay dieing I screamed out to God that he would not punish these men for my death. I then laid down and died.
I am with Jesus now.
What's my Name? My name is Stephen. I was a Bold witness for God.
May you be blessed and encouraged by my story.
About the author: Nathan Sheen is 19 years old. He lives with his mother and father and four siblings in the small farming town of Alliance, Ohio. Nathan was saved as a young teenager, and has been an ardent student of the Bible for several years. He has always liked working with plants, and is currently a foreman with a local landscaping company. Nathan is thinking that one day he may become a full time pastor, boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tending God's Flock - Caring for God's People
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2,3)
We can find an example of Peter's idea of serving as an overseer in Acts 6:1-4. It is obvious he felt that he and the other apostles should only concern themselves with prayer and the ministry of the word. The day to day functions of the church should be delegated to individuals selected by the congregation. This is the origin of the position of elders in the church. It is the duty of these individuals to distribute food and clothing to the poor, collect and manage the contributions, and perform the operational duties necessary to the functioning of any group. This insures that those who are called to prophecy and teach have the time necessary to pray, study, and prepare themselves for that task. And, those who are called to serve others, can do that without the added burden of teaching and preaching. This division of functions insure that all of the aspects of ministry are accomplished completely and efficiently.
Paul indicates additional duties of elders in his epistles to the Romans and Corinthians. In doing so, he also supports the idea of a number of elders; each on serving the flock according to the gift he has received from the Holy Spirit. One may prophesy; one may teach; one may serve; while another may lead; and still another may simply encourage the others. All are duties to be performed by the elders of the congregation in tending their flock. This indicates that the function of a church is not just a place where one goes to hear a sermon. A church is supposed to be much more than that.
In Paul's first letter to Timothy, he lists the required characteristics of an overseer. (I Timothy 3:17) They include self-control, respectability, gentleness, and the ability to teach. He should not be a recent convert, given to drunkenness or violence, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. The overseer must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders. In this way he can create a good reputation with the general community; attracting respect for the church, and gaining new converts.
Paul also instructs Timothy that elders should have nothing to do with Godless myths and old wives tales; but, rather should train themselves to be godly. They should set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Finally, Paul suggests that the duties of elders include rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. And then he repeats the need to correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. Emphasizing always the need for both humility and strength. Ever relying on the Holy Spirit at all times in all matters. For all good shepherds rely on and are lead by the great shepherd Jesus Christ.
Be bold. Be Brave. And the grace of God and the Lord Jesus be with you.
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