secret agent Christian

In our current study we are learning the basics so that we are able to share whenever we are asked to explain our faith.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. ~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

This morning I stumbled across Chip Ingram's, 'Share the Love' series. Here's how they describe the series:

You should.... you ought to... you know the Bible tells you to do it. But the thought of actually sharing your faith with another person gives you sweaty palms and heart palpitations. "I'm just not gifted in evangelism," you decide. "It's not for me." But it is! In Share the Love, learn how even you can move from being a "secret agent" Christian to a "public" witness as you develop the heart, skills, and perspective to naturally share Christ, as a part of your lifestyle and relationships.

http://livingontheedge.org/broadcasts/player?bid=703dd398-dfd0-4dc8-9f10-2fd0c1ff659c

or
http://livingontheedge.org/broadcasts

I'm listening to Part 4 of the series and here are some of the notes.

Chip breaks the story down into four acts in the story of God

How it all began

Creation:

God made us for Himself – A perfect relationship in a perfect world,

giving, and receiving perfect love.

How it all went wrong

The Fall:

God allowed us to choose or reject His love – Our choice to reject God’s love

ushered in sin, death, and selfishness to every
relationship, separating

How God's love rescued us

Redemption:

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his
friends.

John 15:13 (NIV)

God, the Son, took on human flesh, lived a perfect life to reveal God’s

heart, then offered His life as a sacrifice and payment for the sins of all
people of all time; that whoever would choose to receive new life may
have it.
How it all will end

Restoration:

Jesus will return as promised to make all things right in heaven and on
earth forever.

Every moral being will be justly judged (repaid) for their thoughts,

choices, and actions. Sin, death, and Satan will be vanquished forever,
and God will re-establish perfect relationships in a perfect world, giving
and receiving perfect love.

C.S. Lewis quote

shared from a post on Facebook by Family Christian Stores

window

A Christian’s life is a window through which others can see Jesus.

Lord, You have done so much for us.
You give us our very breath
and blessing upon blessing.

We give ourselves back to You
to use to spread the glorious
gospel of Christ.
Amen.

Worth The Risk

(A daily devotional from Our Daily Bread)

What would one give in exchange for a new iPad? One 17-year-old boy gave a kidney! Apparently, he couldn’t afford an iPad and wanted one so badly that he was willing to risk surgery.

Stephen, in Acts 7, took a serious risk, but it was for proclaiming the good news about Jesus. While performing miracles, he was seized, falsely accused of blasphemy against God and the Mosaic law, and brought before the high priest (6:8-14). In response to a question from the high priest (7:1), Stephen took a risk and preached a sermon he knew his hearers would not like. He said that throughout Israel’s history, the nation had repeatedly rejected God’s messengers. And now, they had rejected the Messiah.

Stephen’s sermon provoked a strong reaction. “They cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him” (vv.57-58).

Why would Stephen risk his life to preach about Jesus? He desperately wanted his hearers to know that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, they no longer needed to live under the law but could live under grace and forgiveness (6:13-15; Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus died so that we may have eternal life.

http://odb.org/2012/12/17/worth-the-risk/ 

'nough said

Found this via an email from Family Life Radio's Your Intentional Devotion and wanted to share:

Bold Speech

Peter Cartwright, a 19th century Methodist evangelist, was preaching one night when he was informed that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation. He was cautioned against saying anything inflammatory.

But when Cartwright began his sermon, he said, "I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been asked to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent!"

The audience was stunned, but the President later told Cartwright, "Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."

That brand of preaching is not advisable on your job, but you can find opportunities to convey God's truths through your words and work. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. He will prepare the hearts of those who need to hear.

     Ask God for
     Wisdom to know when and how to share your faith and
     Boldness to speak what is just when the time is right.

Today's One Thing

Offer to pray for a coworker with a personal need. You will lay the groundwork for future opportunities.

Family Life Radio and Intentional Living® are non-profit, listener supported ministries of Family Life Communications, Incorporated. Copyright 2012.

http://www.myflr.org

we are blessed

We had a wonderful lunch at Cinzetti's.

faith