Celebrating the Wins

In the past month I have had the opportunity to personally share the gospel with 6 people, 3 of which accepted the redeemer and the promise of eternal life in heaven. There are some similar responses that you get from people when you ask the question “What do you understand it takes for a person to get to heaven?”. Most respond with a list of the good, sacrificial, unselfish, things that they done throughout their lives and they are being very truthful when they describe those things. I often hear next, “I hope that I have done enough”.

Why does a person think that they have to do all of those things in order to “be in good favor” with God? Is it because they have seen Christians doing so much? I’m not sure, but a common statement I hear when someone receives Christ is, “I didn’t know that it was that simple”, or “I really thought that I had to get my life straightened out first”. The bible says that “today is the day of Salvation”.

To my brothers and sisters I would implore you to have a different mindset when it comes to sharing your story, and the gospel directions to eternal life.

First, when you are doing something good for someone (loving them) and you are asked “why did you do that”, reflect Christ by saying “God loves you and so do I”. You just may have the best opportunity ever to share with that person the saving grace of Christ.

Second, be clear. If someone is coming to see me, I don’t tell them “just come to Spartanburg you will find me”. I tell the detail turns, street names, house number and the color of my front door just for good measure. When we tell people to “Love Jesus” or “Get Saved”, what specifically does that mean? Tell your story, then share what the bible says in Romans 3:23, Ephesians 1:7, John 3:16, and Romans 10:9.

Third, go and tell. Don’t say come and see, meaning don’t feel like that you have to get that person through the doors of the church so that the preacher share the truth of Christ. You are the church wherever you are at.

This Sunday we will be celebrating the wins. Can’t wait to hear and see the encounters of God. Be there or be square.

Gather, Grow, and Go
Pastor Tim

Korea DMZ

Can you think of a time when you felt “the most” lonely?

The most, loneliest time of my life was the 365 days that I was stationed a few miles from the North and South Korean Border. Separation from the ones you care for the most, creates a crisis in our lives.

What about people who claim Christianity that are lonely? I know that there are numerous reasons why a person finds themselves alone, but what about those of us who are alone and don’t have to be?

My point is, a Christian without a church home or (small group) is like an organ without a body. Can the liver survive without the body, or can the body survive without the liver?

It is an Unnatural state when a Christ follower separates themselves from other Christians.

Ephesians 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Why do you need a church family?

Identifies you as a believer and moves you out of isolation. John 13:35

Develop spiritual Muscle 2 Corinthians 4:15

The body needs its liver 1 Corinthians 12:7

Share Christ’s mission to the world Ephesians 2:10

Living in the house of loneliness is your choice

Each Christian must take responsibility for his/her own Emotional & Spiritual Health, which includes walking through loneliness.

It may not be your fault how you got there,But it is your fault for staying there.

Ephesians 4:15-16
15God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love--like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. 16He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

Gather, Grow, & Go

Pastor Tim