To Show and Share

I just recently subscribed to LifeChurch.tv’s Blog. This past week, Craig Groeschel, the Founding and Senior Pastor, has been talking about reasons for consistently sharing the salvation message. Each day he gives 10 reasons for sharing the Gospel. Today’s was 10 Things To Do When No One is Saved. As you read down the list you come across #’s 6 & 7 –

6. Pray for the opportunity to share the gospel during the week.
7. Pray for the opportunity to show the gospel during the week.

At a quick first glance, they almost seem the same. But looking again you notice that the only difference is by one word in each. One states “share” and the other states “show”. Though both statements concern a presentation of the Gospel, they require 2 different actions to complete. One is a verbal action in which you are deliberately presenting the gospel to someone specific.

The other should not be deliberate. To “show” the gospel, we should not have a specific person in mind to present it to. It should come naturally. It should be a part of our daily life. We should not have to force it. It should be something seen by everyone at anytime. Our lives need to reflect the teachings of Christ. And if we live the Gospel, it will show itself when we may not expect it. It is those opportunities that can speak much more than words alone.

So this week, who are you sharing the gospel with? And is your life a reflection of the gospel so that you can show it to others?

Crying at the Movies

Lately I've felt my eyes begin to water when watching some movies. Now I know what you are thinking. First, WHAT A WIMP!!! Second, "It must be those sappy 'chick flicks' that Cindy makes him watch".

Ok, no I am not a wimp and there's nothing wrong with watching an emotionally driven movie with your wife. But that isn't what has been stirring the emotions in me. Actually it has been action movies that are doing it. There is nothing that brings a tear to my eye more than a shoot 'em up flick. Well, not really, but honestly I have almost cried at these movies lately. Let me explain.

On Monday I went and finally saw the Dark Knight. Great movie. But there was one part that really got to me. It was when Harvey Dent is threatening to kill Jim Gordon's son. All I could do is sit there and think of what I would do if that was me and one of my boys. How would I handle it? What would be going through my mind? What would I be feeling? And then the question that sets my emotions going - "What if he didn't make it? What if I lost my sons?" Just the thought of losing my boys is almost more than I can bear.

Reflecting over my emotions, it makes me think. If I care that much about my 2 boys that just the thought of being without them overwhelms me, how much more does God care for us? Being a father, it takes me to an all new level when I think about John 3:16. I can imagine God looking down at Jesus before He hands Him over to death saying, “Son, it will be ok,” just as Jim Gordon did to his son while in the hands of Harvey Dent.

Would I be willing to hand my sons over? I don't know if I could. But God did. He loves us beyond all comprehension. He gave up His only son for those who reject Him just on the chance that we would return to Him. Those are odds that I hope I never have to face.

So I guess I’ll have to keep on tearing up at the movies as long as it reminds me of the greatest love of all.

What is it that regularly reminds you of that love?

"I wish I had that belief..."

Last night, August 7th, Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian Songwriter/Singer) and family were on Larry King Live. For those who don’t know, back in May tragedy struck the family when their youngest son, who is 17, accidently ran over his 5 year old sister Maria. The last few months have been a time of pain as they have been forced to come face to face with their faith and find out exactly how strong it is. Though I didn’t actually see it last night, I did however see some clips from the interview. Though Larry tried not to focus on the faith issue itself, the Chapman’s stood firm on their belief that it is only by God and their faith in Him that is going to see them through this. It is definitely a touching interview.

What was amazing though is Larry monologue after it concerning the interview which he recorded this morning, Aug 8th. He goes to say that the story is one of Faith reassured and restored and one that he will never forget. He says that their faith is not something they lean on. It is something amazing. But he makes a small comment that speaks volumes about him. When referring to their beliefs and faith, he says, “I wish I had that belief…” He sees the strength and validity of their faith, but feels that he personally can’t take that step. Does he feel too inferior or not adequate enough? Is it something from his past that holds him back? Maybe fear? I don’t know, but something is keeping him from stepping out in faith.

This mindset is so prevalent in our culture. So many see the validity in faith and necessity to believe, but they cannot make the connection personally. They stand at a distance and say “I wish I had that belief…” but can’t make that dedication.

So how can they we help them move into a relationship with God? By being in relationship with them. We need to be authentic about or struggles and challenges. We need them to be able to see up close that having faith isn’t out of reach. Let them know you may question…you may not always understand.

Faith isn’t about understanding. Ultimately it has nothing to do with us. It all has to do with God and acknowledging that He loves each and every one of us and wants to take care of us. We may not see His plan, but we need to remember like all good parents, our Father will take care of us.

Live a life of faith. Be open and honest about it – both the ups and downs. And those around you will soon not be wishing for that faith, but living it themselves.

See Links for the Chapman Interview.

The Interview -
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2008/08/08/lkl.chapman.tragedy.cnn

Larry’s After thoughts -
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2008/08/08/lkl.about.thurs.cnn