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"How to Live in a Famine, Part 4"
Recorded live on June 14, 10AM @ New Life Christian Center
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| LifeBlog |
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A Biblical How-To on Sharing your Faith
Recently, in a Gen7 Wednesday night gathering, I encouraged our students to not be ashamed of their faith or afraid to share their faith. In doing so, I looked at the encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8 which is a great example to all Christians of how to share your faith.
GO - In verses 26-28, God specifically told Philip where to go and he went. When it comes to sharing our faith, we need to have an ear to hear of who the Lord is leading us to. Why did God lead Philip to the Eunuch? The Eunuch had questions and Philip had the Answer. Many times we try to share with people who have all the answers and no questions in an attempt to "win them to the faith", but what about those all around us with questions? As a eunuch, this Ethiopian was banned from entering the temple under Old Testament law, yet he still made the pilgrimage to participate in the feast and worship.
GIVE - When we go, we must come with something to give. In verses 29-33 Philip ran along side the chariot and after hearing the eunuch reading from Isaiah, asked if he could help. As a follower and disciple of Christ, he came with something to give-the word of the Lord.
GRAB - As they conversed in the chariot, the eunuch asked if the Isaiah passage about a sheep being led to the slaughter referred to Isaiah or someone else. I like the Message translation of Philip's action in verse 35: "Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him."
GUIDE - After Philip preached Jesus, he continued (v. 36-39) with the eunuch until they reached a stream of water and Philip baptized him. This final key shows the importance of discipleship after salvation. New believers need to be guided and grounded in their faith.
These 4 keys are very practical, but also very profound at the same time. I believe the order is very important as well. I know that sometimes as Christians, we might attempt to "Grab" an opportunity before we have been led to "Go" or before we even came with something to "Give". What amazes me even more about this passage, is that ultimately, when discussing the passage in Isaiah, the eunuch asked Philip to tell him who Jesus was. How easy would it be to share our faith if the people we were trying to share with came and asked us to tell them about Christ? Maybe there is something to learn from this passage.
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| Upcoming Events |
June 20 - Saturday, College Young Adults Angel Island Trip
June 26 - 16 Hour Burn with Sean Feucht and the Burn Team
June 27 - Saturday at 8 am - Men's Breakfast
June 28 - Kick'n Off Summer Service & Picnic at Pioneer Park, 6 pm | |
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Click the image above to watch this week's eBulletin greeting on YouTube.
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New Curriculum Begins Sunday, June 21 |
| "Eat The Word" Bible Reading Challenge |
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God told Israel, that man doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. He told the prophet Ezekiel, "eat this book" (Ezekiel 3:1). At New LIfe, we believe in being intentional about spiritual formation and about living as disciples of Jesus Christ.This Pentecost Sunday (May 31) we are challenging our entire church family, from youth to senior adults, to read through the entire Bible on either a 6-month or a 12-month plan. Our goal is to get at least 300 individuals that are a part of New Life to get involved in Eat The Word. Click on the following links to download or customize your plan. 6-month Plan (Please note that Proverbs repeats monthly, and Daniel & Revelation repeat several times - you can opt out of the repeats as desired). Other options:
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Practical Tips for Bible Reading
- Schedule. Block out non-negotiable time to read the Bible. One way to break it down is to think about meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. We typically eat three times a day. Break up your reading into morning, afternoon, and evening.
- The 6-month plan requires 8 chapters a day, which takes the average reader between 30-40 minutes a day. Chapters can be broken up into three meals a day of 3-2-3. That's only 10-14 minutes, 3 times a day.
- The 12-month plan requires 4 chapters a day or 15-20 minutes a day. Chapters can be broken up into three meals of 2-1-1 (or any variation). That's only 5-7 minutes, 3 times a day.
Pray. Open with prayer - thank God for the "meal" you are about to eat, and as Samuel was taught, pray "speak Lord, your servant is listening".
Journal. Read with a notebook/journal. When the Lord seems to be highlighting something, or speaking a "now" word to your heart, write it down. Note the questions that emerge as you read.
Respond. Have a response time. Spend time in grateful prayer for what the Lord is showing you. Ponder the verse and ruminate over it, allowing the Lord to apply it to your heart.
Share. Share what you've learned with another person and put it into practice!God gave Joshua a powerful promise that applies to us today just as much as it did then. It's found in Joshua 1:8. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
The Hebrew word for prosperous means to "push forward, break out, go over, be profitable, make to prosper, and effect prosperity". As you get into to the word, the promise of God to you is that you will push forward, experience breakthrough, and not only personally prosper, but effect prosperity in those around you! | |
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