And then there were two!

I have two people brave enough to admit that they read my random blog entries. That is two more readers than I thought I would ever have. I do not write this for my "fans". Yes, doesn't the saying go, "when two or more are.........gathered to read a blog, then they are called fans"?

Anyway - I am reading the Gospel of John, mainly because I lead a very small group (currently 3) on Wednesday nights at 7PM (Room 123) that is studying John. You know if my two "fans" come and bring their spouses, they would be the majority. If you have some extra time, read John 3 and 4. Look at how Jesus witnesses to two totally different people....Nicodemus and the woman at the well. One is highly educated, wealthy, respected, a leader amongst his peers. The other one is poor, abused, living in sin, mouthy, probably uneducated. Notice how Jesus approaches these two different people. He accepts them right where they are at, and He seems to speak to them at their level of education and understanding. He doesn't preach down to either of them. He seems to simply ask them questions, and make statements to them that they can relate to and feel compelled to start a discussion.

Do we do that when we witness? Do we accept people where they are at, don't speak down to them, and find a common talking point that will start the dialogue? Is seems to me that Jesus showed us back-to-back in John, that it can be done. Three simple steps to effective evangelism. Let's give it a shot, shall we?

In the beginning.....

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." - John 1:1-2

In the beginning..........3 words that could change our day......in the beginning.

Jesus is the Word. Jesus was with God. Jesus is God.......in the beginning.

In the beginning of my day, I praised God and recognized His existence.
In the beginning of my day, I proclaimed Jesus as the Lord of my life.
In the beginning of my decision-making process, I sought the wisdom of God.
In the beginning of all my relationships, I put my relationship with Jesus first.
In the beginning of writing my bills for the month, I thought first of His Kingdom.

In the beginning.....................

The Answer!

I received some wise advise from a small, distinguished-looking gentleman about my "question" in my last blog. No, it wasn't Confucius (but I can see a resemblance). Anyhow, the advice wasn't something new, incredibly well thought out, off-the-charts configured, or mind-numbing news. No....it was simply what I needed to hear.

Too often, as a friend; we think we have to come up with some fresh advice to help someone with a problem. I think we may even sugar-coat our answers as to make sure we do not upset the friendship. When we have problems, our Christian friends need to be honest with us, speak from their heart, and tell us the simple truth.

My friend (the Confucius look-a-like) simply told me the truth. Deep-down, it was what I knew I needed to do to address my conflict; but when a Christian friend tells you the truth, knowing it may be unpleasant to hear and or follow - that is a true friend. Thanks M.D.!

As for my question and situation, it has been addressed and God's grace (as expected) overwhelmed me. If any one reading this does not believe that God is real and alive, and working in our lives - send me a comment. I can give you countless examples of how He continues to amaze me by His love and concern for my life. If any one reading this lives within 30 minutes of Greensburg, PA - and you want to hear and see God's word come alive - then visit Charter Oak Church - Frye Farm Rd, Greensburg, PA. Our services are Saturday at 6, Sunday at 8, 9:30, and 11.

God is so amazing that I believe He could use a blog entry from a sinner like me to reach someone that needs to know how real and alive He is. If that is you, come to Charter Oak Church and ask for Rich (or say "point me to the tall guy who does dramas") and we can be reminded together that God is alive and He cares about you!

Grace and peace.