Ok, now we need to try to tie all this together and see how you and I can use this in our life. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. The word of God comes alive when you learn to apply it to your life.
I will look at two different events in the Gospels and what Jesus taught. I am also going to look at a teaching from Paul as well.
Matthew 8:5-13 is the story of the centurion that came to Jesus for healing for his servant. (Please read the whole account in your Bible) Jesus agrees to help, but let's look at what the centurion answers
...."Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. (8) (Emphasis mine)
Now that is an example of belief in God (faith). The centurion then tells Jesus why he believes Jesus can heal his servant with just a word. (Read authority)
Jesus marvels at this man's faith and then makes a point to teach those around Him
...."Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (10)
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. (13) (Emphasis mine)
Notice the pattern. The man confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart. Now let's look at Romans 10:9, 10 Paul is writing to the church in Rome:
...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (9) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (10) (emphasis mine)
This is the same pattern I taught in the first lesson Power in Your Words- Part 1. As you walk it out through scripture and meditate on this it will come alive.
One last example I will use is the lady with the issue of blood. Let's look in Matthew 9:20-22 (you can also find the same story in Luke 8:43-48) concentrate on what the lady did before she touched the hem of His garment.
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. (20) For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." (21) But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour. (22) (Again, emphasis mine)
Notice what happen, she spoke with her mouth exactly how she was going to be healed. She said, "If only I may touch His garment". She also had to believe in her heart, "I shall be made well." Her healing came because she then took action. Many people were touching Jesus, only one stopped Him.
I have been taught, Jesus is walking by, reach out and touch Him for what you need. I believe this is a true statement only if I do what the lady did before she touched Jesus. She used the power of her own words, mixed with faith in God and then she applied action.
The above examples are on healing but Jesus said ..."I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. "(John 10:10) The grace of God covers every area of your life. My final post will bring this teaching to a close.
Power in Your Words- Part 4
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Who Am I Casting Crowns
Just wanted to share this, I really like this song and the video adds to it. You may have already seen this but I think it is worth watching again. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Power in Your Words- Part 2
To continue with the teaching on the power of your spoken words, let's look at a couple of verses from Proverbs 18: 20, 21:
A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. (20)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (21)
That says a mouthful (sorry). This is pretty clear that what we say is what we get. I am constantly amazed when people say something negative about themselves or their current situation and then tag on the end of their negative confession, "but God will see me through."
If the above scriptures are true (and they are) for everyone, than whatever the person says, negative or positive he will eventually have it. It has nothing to do with God; it has to do with you and what you say. (Read personal responsibility)
You have heard the saying, "You are what you eat." I think the Bible is clear; you will "eat" what you speak. So I think it is fair to combine the above saying and the above scriptures to read, "You are what you speak."
Another scripture comes to mind: Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will reap also.
This is the law of sowing and reaping. God never turns His laws off. God can and will act outside these laws. (Read miracle) It is our responsibility to learn His laws and live accordingly. How about the law of gravity? You cannot see either law, but they are both constantly working either for you or against you. Know this, ignorance of the God's laws can hurt or even kill you. So it is to your benefit to learn God's laws and work within them.
Most people do not associate their words with things that happen to them. Why, because it usually takes time for their words to come to pass, sometimes days, months or even years. And I have found the negative words (think of weeds) grow much faster than the positive words (think about planting a fruit tree from a seed). The good plants, those that will feed and supply a need, take much more time and effort to grow than weeds. In fact, all you really have to do to grow weeds is just neglect any area and weeds will grow.
This is true in every area of our lives. I will let you meditate on these truths for now. To be continued.
Power in Your Words-Part 3
A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. (20)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (21)
That says a mouthful (sorry). This is pretty clear that what we say is what we get. I am constantly amazed when people say something negative about themselves or their current situation and then tag on the end of their negative confession, "but God will see me through."
If the above scriptures are true (and they are) for everyone, than whatever the person says, negative or positive he will eventually have it. It has nothing to do with God; it has to do with you and what you say. (Read personal responsibility)
You have heard the saying, "You are what you eat." I think the Bible is clear; you will "eat" what you speak. So I think it is fair to combine the above saying and the above scriptures to read, "You are what you speak."
Another scripture comes to mind: Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will reap also.
This is the law of sowing and reaping. God never turns His laws off. God can and will act outside these laws. (Read miracle) It is our responsibility to learn His laws and live accordingly. How about the law of gravity? You cannot see either law, but they are both constantly working either for you or against you. Know this, ignorance of the God's laws can hurt or even kill you. So it is to your benefit to learn God's laws and work within them.
Most people do not associate their words with things that happen to them. Why, because it usually takes time for their words to come to pass, sometimes days, months or even years. And I have found the negative words (think of weeds) grow much faster than the positive words (think about planting a fruit tree from a seed). The good plants, those that will feed and supply a need, take much more time and effort to grow than weeds. In fact, all you really have to do to grow weeds is just neglect any area and weeds will grow.
This is true in every area of our lives. I will let you meditate on these truths for now. To be continued.
Power in Your Words-Part 3
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
More Evangelism Thoughts Using Christian Clothing
I bought the basic training course from Way of the Master last year. It is an excellent tool for teaching believers how to use the law of the Lord (The Ten Commandments) while witnessing.
I have found most people I talk to, are not ready to go from doing nothing for God, to street preaching. There may need to be a starting point or ground breaking, before people begin to have confidence talking to people they do not know. I believe it is a process of growth and most are not ready to go "hit the streets", so they do nothing. I have also noticed most people that teach Evangelism are passionate about witnessing for God and may even be gifted by God to be Evangelists. (This may be one of the reasons evangelism is avoided by most believers.)
I believe evangelism could to be taught as a process, as you grow, you move to the next step or level. Two scriptures come to mind to back this up. The first is found in Mark 4:28, Jesus is comparing the kingdom of God as the growing seed.
"For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head."
The second is Acts 1:8 where Jesus gives His disciples the pattern or how they should start witnessing.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
For many believers witnessing is going to be a learned behavior, we know we should do it but don't know where to start. Our Christian Clothing Line is a great tool to take you from doing nothing (not witnessing to anyone) to witnessing, when asked, by people you come in contact during your regular day.
I believe Jerusalem represents people close to you, friends and family. After you have acquired the necessary skills and confidence, you should then move out further into your community.
I saw this video and thought you would enjoy it. It is about 10 minutes. It solidifies the need to use God's law when talking about true salvation. I totally agree and have seen it work in my life.
The Reformed Gadfly: Do We Really Need To Be "Buds"?#links
I have found most people I talk to, are not ready to go from doing nothing for God, to street preaching. There may need to be a starting point or ground breaking, before people begin to have confidence talking to people they do not know. I believe it is a process of growth and most are not ready to go "hit the streets", so they do nothing. I have also noticed most people that teach Evangelism are passionate about witnessing for God and may even be gifted by God to be Evangelists. (This may be one of the reasons evangelism is avoided by most believers.)
I believe evangelism could to be taught as a process, as you grow, you move to the next step or level. Two scriptures come to mind to back this up. The first is found in Mark 4:28, Jesus is comparing the kingdom of God as the growing seed.
"For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head."
The second is Acts 1:8 where Jesus gives His disciples the pattern or how they should start witnessing.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
For many believers witnessing is going to be a learned behavior, we know we should do it but don't know where to start. Our Christian Clothing Line is a great tool to take you from doing nothing (not witnessing to anyone) to witnessing, when asked, by people you come in contact during your regular day.
I believe Jerusalem represents people close to you, friends and family. After you have acquired the necessary skills and confidence, you should then move out further into your community.
I saw this video and thought you would enjoy it. It is about 10 minutes. It solidifies the need to use God's law when talking about true salvation. I totally agree and have seen it work in my life.
The Reformed Gadfly: Do We Really Need To Be "Buds"?#links
Power in Your Words- Part 1
Most of you have heard the saying:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."
I used to think the above saying was the truth. Words really did not mean much, your actions was all that mattered. After reading and studying the Bible, (the real Truth) I have come to a different conclusion.
Your faith, plus your words, plus your belief in your heart (no doubting), is how you can move any mountain (add in any obstacle) in your life.
Let's read Mark 11:22-24
So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast in the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (emphasis mine)
I know there have been countless sermons and teachings on this topic but I just wanted to tell you what I am meditating on right now. The assumption that words have no real power or cannot affect you, is a lie straight from the devil.
In Genesis 1, God literally spoke the world into existence. (If you do not believe that, your can not believe any other part of the Bible.) If God did not speak and create this world, than God is a liar. God is God and this is how He did it: And God said.
He then gave man (Adam) dominion over the world He created and that included "speaking" to his situation. Adam gave this "power/dominion" to the devil and that is how Satan get things done here on Earth. Wow, that is a bunch for this post. I will let that sink in, continue to pray on this and get back to it tomorrow.
Power in Your Words-Part 2
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."
I used to think the above saying was the truth. Words really did not mean much, your actions was all that mattered. After reading and studying the Bible, (the real Truth) I have come to a different conclusion.
Your faith, plus your words, plus your belief in your heart (no doubting), is how you can move any mountain (add in any obstacle) in your life.
Let's read Mark 11:22-24
So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast in the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (emphasis mine)
I know there have been countless sermons and teachings on this topic but I just wanted to tell you what I am meditating on right now. The assumption that words have no real power or cannot affect you, is a lie straight from the devil.
In Genesis 1, God literally spoke the world into existence. (If you do not believe that, your can not believe any other part of the Bible.) If God did not speak and create this world, than God is a liar. God is God and this is how He did it: And God said.
He then gave man (Adam) dominion over the world He created and that included "speaking" to his situation. Adam gave this "power/dominion" to the devil and that is how Satan get things done here on Earth. Wow, that is a bunch for this post. I will let that sink in, continue to pray on this and get back to it tomorrow.
Power in Your Words-Part 2
Monday, February 25, 2008
Powerful Christian Clothing
Why powerful? Because we try to base everything we do on scripture. This can be a little tricky and will probably offend some people. Every business needs a standard of practice and we use the Bible as our guide.
With that said, I want to reintroduce a powerful scripture and one I have tied much of the reason for continuing on with this clothing line.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony and they did not consider their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
What a powerful picture of a true believer (for keyword purposes I love the term Warriors for Christ).
There are three distinct attributes for the above mentioned Warrior for Christ.
1. The blood of the Lamb. Jesus blood is where the power begins and ends. Without the blood there would be no victory.
2. The word of their testimony. Each "Warrior" has a unique testimony they can use to defeat Satan.
3. A sacrificial life. Without a complete and total death to self you remain a target the enemy (Satan) can attack. He has no power over a "dead man".
As you can tell this verse has incredible power, but like all scripture, it is only powerful when applied to your life. So before any Christian Clothing item can be used, you must first decide to be used of God.
Appling the Bible to your life using something as basic as: Prayer, Wear and Share Christian Clothing that makes a difference in .
With that said, I want to reintroduce a powerful scripture and one I have tied much of the reason for continuing on with this clothing line.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony and they did not consider their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
What a powerful picture of a true believer (for keyword purposes I love the term Warriors for Christ).
There are three distinct attributes for the above mentioned Warrior for Christ.
1. The blood of the Lamb. Jesus blood is where the power begins and ends. Without the blood there would be no victory.
2. The word of their testimony. Each "Warrior" has a unique testimony they can use to defeat Satan.
3. A sacrificial life. Without a complete and total death to self you remain a target the enemy (Satan) can attack. He has no power over a "dead man".
As you can tell this verse has incredible power, but like all scripture, it is only powerful when applied to your life. So before any Christian Clothing item can be used, you must first decide to be used of God.
Appling the Bible to your life using something as basic as: Prayer, Wear and Share Christian Clothing that makes a difference in .
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Why Evangelize
Thought this was excellent. The Reformed Gadfly: If God Is Sovereign, Why Evangelize?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Why I Wear Christian Clothing
Have you ever tried to teach a subject you didn't know? I love to teach, but I have found I am most effective teaching something I have actually done or have studied.
Let me give you an example; my daughter asked me to help her with her cheerleading cheers one day. She knew I coached her brother in many different sports, so she wanted me to help her with her sport. I readily agreed, because as general rule, I want to help whenever my children ask.
I failed miserably that day, not because I wanted to, but because I did not have a clue about cheerleading. (We did have a great time as my daughter taught me.) My point is, good intentions are not worth much if you teach your student something entirely wrong.
Christian Clothing is a subject (much like cheerleading) I knew very little about. By divine intervention (an answer to prayer) I find myself in the clothing business. Did I pray for a clothing business you might ask? No, I prayed for an idea to make money. God gave me a Christian Clothing Company.
So instead of taking this idea and mass marketing it to everyone, everywhere, I made a couple of shirts for myself and then some friends (who saw my shirt and wanted one). Here's the whole story.
I still know very little about the clothing industry. I have become a student and my goal is to learn more each day. One thing is certain, this logo works to start a conversation about Jesus. So why write this? As a teaching example, this is how people react to the clothes with the One Drop of Blood logo.
People ask, I share. Usually, it is someone I am in close personal contact with during my day. Some examples are: waiters, golf partners, clients, or people I see at the store. Each encounter is different, but almost all of them start the same, with a question, "What is that on your shirt?" That is why I wear Christian Clothing.
Let me give you an example; my daughter asked me to help her with her cheerleading cheers one day. She knew I coached her brother in many different sports, so she wanted me to help her with her sport. I readily agreed, because as general rule, I want to help whenever my children ask.
I failed miserably that day, not because I wanted to, but because I did not have a clue about cheerleading. (We did have a great time as my daughter taught me.) My point is, good intentions are not worth much if you teach your student something entirely wrong.
Christian Clothing is a subject (much like cheerleading) I knew very little about. By divine intervention (an answer to prayer) I find myself in the clothing business. Did I pray for a clothing business you might ask? No, I prayed for an idea to make money. God gave me a Christian Clothing Company.
So instead of taking this idea and mass marketing it to everyone, everywhere, I made a couple of shirts for myself and then some friends (who saw my shirt and wanted one). Here's the whole story.
I still know very little about the clothing industry. I have become a student and my goal is to learn more each day. One thing is certain, this logo works to start a conversation about Jesus. So why write this? As a teaching example, this is how people react to the clothes with the One Drop of Blood logo.
People ask, I share. Usually, it is someone I am in close personal contact with during my day. Some examples are: waiters, golf partners, clients, or people I see at the store. Each encounter is different, but almost all of them start the same, with a question, "What is that on your shirt?" That is why I wear Christian Clothing.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Christian Clothing for Doers of the word
Christian Clothing today is mostly about proclaiming the fact the person wearing the clothing item is a Christian. How does that proclamation help anyone unfamiliar with Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation?
In my experience with non-Christians, (I was one for 30 years) most believe in order to become a Christian they will have to fall in line like their "crazy" neighbor and never do anything "fun" again. In other words they will have to live by a new set of rules and standards.
As most Christians (not all) know, it is about a personal relationship with Christ, not obeying a "rule book". Jesus Christ "obeyed" all the rules of the law for us. He took all of our broken rules (past, present and future) and paid the price once and for all.
That is the Good News and it is what the world needs to know. So what does that have to do with Christian Clothing? The Bible teaches, not to cast your pearls before swine.
So, are we instructed to tell everybody we come in contact with about Jesus? (Here is where I get off the "witness to everybody" reservation.) I believe we are to tell only those whom the Father is currently drawing to Himself. (See John 6:44) Now, if you are wondering who the Father is drawing, I believe all you need to do is ask Him.
This is a prayer God will answer. The problem some believers have with this idea is, it requires action and participation in God's word. This is where One Drop of Blood can help.
We have found that many believers need a little help hearing from God, so we have created a Christian Clothing Line that helps you fulfill the Great Commission and be doers of God's word.
How many times has someone asked you about Jesus while wearing any item in your current wardrobe?
Our challenge to you is as easy as 1, 2, and 3:
1. Find a Christian Clothing Line.
2. Purchase an item that will start a conversation about Jesus.
3. Then give them your personal testimony or a gospel tract.
Quit being hearers only, it is time for Christians to get off the pew and into the world.
In my experience with non-Christians, (I was one for 30 years) most believe in order to become a Christian they will have to fall in line like their "crazy" neighbor and never do anything "fun" again. In other words they will have to live by a new set of rules and standards.
As most Christians (not all) know, it is about a personal relationship with Christ, not obeying a "rule book". Jesus Christ "obeyed" all the rules of the law for us. He took all of our broken rules (past, present and future) and paid the price once and for all.
That is the Good News and it is what the world needs to know. So what does that have to do with Christian Clothing? The Bible teaches, not to cast your pearls before swine.
So, are we instructed to tell everybody we come in contact with about Jesus? (Here is where I get off the "witness to everybody" reservation.) I believe we are to tell only those whom the Father is currently drawing to Himself. (See John 6:44) Now, if you are wondering who the Father is drawing, I believe all you need to do is ask Him.
This is a prayer God will answer. The problem some believers have with this idea is, it requires action and participation in God's word. This is where One Drop of Blood can help.
We have found that many believers need a little help hearing from God, so we have created a Christian Clothing Line that helps you fulfill the Great Commission and be doers of God's word.
How many times has someone asked you about Jesus while wearing any item in your current wardrobe?
Our challenge to you is as easy as 1, 2, and 3:
1. Find a Christian Clothing Line.
2. Purchase an item that will start a conversation about Jesus.
3. Then give them your personal testimony or a gospel tract.
Quit being hearers only, it is time for Christians to get off the pew and into the world.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A Christian Clothing Prayer
In a previous post I talked about Prayer, Wear and Share.
I would like to concentrate on Prayer. I define prayer as my conversation with God. This is a two way conversation that starts with me.
Usually, I start my prayer by acknowledging God as my Lord and Savior. Then, I ask God to lead, guide, and direct me during my day. Finally, I tell God I will be wearing the One Drop of Blood logo and ask Him to send someone into my life that needs to hear from Him.
This may sound a little too familiar but I have a close personal relationship with Jesus and talk to Him like I would a close friend. While wearing the shirt, I am constantly aware that someone may ask me a question. So I ask Jesus for just the right word.
During a typical day I may be asked a question about the logo. This does a couple of things for me spiritually. First, I can experience an answer to my specific prayer. Next, I am able to share God's word to the person who asked the question.
This may seem like a very small thing to most people but there is a confidence you gain from having your prayer answered. Try it for yourself, God will answer this prayer.
I would like to concentrate on Prayer. I define prayer as my conversation with God. This is a two way conversation that starts with me.
Usually, I start my prayer by acknowledging God as my Lord and Savior. Then, I ask God to lead, guide, and direct me during my day. Finally, I tell God I will be wearing the One Drop of Blood logo and ask Him to send someone into my life that needs to hear from Him.
This may sound a little too familiar but I have a close personal relationship with Jesus and talk to Him like I would a close friend. While wearing the shirt, I am constantly aware that someone may ask me a question. So I ask Jesus for just the right word.
During a typical day I may be asked a question about the logo. This does a couple of things for me spiritually. First, I can experience an answer to my specific prayer. Next, I am able to share God's word to the person who asked the question.
This may seem like a very small thing to most people but there is a confidence you gain from having your prayer answered. Try it for yourself, God will answer this prayer.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Effortless Evangelism using Christian Clothing
Free Yourself From Your Burden
Why are you afraid of telling people about Jesus? There are many reasons you might use but why not just destroy all of those excuses with action? We have coined a phrase Effortless Evangelism. We use something you do every day (put on clothes) and we help you put on Christ daily.
Jesus promised in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Why should you ever struggle when talking about Jesus?
My guess is, you have been witnessing your way, not "yoking up with Jesus". By witnessing your way, you get to carry your burden. Or worse, you have been trying to witness like someone else.
God made you unique. He gave you unique skills and personalities. Why would you ever try to be like someone else?
Here is a radical concept; why not be yourself around the people you come in contact with everyday? Then, if the opportunity presents itself to share Jesus, do it from your heart. Sharing Jesus with people should be an extension of who you are, not something you must do. That is what we mean by Effortless Evangelism.
Sharing, when asked, to people you know or come in contact with during your day. Not going door to door talking to people you have no rapport with or may not even know. That to me is not effortless on any level.
I have not read anywhere in the Bible where Jesus went door to door. Do you think God forgot to use this powerful witnessing tool or maybe He did go door to door but forgot to record it in His word?
No, Jesus just lived His life and people followed. He then poured Himself into His followers (not randomly to someone behind a door). Jesus taught, He preached, and He healed those who came out to meet Him. A person did not have to "get saved" before he shared, but most did to come to Him. That defines Effortless if you ask me.
Why not try something different today? Be yourself, someone will follow. If not, relax and take a walk through life, someone is at least watching.
Why are you afraid of telling people about Jesus? There are many reasons you might use but why not just destroy all of those excuses with action? We have coined a phrase Effortless Evangelism. We use something you do every day (put on clothes) and we help you put on Christ daily.
Jesus promised in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Why should you ever struggle when talking about Jesus?
My guess is, you have been witnessing your way, not "yoking up with Jesus". By witnessing your way, you get to carry your burden. Or worse, you have been trying to witness like someone else.
God made you unique. He gave you unique skills and personalities. Why would you ever try to be like someone else?
Here is a radical concept; why not be yourself around the people you come in contact with everyday? Then, if the opportunity presents itself to share Jesus, do it from your heart. Sharing Jesus with people should be an extension of who you are, not something you must do. That is what we mean by Effortless Evangelism.
Sharing, when asked, to people you know or come in contact with during your day. Not going door to door talking to people you have no rapport with or may not even know. That to me is not effortless on any level.
I have not read anywhere in the Bible where Jesus went door to door. Do you think God forgot to use this powerful witnessing tool or maybe He did go door to door but forgot to record it in His word?
No, Jesus just lived His life and people followed. He then poured Himself into His followers (not randomly to someone behind a door). Jesus taught, He preached, and He healed those who came out to meet Him. A person did not have to "get saved" before he shared, but most did to come to Him. That defines Effortless if you ask me.
Why not try something different today? Be yourself, someone will follow. If not, relax and take a walk through life, someone is at least watching.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Teaching the Church to Pray and Evangelize
Making Christians Scatter!
If you want to see most Christians run for cover, call a prayer meeting or teach an evangelism class. Why is that? Have you ever wondered why the Great Commission is so uncomfortable for the Church?
I believe most Christians want to share their faith, they just don't know how. Why not just let the light of your life shine? When people ask, "What makes you different?" have an answer or a Christian tract ready.
I believe one possible answer to sharing your faith could be the clothes you wear. Christian Clothing can help you be a witness, evangelize the lost and strengthen your prayer life. How, you may ask, can something like Christian T-Shirts do all that?
By simply using something common to everyone, clothes, and making them magnets for God.
If you want to see most Christians run for cover, call a prayer meeting or teach an evangelism class. Why is that? Have you ever wondered why the Great Commission is so uncomfortable for the Church?
I believe most Christians want to share their faith, they just don't know how. Why not just let the light of your life shine? When people ask, "What makes you different?" have an answer or a Christian tract ready.
I believe one possible answer to sharing your faith could be the clothes you wear. Christian Clothing can help you be a witness, evangelize the lost and strengthen your prayer life. How, you may ask, can something like Christian T-Shirts do all that?
By simply using something common to everyone, clothes, and making them magnets for God.
Wear Christian Clothing
God Started the Clothing Industry
You say, 'I want to give God the glory in my life.' Why not start with the clothes you wear?
Have you given much thought to what God would have you wear? After all, did you know, it was God who started the clothing industry. For the whole story reread Genesis 3:1-21 but here are the highlights:
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (Genesis 3:7)
Adam's attempt to hide his nakedness got him a covering. When God next sees Adam He realizes that Adam has sinned and things will never be the same. God then pronounces curses (the consequences of everyone's own actions). After God finished handing out His punishment for disobeying Him, he did something for Adam and Eve.
Also for Adam and his wife Eve the Lord made tunics of skin, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21)
Since the fall of man, clothes are now required. Did God kill just any animal to make the first clothes? You have probably never thought about this before. God is perfect and He made the perfect choice as a covering for Adam and Eve. There is no record of what animal was killed but an animal died and their sin was covered.
Think about Adam's assignment; He gave a name to all of God's creatures. He named the animal and probably knew which animal God killed to cover up their nakedness. (My personal opinion is God used a lamb that probably followed Adam and Eve around every day) Regardless of what animal it was, something had to die. This was a big deal to them.
So what does all this have to do with you? You have to wear clothes. It is against the law to go out in public without clothing. Why would you not use this necessity to bring God glory? My guess is you have never really thought about it before.
Your life is made up of thousands of decisions every day. Small decisions can make a huge impact on your life. You can probably think of a few you have made that changed everything.
Let's look at one small decision you make every day. The clothes you wear. This decision can be based on your style, current fashion trends; many things can influence your decision. You may just grab what is clean. Without much thought, you buy clothes you like, to make you look good. The decision about your clothes has all been about you.
Now, take your eyes off yourself for a minute and let me ask you a question. Have you ever helped someone out?
Now think about this question. Have you ever truly helped someone out of a terrible situation? Remember how good you felt just being able to help. Now think about what Jesus said about the world around you. The road to life (Heaven) is narrow and few find it but the road to destruction (Hell) is wide and many travel on it. Hell is real and many of the people in your life may be traveling on the road that leads to destruction.
Why not make a decision to make a difference. Stop worrying about what someone might think and start seeing the clothes you wear as another tool to reach the people in your life for Jesus Christ. Have you ever prayed for God to use you? Clothes are a necessity; why not start using the clothes you wear to give God glory?
God's promises in the Bible are all true. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Light and easy is a promise from Jesus to anyone who will be lead by Him. If witnessing seems hard maybe you need to hook in to Jesus' yoke and work His way.
God started the clothing business. Since the fall of man, clothes are now required. Who do you think controls the clothing industry? Why not start looking for Christian clothing companies you can support?
Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. Why would you continue to support clothing companies that never acknowledge God? Let this serve as a challenge to you. Find a Christian clothing company that will not only cloth you, but can be used to reach those in your life on the wide road that leads to Hell?
You say, 'I want to give God the glory in my life.' Why not start with the clothes you wear?
Have you given much thought to what God would have you wear? After all, did you know, it was God who started the clothing industry. For the whole story reread Genesis 3:1-21 but here are the highlights:
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (Genesis 3:7)
Adam's attempt to hide his nakedness got him a covering. When God next sees Adam He realizes that Adam has sinned and things will never be the same. God then pronounces curses (the consequences of everyone's own actions). After God finished handing out His punishment for disobeying Him, he did something for Adam and Eve.
Also for Adam and his wife Eve the Lord made tunics of skin, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21)
Since the fall of man, clothes are now required. Did God kill just any animal to make the first clothes? You have probably never thought about this before. God is perfect and He made the perfect choice as a covering for Adam and Eve. There is no record of what animal was killed but an animal died and their sin was covered.
Think about Adam's assignment; He gave a name to all of God's creatures. He named the animal and probably knew which animal God killed to cover up their nakedness. (My personal opinion is God used a lamb that probably followed Adam and Eve around every day) Regardless of what animal it was, something had to die. This was a big deal to them.
So what does all this have to do with you? You have to wear clothes. It is against the law to go out in public without clothing. Why would you not use this necessity to bring God glory? My guess is you have never really thought about it before.
Your life is made up of thousands of decisions every day. Small decisions can make a huge impact on your life. You can probably think of a few you have made that changed everything.
Let's look at one small decision you make every day. The clothes you wear. This decision can be based on your style, current fashion trends; many things can influence your decision. You may just grab what is clean. Without much thought, you buy clothes you like, to make you look good. The decision about your clothes has all been about you.
Now, take your eyes off yourself for a minute and let me ask you a question. Have you ever helped someone out?
Now think about this question. Have you ever truly helped someone out of a terrible situation? Remember how good you felt just being able to help. Now think about what Jesus said about the world around you. The road to life (Heaven) is narrow and few find it but the road to destruction (Hell) is wide and many travel on it. Hell is real and many of the people in your life may be traveling on the road that leads to destruction.
Why not make a decision to make a difference. Stop worrying about what someone might think and start seeing the clothes you wear as another tool to reach the people in your life for Jesus Christ. Have you ever prayed for God to use you? Clothes are a necessity; why not start using the clothes you wear to give God glory?
God's promises in the Bible are all true. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Light and easy is a promise from Jesus to anyone who will be lead by Him. If witnessing seems hard maybe you need to hook in to Jesus' yoke and work His way.
God started the clothing business. Since the fall of man, clothes are now required. Who do you think controls the clothing industry? Why not start looking for Christian clothing companies you can support?
Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. Why would you continue to support clothing companies that never acknowledge God? Let this serve as a challenge to you. Find a Christian clothing company that will not only cloth you, but can be used to reach those in your life on the wide road that leads to Hell?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Christian Clothing, Each One Reach One
Stop Trying to Save the World.
Start by sharing the Gospel with the people in your life. Prayer, Wear, and Share; this is what we teach people wearing our Christian clothing Line.
The first and most important part is your Prayer. As a personal testimony, this is the conversation I have with God. I ask Him to send someone in my life that needs to hear from Him.The second step is Wear. Again, to continue my personal example, I wear a shirt with the One Drop of Blood logo. And wait for God to answer my earlier prayer.
The final step is Share. This is where I actually get to Share the "Good News" with someone who asks me any question reguarding my shirt , logo etc.While wearing the One Drop of Blood shirt I discovered a couple of things I did not know.
First, I am not asked a question every time I wear the logo. Early on, I was disappointed whenever the day ended and no one asked me a question. This was more than I had ever done to witness for God before, but I was defining a successful day only when I was asked a question.
Second, every time I wore an article of clothing, I was acutely aware of everyone I came in contact with, especially when they were looking at my shirt. I was engaged in the spreading the Gospel message even when no one asked me a question. I felt better about myself just for trying.I have handed out over 100 tracts (I have really stopped counting). Truely, Effortless Evangelism is now defined by me as: Prayer, Wear and Share.
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