April 6, 2018 Friday

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all —  “that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. “Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, “not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”” (Acts 10:34-43 NKJV)

            Peter reveals the first act of sharing the Good News which is opening our mouth.

We often sadly will not open our mouth to share the Good News which is a double danger since not only do they not know of God’s love and salvation but are also not warned of the dangers of not receiving the Good News!

            Many have said that they feel uncomfortable sharing with others because they do not know what to say and are not trained.  Dr George Hunter who teaches Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary says the best evangelists are not the experts but amateurs.

            Peter shares what he has experienced and seen in his own life through Jesus to share the Gospel. Peter is a witness to what he experienced to others about Jesus that gives it realism and a personal touch that obviously has an impact on people.

            Here are three parts that are helpful for you to share with others.

1.       Give a little time sharing your life before God; the Before Christ or BC days.      

2.      Share what or who brought you to Jesus; the Day of God ( Anno Deo) or AD.

3.      Share how God has touched and changed your life since being a Christian. 

            Take time to prepare your testimony so you can share it within 3 minutes.  That is a good length which will fit most people’s attention span and keeps you from getting lost as you try to help others discover Jesus.

            Before you share with someone use the trinity prayer to prepare you and them.

1.       Pray for God to give you words to speak and for them to have ears to hear.

2.      Pray as you speak that God will use your weakness to touch their lives.

3.      After you leave them pray the Holy Spirit will use you to draw them to Jesus.

            It is important to remember we CANNOT save anyone for that is something only God can do!  But we can lead them to Jesus who through the Holy Spirit can help them experience the love of God in their lives.

            Are you willing to open your mouth?  Are you willing to open your life?  Are you willing to open your love?  Remember, someone did that for you!

            The pain was less today even though the weariness still is there like a pall that seldom seems to go away.  I was able to finish up some cards to those who have touched my life in the past.  It is always good to count the blessings of the people God has put into my life.  I am trying to get my life back to some normalcy and again doing the everyday things I have let slip.  Hopefully this will help me is a lot of different ways.