This blog is about encouraging, empowering and equipping Ordinary Christians live an intentionally missional life that shine the Light of Christ brightly back into this dark world. We will provide training on on developing the basic skills necessary for living a life of a missionary; Biblical insights that will empower Ordinary Christians to share their faith; and inspirational stories of other Ordinary Christians who are living a life on mission with Christ.
Showing posts with label christians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christians. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Thursday, September 18, 2014
5 PRINCIPLES JESUS USED TO PURSUE HIS MISSION
"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house." Luke 10:1-7 (NIV)
PRINCIPLE #1: He Had A Vision That Guided Him (v. 2)
Jesus had a vision of a harvest field that was plentifully ripe and ready to be harvested. He didn't just see a few people ready to surrender their hearts and lives over to his care and control but a whole harvest field just waiting to be picked.
How do you view your mission field? Do you see people willing and ready to surrender their hearts over to Christ or do you see resistant people fighting God. I think that many times our own personal perception of situations is the biggest hinderances. If we think people are going to be resistant then that's what we are going to find.
Jesus using this same image, fields ripe for harvest, gives the explanation why he consider them ready for salvation. Look at what He says in Matthew 9:36,37;
"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
Jesus described people who were ripe for harvest as being people who were "distressed", "dispirited" and aimlessly wandering like "sheep without a shepherd'. Let me ask you: In your community do you find a lot of people who are distressed? Who are dispirited? And how wander around without any real direction in life? If you answered "yes" then you have a Spiritually Ripe Harvest Field.
GET THE VISION - VIEW YOUR COMMUNITY READY TO COME TO JESUS
PRINCIPLE #2: Prayed For God To Provide.
In both Luke 10 and in Matthew 9 Jesus mentioned the major roadblock to bringing in the ripe harvest. He said the roadblock wasn't enough workers. Jesus solution to this problem was not to guilt, bagger or twist the arm of people to get involved. No. Jesus' solution was to "pray to the Lord of the Harvest" to send more workers.
The only one who can get the right workers into the harvest field is God. It is God's responsibility to employ and deploy the workers! Our job is to relentlessly to faithfully be in the harvest field making more disciples for Christ and praying for God to get us more help by raising up more workers.
How often are you praying for God to raise up, train up and unleash more harvesters to join us in the work? Do you even think that Jesus was serious about this prayer or do you think He was just speaking figuratively?
PRINCIPLE #3: He Used Teams To Pursue His Mission.
Jesus sent the 72 out in teams of two. He also sent the 12 out in teams of two. Throughout the Gospels we see teams of 2 to 3 going out by the Lord's instruction. At times we see Peter, James and John. Other times we just see Peter and John. In the book for Acts we see Paul and Barnabas and the examples could go on and on.
Who makes up your team of pursuing Christ's mission? Are you trying to do all alone? Who are the people you know you can cast a vision of Christ's mission and see if they would like to form a team with you in doing ministry?
PRINCIPLE #4: HE LOOKED FOR GOD PREPARED PEOPLE.
In verses 5-7 we see Jesus telling the 72 to look for a "Person of Peace". This is a person whom God has prepared and ready to receive the Gospel. In John 5:19 Jesus said that he could do noting on his own but only what he sees the Father doing and whatever he sees the Father doing he also does. In other words Jesus was looking for the Person of Peace, the person that God the Father has prepared to receive the Good News.
This is to be our approach as well. We are not on mission to convince people they need Christ. We are on mission to find those that God has already prepared to receive Christ. I got to tell you this one principle really takes the pressure off us once we realized we are just to join God in the work He has already started.
PRINCIPLE #5: ONCE JESUS FOUND THE HOUSE OF PEACE HE THEN DISCIPLED THE WHOLE HOUSEHOLD.
In Acts 10:44 and Acts 16 we read about a Gentile by the name of Cornelius and a jail guard in Philippi that came to faith in Christ. But not just them! The Bible also says that "they and their household" believed and were baptized. This was true also with Jesus. When Jesus reached Peter, Peters entire household came to faith, including his mother-in-law, who was healed by Jesus. When Jesus reached the Samaritan Woman at the well; it says that she went back to her village and reach them for Jesus.
How are you reaching entire households?
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Wednesday, September 17, 2014
MISSIONAL LIVING MEANS YOUR ARE TAKING A WALK OF FAITH!: How Strong Is Your Walk
About that time God began to do a work in George's life to start praying like he had never prayed before. George's prayers were to ask God to assign him to a ministry that could only be done and explained by the Christians of his time as an act of God. George wanted Christians to learn and believe that their God still heard their prayers and would be faithful to answer them, if they would just pray in faith and that faith only needed to be the size of a mustard seed.
God led Pastor Mueller to a particular Bible verse that he held onto for the rest of his life and in which he would place his trust God. That Bible passage was:
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Psalm 81:10
George believed that God was giving him a promise through that verse that He, God, and God alone would be the one to meet his needs and the needs of the ministry that God would assign him to do. From that verse Pastor Mueller was led by God to a walk in faith which became a powerful example and testimony to everyone watching. When George felt led by God to do some particular ministry, he would pray to God alone for the resources needed and told no one else of the need.
George wanted all to know that God had provided for the needs of the ministry through the answers of prayers of faith.
Here are some of the things that God did through George Mueller during that "Walk of Faith" time of his ministry:
- The Scriptural Knowledge Institute for distributing of scripture and for religious education was started.
- He established 4 orphanages houses that cared for 2,000 children at a time. Over 10,000 children had been provided for through those orphanages.
- He distributed over 8 million dollars that had been given to him in answer to prayer. When he died at the age of 93, his personal worldly possessions were valued at only $800.00.
An important note here for us to emphasis here is that Pastor George Mueller "NEVER" asked anyone for any of the money that was given to him.
The Only Person That Rev. George Mueller Ever Asked For Help Was
GOD!
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Question #1: How strong is your faith in God?
Question #2: Do you believe that God still answers our prayers?
Question #3: What ministry are you doing, as an act of faith, that God has led you to do?
Question #4: What will you do as an act of faith today?
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR COMMUNITY IS READY TO COME TO JESUS?
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38
3 Descriptions For A Communities Readiness
To Come To Jesus!
1. Harassed:
Another word that can be used here is weary. Life can get demanding. We experience demands from our jobs, our families, our friends and just society in general. School can become overly demanding. For many it seems like they are being screamed at from every corner of their life and there is not place of refuge.
2. Helpless:
You can also use the phrase "Worn out. In your community do you know of people who are so tired and exhausted with life that they are about ready to try anything to have a change in life. Sometimes, it's because they're over worked and underpaid. In other cases, it's just that there's more month at the end of the check.
3. Like sheep without a shepherd:
This gives the impression of just aimlessly wandering about without any real direction. Do you know people who are just going through the motions of life but it seems like they just keep going around in circles?
IF SO, THERE'S A PRETTY GOOD CHANCE YOUR
COMMUNITY ISREADY FOR JESUS!
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Sunday, August 3, 2014
MISSIONAL LIVING CAN'T BE FAKED! IT'S EITHER REAL OR IT'S NOT!
Watch this weeks Missional Living Devotional to learn about the need for sincerity when it comes to shining the Light of Christ in your part of this dark world. Once you've watched the video take a few moments and honestly evaluate yourself to see if much of what you've been doing in the name of "Missioinal Living" is more of a show than it is a reality.
Sign up below and receive a FREE training report on HOW TO TRANSITION ANY CONVERSATION INTO A CONVERSATION ABOUT JESUS. If you have ever felt awkward about talking about spiritual things this simple 4 Step Strategy will show how to do it naturally and with ease. In addition to the training report you can also receive a Free Subscription to Missional Living Devotionals. This is two things for FREE! Signup below to get yours:
Sign up below and receive a FREE training report on HOW TO TRANSITION ANY CONVERSATION INTO A CONVERSATION ABOUT JESUS. If you have ever felt awkward about talking about spiritual things this simple 4 Step Strategy will show how to do it naturally and with ease. In addition to the training report you can also receive a Free Subscription to Missional Living Devotionals. This is two things for FREE! Signup below to get yours:
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Monday, June 30, 2014
Amazon Reviews On: THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE: A Journey Into Missioinal Living
This Little Light Of Mine: A Journey Into Missional Living is one of the newest and most powerful books on missional living! This simple to read book will inspire and lead the reader to create their own personal strategy for shining the Light of Christ into their part of this dark world.
Read what others are saying, through Amazon Review, about THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE! These reviews are from ordinary christians, not professional clergy, who share their real impressions after reading the book.
"I just finished reading "This Little Light of Mine" by Jay Moore. I enjoyed this well written book that will be a wonderful instructional tool for the everyday believer on how to shine the light of Jesus with their circle of friends and family. He has taken a simple and engaging story about two little lights who found the courage to leave their comfort zone and go out into the dark world to share their light. Then he has offered some well thought out plans on how we as believers can do the same. I would recommend this book for those who want to do this this but just aren't sure how." Nancy Miller http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"A few weeks ago, I pulled a man from jumping off a 600 foot high bridge; he wanted to die. I may have bought him a few more days to live, but what is life in comparison to the destiny of his eternal soul? As he ranted and raved, crying out that no-one cared about him, I assured him I did care. What I didn’t do in this moment of crisis was to lead him into a relationship with Christ. What I didn’t do was provide the message to save his soul instead of just his body. This event settled heavily on my heart over the next weeks as I realized that all my years of church going didn’t prepare me for this moment. I determined I would never miss another divine appointment to share Jesus with those I come across every day. Jay’s book was a timely answer to this desire and there is not enough room to describe the impact it has had on my life. It is exactly the tool I needed. This Little Light of Mine provides the missing link between Christianity and the real world, and in applying its message, I now live prepared to share Christ with others. Jay’s writings reveal a pastor’s heart to teach the truth, convert hearts, and disciple the remnant of hurting men and women living outside the sanctity of a church building. The book is a long overdue guide for those who want to take their faith out of the buildings and into natural flow of life. Randy Shepherd http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"Loved this book it's simple basic principles explained so you know what God wants from you. The mirror unveiled so to speak. Jay lets you see how the love God has given to each of us is to be shared daily as we go out and do our normal activities how Gods plan fits into the life we live. Thanks Jay it inspired and motivated me to open my eyes at those who around me and be aware of what they need to be able to see God's love for them." Terri Barry http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"This is a book that needs to be shared by the pastors and leaders of all churches with their congregations. This Little Light of Mine clearly defines the purpose of our lives, to tell others the Good News! Pastor Jay paints an accurate picture of the state of the world as well as the mind set of the North American Church and then clearly and simply outlines a strategy to bring about light into darkness and revival among the followers! This movement will be brought forward not by the trained and ordained but by the everyday ordinary believer that has a heart for the lost and feels the burden of the Great Commission. With this book, those everyday ordinary believers will be equipped and ready to be unleashed to go out and make disciples of all the nations!" Debbie Harvey http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"This little book is practical, easy to read and understand, and applicable in it's approach for today's believer. It gives clear and plain direction to keep one's life in Christ alive and flourishing, and to share with others. I recommend this book to anyone new to the faith or older in faith to inspire anyone and everyone to move forward with the gospel of Christ." Mary Moore http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"Straight-forward street talk! The heart of this book is a compelling call for Christ followers to get back to the basics in daily demonstrations of God's love. It's a call to merge your faith with your daily living, no matter where you are. The author emphasizes the significance of every believer's unique mission field outside of the church. Perhaps the best part is that Jay doesn't leave the reader dangling after stirring their hearts. Instead, he provides practical tools for carrying out the call: Living a Christ centered life that remains in view of others and touches the people we encounter every single day. You won't put this book down without having experienced an inspirational perspective change." Barbette Shepherd http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"Jay Moore has written a book addressing the common problem in churches today of people going to church but never going out into the Mission Field of their own lives. He addresses the problem of never leaving your comfort zone of the pew and being a light to the world around you especially in our nation today.I felt it was well written for the common Christian man and women, with practical steps to gain comfort in sharing your faith through your own experiences in your walk with Christ. I found myself these last two weeks praying that God would make me bold and shine the light that he has put in me to the people I meet every day. Before I read the book I had a couple of experiences where I was able to share a small version of my testimony with two people in distress and how God worked in my life. I've asked that they keep the door open for me to stay in touch. Highly recommend this book." Johnnie Moore Robinson http://goo.gl/NVps7m
"Brother Jay Moore has authored this challenging, insightful and illustrative tool that can be used by Christian individuals and church leaders to study and train other congregational members, why and how to bring light and life to people who are living in the darkness of unbelief. This is a book that is Kingdom minded. The first message is a story that illustrates a problem that has been plaguing the Church for years. In many cases some church attendees seem to come to church, but they walk out the doors and don't pass the message on to those outside who haven't heard it. In some cases many people who come to church do everything they can to make themselves look good to the other members of the church, instead of glorifying God, Who blessed them with this gift. The book also gives instruction on how to gain a missional mindset and how to effectively bring that mindset to the mission fields. The step-by-step instructions are clear to understand and easy to implement. I highly recommend every Christian to read this book and serve to the glory of the King and His Kingdom." Ric Worshill http://goo.gl/NVps7m
Again, this book is written for the ordinary Christian who has a sincere desire to share Jesus and shine His Light brightly in this dark world but just don't know where to start! If you have always desired to be a more powerful witness for Christ and a brighter Light shining for Jesus' glory then you need to get and read this book!
You can order your copy today at: http://goo.gl/NVps7m
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
HE'S GONE TO BE THE GUEST OF SINNER!
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014
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Wednesday, July 10, 2013
QUESTION & ANSWERS ON MISSIONAL LIVING #2: Do You Needs Lots of Training Before You Can Live A Missional Life?
DO I NEED TO GO THROUGH EXTENSIVE TRAINING BEFORE I CAN LIVE A MISSIONAL LIFE?
In other words how long does a person need to wait and how much training does a person need to get on missional living before than can begin a life of missional living? My answer might surprise you and even sound somewhat counter intuitive to what seems like common sense. What the video to get the answer!
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MISSIONAL LIFE
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MISSIONAL LIFE
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Tuesday, November 6, 2012
CHARACTERISTICS OF A MISSIONAL LIFE! What Kind Of Life Does God Want Us To Live? Part 2
"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." Psalm 15 (NIV)
Now we are moving to the second characteristic of the missional life that God want to be evident in the life of his disciples. That second point is:
He Does The Right Things!
Many Bible scholars have described this as a person who has HONEST & STRAIGHT FORWARD DEALINGS! It is a person who is ETHICALLY RIGHT!
This is a person who is so honest and trustworthy that he might sincerely tell someone whom he is doing business with that:
"My word is my bond!"
He is truly an honest person and never has as his intent to deceive another. He is the kind of person one can count on, believe, trust and have no doubt of deception.
Jesus described Nathaniel as that kind of person when he said, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." John 1:43-51. When the writer of this Psalm used this description he was talking about a person that you never would have to guess what they were thinking or feeling and most importantly would never have to guess what they were going to do! Why? Because they were the type of person who would behave in the most ethical manner. They were going to do the right thing regardless of personal harm.
This kind of person reminds me of the old Cowboy movies from the old western shows. In those movies you could always tell who the good guys were from the bad guys. The good cowboys always wore white and the bad ones always wore black. When the good cowboys was questioned why he was willing to defend a town or woman at such great risk to himself his response was always something like, "Well because it's just the right thing to do!"
Living out this characteristic is easier said than done many times. Most people that I know of and especially Christians want to think that they would do the right thing. But the real test in living out this characteristic is not when things are going well and easy, no, the real test is when doing the real things is difficult or costly and maybe even dangerous. I have found that many people, who do exemplify this characteristic, don't do it boldly and confidently but instead they do filled with fear and worry.
They do it but they do it shaking in their boots.
Why? Because doing the right thing is not always easy. I remember a particular time in my life when I was confronted with the challenge of doing the right thing but doing it with the real possibility of personal harm. My wife and I were living in Pittsburg, California on a very dangerous street. Everyday there was some kind of yelling, screaming, theft and on this one particular day fight.
Inside my house I could hear a crowd of people yelling outside when I went to look outside my front door I could see all the neighbors, mainly adults, crowding around in a circle much like you would see in high school when two people were beginning to fight. As I looked closer to the center of the crowd I saw a teenage boy kicking a man down on the ground over and over again. The man was unable to defend himself and the boy wasn't stopping. With fear in my heart I shouted to my wife to call the police and I picked up a baseball bat by my door and walked out in the middle of the crowd and stood over the man and said to the teenage boy,
"This is not going to happen anymore! I have just called the police and they should be here in just a few minutes but I am not going to allow you to hurt this man anymore."
To be honest I wasn't sure what was going to happen. That teenage boys was extremely angry and mad, the crowd, who was just standing there watching look like they wanted to see someone killed. I thought for a moment that I was going to be the next victim. I was literally trembling in my shoes. But the crowd dispersed and the kid walked away. As I helped the man to his feet I asked him if he need to go to the doctor. In his drunken stopper he said no but thanked me for stepping in. When the police showed up I was the only out there to tell them what had happened.
The reason I share this story is not to glorify myself but to express that doing the right thing is not always an easy choice and at times is done with the risk of real personal injury. I share it because I did it not with boldness but I did in the midst of fear and trembling.
The point is not how we do the right thing but simple that we do the right thing!
This is one of the characteristics that God looks for in His people. God wants His people to do the right thing even if its difficult, dangerous or cost them greatly!
How well can you do the right thing even if its hard to do? Many people are willing to do the right thing when its easy to do but many people struggle doing the right thing when it's dangerous or even just difficult. Which kind of person are you?
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