Based on “God Reaches People through People - 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/21-22/12,Message #MB513; Daily Devotional #3 - “Growing outside Our Comfort Zone”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In the United States, about 90% of Christians never share their faith. We are often in a type of comfort zone where we mind our own business, keep to ourselves and ignore the obvious needs of those around us. The people around us, however, are begging us to tell them about Jesus. We fail to recognize their requests because those people who don’t yet know Christ as Savior are unaware of their need for Him and don’t articulate their requests with specific vocabulary such as, “Tell me about Jesus.” The truth is, however, every time a co-worker, customer, acquaintance or any other person we come in contact with takes the time to share with us any personal turmoil they may be experiencing, they are unknowingly making an appeal to us to share with them the Gospel.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): But are we able to? Do we have an ability to speak somewhat intelligently about the faith upon which we base all of our eternity? But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16) If not, then we must learn how to become more articulate on the subject of faith, by first relying upon the power of the Holy Spirit and then by practicing the ability to answer those who ask us about our faith. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Last week, Calvary Chapel Melbourne began promoting a new opportunity in which we can each become an online missionary. Through CCM and Global Media Outreach, we have an opportunity to connect, through email, to people around the world who are seeking answers to many fundamental questions regarding life’s challenges and having a relationship with Christ. It is through this ministry that we can be taught and coached on how to answer such questions. By taking the time to get involved, to learn and to interact with “baby Christians” who have lots of questions about faith, we can greatly improve our own knowledge, as well as our ability to address the most basic needs of every human being on Earth – having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cultivating (Additional reading): http://www.calvaryccm.com/missions/globalmediaoutreach.aspx
GH
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.