hey everyone!
Hope you guys have had an amazing week!
Mine was super long but really great, a lot of stretching opportunities.
Just a quick recap...
Starting with the internship. We went on the University of Hawaii on Tuesday and just hung out and walked around then helped out with their International club called Chat Club. It was pretty fun. Then Wednesday we were able to go to a few high school campuses and help out with Victory Clubs which are basically these groups that are student led that are just a way for them and their peers to talk about life together. It was amazing! Probably my favorite day this week. I love the youth and it was soo fun engaging that culture and seeing the love that these kids have for their school.
Thursday was very interesting, we all had the opportunity of sharing a sermon with the class and other leaders of the church. We were rating on a scale of 1-10 in several different categories. It was a great experience.
Friday I had the privilege of meeting with a few middle school girls and mentor them a little and hear their story. These girls are amazing! They all have such big hearts. Im excited to spend more time with them.
Anyways, back to the title of this blog. My sister.
It's really interesting. Since I've been here, I've really just been seeing how much God has slowly been preparing the way for me to be here ever since I was little. Earlier this week I was chatting with my sister and I was just telling her how I couldn't believe that I was here and was training to do ministry. She said something that I probably will never forget. She shared with me that when I was younger probably like in 7th grade I told her that someday I would be a pastor. She said that she remembered hearing that and didn't know that girls could be pastors but knew that her older sister would someday be one and be amazing at it. The funny thing is that I really didn't remember ever telling her that. But I began to remember how much I loved the idea of ministry at such a young age. I remember going on my first missions trip when I was not even 13. I remember always having a heart to help those around me. I remember wanting to do something BIG for God. Even before I really knew what being a Christian was, there was always that desire. In 6th grade, for months, every night I would have dreams of me being in stadiums full of people, telling them about Jesus and his love for them. I remember having dreams about Heaven. I remember having these desires to help at homeless shelters and families of friends in my school. Then, I think when I got older and fell away and got depressed I forgot about those dreams that I would have. But, after talking to my sister I literally started to tear up. Could it really be that even though I thought that it wasn't until recently that God had called me to do ministry that he has been preparing me since I was little? What a thought. Even in my teen years, the clubs I joined in school, the outreaches I did, the missions trips I went on, the fact that I went to Texas, the fact that Jesus decided to place me in a school for 2 years and teach kids and learn how to be around people.
All of it leading up to moving to L.A. and not necessarily finding my calling but confirming it and now being here in Hawaii.
What the heck God??? How awesome are you????
Like I shared a couple of weeks ago. God has set us apart, and he has a special calling for each of us.
I mean, even though I spent many years confused about what I was suppose to be doing with my life, God always knew. He knew before I was even born. And, he had planted that desire in me years before I even knew what he was really doing.
I love that he used my sister to show me all of this.
I love my sister soooooooo much. She is my best friend. I know it's been really hard for her to not have me is her life physically. I know that even when I was around, there were years while I was depressed, that I wasn't really there for her. However, I just love her soo much and to know that she still remembers that little moment we had together years ago and that it encouraged her and that she has always had faith in me, it just brings tears to my eyes.
I'm speechless.
I feel so blessed that I can call my sister my best friend.
I am soo proud of the person that she is growing up to be.
I love that we have soo many memorable moments together.
Thank you Ari for being the most amazing sister anyone could ask for.
Thanks for sharing that story with me the other day, you have no idea how much that really spoke to me (well I guess if you read this then you do now. haha)
Hope everyone has an amazing weekend.
until next time.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
tomorrow!
Why hello everyone!
Just decided to bake some chocolate chip muffins and thought I would blog while waiting for them do be done. haha
Anyways, we have finally reached the internship part of the school of ministry. Up until now, we have just had class full time and helping out with the church services on the weekend. We have learned sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! Now, it's time to start applying everything we have learned. I'm super excited. We will still have class but only twice or so a week.
This past week was interesting. We spent most of the time talking and reading through the book "Communicating for a Change." This book is amazing. We learned so many great communication skills and how to find your own voice is speaking and engaging the audience.
This week we have to present a sermon in front of the class and other leaders from the church. It shall be interesting.
Well I will report back in the next couple of days to let you know how the internship goes.
Sorry there isn't much to say.
Hope you guys are all doing well.
Just decided to bake some chocolate chip muffins and thought I would blog while waiting for them do be done. haha
Anyways, we have finally reached the internship part of the school of ministry. Up until now, we have just had class full time and helping out with the church services on the weekend. We have learned sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! Now, it's time to start applying everything we have learned. I'm super excited. We will still have class but only twice or so a week.
This past week was interesting. We spent most of the time talking and reading through the book "Communicating for a Change." This book is amazing. We learned so many great communication skills and how to find your own voice is speaking and engaging the audience.
This week we have to present a sermon in front of the class and other leaders from the church. It shall be interesting.
Well I will report back in the next couple of days to let you know how the internship goes.
Sorry there isn't much to say.
Hope you guys are all doing well.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
fun filled weekend
Oh man,
what a fantastic 5 days. For those of you who don't have facebook and spotted my pictures, there are a lot from this past weekend so I'll try and post them on flickr as well so that you can view them too.
Starting with Friday, I woke up and went hiking with 2 awesome people. We went to Koko Head which is on the east part of the island. It was a pretty epic hike. It wasn't super song but it was REALLY steep. It was an old military railroad that we walked on that they used back int he day to carry goods up and into this giant crater on the other side. The hike took less than 2 hours one way but it was intense, BUT the view was amazing! Totally worth the pain. haha. After, they took me out to lunch and drove through town a bit. We had some dessert and then I came home and took like a 3 hour nap. The evening consisted of the youth service. THey have a bus shuttle that goes around and picks up the kids so I got to experience that. It was amazing. The group of kids that I had gotten to know from going to their middle school were there and it was a great feeling seeing the excitement on their face when they saw that I was there.
Saturday we had this college event called cool down. We basically just hung out at this park by the beach all day. Super fun! We played volleyball and a bunch of other team games, ate lots of food, and got really burnt by the sun. haha.
Sunday after the morning service, we had their baptism celebration which was awesome. They had about 5 pools set up along with other giant jumper things with water. I believe over 70 people got baptized! Then after that long afternoon we rested and prepared for the college service which was also pretty great.
Monday was in my opinion one of the highlights of my visit so far. Pearl Harbor!!! I finally got to go visit and see the USS Arizona memorial. I have been wanting to go since I was a little girl. WOW. To be able to finally go and see this place that has such importance in our history, was beyond words. The thing that really amazed me was the fact that there is still oil that leaks from the ship. I've always read about it but to see it, then hear that people refer to it as "tears of blood" was crazy. I mean, there are soo many bodies that are forever trapped there and that just blew me away. Such an amazing experience that I will always remember.
Tuesday we had a class fun day at the beach. We started with shaved ice, I enjoyed it. Then headed to the beach. It was pretty cool. THere were turtles everywhere!!! Plus, for those of you who are LOST fans, it was the same beach that they filmed the show so that was pretty cool. We had so much fun. We also had our own little BBQ there and had some fish, shrimp, and chicken. Delicious! Then on our way back, headed to DOle Plantation and were surrounded by pineapples. We all ended the long day with some spectacular dole whips... soo good.
Now back in class, finishing up the week and getting ready to start he internship part of the school next week!
Hope everyone is doing well!!!
what a fantastic 5 days. For those of you who don't have facebook and spotted my pictures, there are a lot from this past weekend so I'll try and post them on flickr as well so that you can view them too.
Starting with Friday, I woke up and went hiking with 2 awesome people. We went to Koko Head which is on the east part of the island. It was a pretty epic hike. It wasn't super song but it was REALLY steep. It was an old military railroad that we walked on that they used back int he day to carry goods up and into this giant crater on the other side. The hike took less than 2 hours one way but it was intense, BUT the view was amazing! Totally worth the pain. haha. After, they took me out to lunch and drove through town a bit. We had some dessert and then I came home and took like a 3 hour nap. The evening consisted of the youth service. THey have a bus shuttle that goes around and picks up the kids so I got to experience that. It was amazing. The group of kids that I had gotten to know from going to their middle school were there and it was a great feeling seeing the excitement on their face when they saw that I was there.
Saturday we had this college event called cool down. We basically just hung out at this park by the beach all day. Super fun! We played volleyball and a bunch of other team games, ate lots of food, and got really burnt by the sun. haha.
Sunday after the morning service, we had their baptism celebration which was awesome. They had about 5 pools set up along with other giant jumper things with water. I believe over 70 people got baptized! Then after that long afternoon we rested and prepared for the college service which was also pretty great.
Monday was in my opinion one of the highlights of my visit so far. Pearl Harbor!!! I finally got to go visit and see the USS Arizona memorial. I have been wanting to go since I was a little girl. WOW. To be able to finally go and see this place that has such importance in our history, was beyond words. The thing that really amazed me was the fact that there is still oil that leaks from the ship. I've always read about it but to see it, then hear that people refer to it as "tears of blood" was crazy. I mean, there are soo many bodies that are forever trapped there and that just blew me away. Such an amazing experience that I will always remember.
Tuesday we had a class fun day at the beach. We started with shaved ice, I enjoyed it. Then headed to the beach. It was pretty cool. THere were turtles everywhere!!! Plus, for those of you who are LOST fans, it was the same beach that they filmed the show so that was pretty cool. We had so much fun. We also had our own little BBQ there and had some fish, shrimp, and chicken. Delicious! Then on our way back, headed to DOle Plantation and were surrounded by pineapples. We all ended the long day with some spectacular dole whips... soo good.
Now back in class, finishing up the week and getting ready to start he internship part of the school next week!
Hope everyone is doing well!!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
LONG week
hey guys,
sorry its been a while since I've been on here. I have had some super long days the past week. Long but good days.
Last friday I went to my first Middle School outreach. They have these clubs here called Victory Clubs which basically consists of these groups led by the teen helping and just hanging out with their peers but also installing some biblical principles in them. It was neat to see these middle school kids step up and meet the needs of their peers. They showed interest in wanting to know more about relationships and how to deal with gossip, how to deal with family issues, and a bunch of other stuff. It was just a great time bonding with these youth and really seeing how passionate they were for this. I'm excited to see more of them.
The youth service was pretty spectacular as well. The main pastor from church spoke about being stretched and how sometimes it can be painful but we always benefit from it. He had one of the University of Hawaii football player (I think his name was Rodney Bradley) come and speak about an injury he had and how God used that injury to teach him and grow him in ways that wouldn't have happened if that injury didn't take place.
The weekend was very restful and I was able to get some homework dine and relax.
Monday through Wednesday we had the privilege of having Paul Barker come and speak to us. If you haven't heard of him he basically goes around and helps unify teams by using the book Strength Finders to find the main themes of your life that you are good at and how to use them and also know the weaknesses that come with it. We actualy spent the first 2 days learning about the history of the church starting from 0 AD and going all the way to the 20th century. It was really intense but such an amazing thing to see God's hand all throughout history. Yesterday was when we spent the entire day focusing on our themes.
My themes I found out are developer, positivity, belief, learner, and arranger.
Here is a basic summary of each one:
Developer- You see every individual as alive with possibilities, and you are always on the lookout for signs of growth, no matter how small they might be. You see the potential in others and are motivated to challenge them, stretch them, and help them grow. You see people as a work in progress, and your goal is to help them experience success.
Positivity- You lighten people’s spirits with your contagious enthusiasm and elevate the performance of others. You inject drama into every project and find ways to make everything more exciting. You are always on the lookout for the positive in the situation and are rarely dragged down, even after personal setbacks
Belief- Your beliefs motivate and energize you to work hard and to endure difficulty and opposition. You have a clearly defined purpose and strong core values that are the foundation for everything you do. Your work must be meaningful; it must give you a chance to live out your values.
Learner- You love to learn and are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. You are passionate about continuous self-improvement and new learning challenges.
You enjoy short assignments where you are expected to learn a lot about a subject and then move on to the next project.
Arranger- You can manage a complex situation, coordinating all of the variables and aligning them in the most productive configuration possible. You search for the right combination and perfect configuration to get things done the best way. You organize well, but you are flexible enough to confront the unexpected and change plans when a better way appears.
so yeah, it was crazy to see those results and realize that yes, that is totally me. I encourage everyone to take buy the book and take the test. You learn so much about yourself abd how you work with others.
This weekend we get a 5 day break from school. Not sure how that came to be but Im not complaining. Tomorrow Im gonna go hiking so I will definitely be taking some pictures, Saturday is beach day, more pictures for that too, and Tuesday we have a class fun day and we are gonna go to another beach and see turtles and have a BBQ. So, lots of things to look forward to!
Hope everyone had an amazing week!
Love you all sooo much!
sorry its been a while since I've been on here. I have had some super long days the past week. Long but good days.
Last friday I went to my first Middle School outreach. They have these clubs here called Victory Clubs which basically consists of these groups led by the teen helping and just hanging out with their peers but also installing some biblical principles in them. It was neat to see these middle school kids step up and meet the needs of their peers. They showed interest in wanting to know more about relationships and how to deal with gossip, how to deal with family issues, and a bunch of other stuff. It was just a great time bonding with these youth and really seeing how passionate they were for this. I'm excited to see more of them.
The youth service was pretty spectacular as well. The main pastor from church spoke about being stretched and how sometimes it can be painful but we always benefit from it. He had one of the University of Hawaii football player (I think his name was Rodney Bradley) come and speak about an injury he had and how God used that injury to teach him and grow him in ways that wouldn't have happened if that injury didn't take place.
The weekend was very restful and I was able to get some homework dine and relax.
Monday through Wednesday we had the privilege of having Paul Barker come and speak to us. If you haven't heard of him he basically goes around and helps unify teams by using the book Strength Finders to find the main themes of your life that you are good at and how to use them and also know the weaknesses that come with it. We actualy spent the first 2 days learning about the history of the church starting from 0 AD and going all the way to the 20th century. It was really intense but such an amazing thing to see God's hand all throughout history. Yesterday was when we spent the entire day focusing on our themes.
My themes I found out are developer, positivity, belief, learner, and arranger.
Here is a basic summary of each one:
Developer- You see every individual as alive with possibilities, and you are always on the lookout for signs of growth, no matter how small they might be. You see the potential in others and are motivated to challenge them, stretch them, and help them grow. You see people as a work in progress, and your goal is to help them experience success.
Positivity- You lighten people’s spirits with your contagious enthusiasm and elevate the performance of others. You inject drama into every project and find ways to make everything more exciting. You are always on the lookout for the positive in the situation and are rarely dragged down, even after personal setbacks
Belief- Your beliefs motivate and energize you to work hard and to endure difficulty and opposition. You have a clearly defined purpose and strong core values that are the foundation for everything you do. Your work must be meaningful; it must give you a chance to live out your values.
Learner- You love to learn and are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. You are passionate about continuous self-improvement and new learning challenges.
You enjoy short assignments where you are expected to learn a lot about a subject and then move on to the next project.
Arranger- You can manage a complex situation, coordinating all of the variables and aligning them in the most productive configuration possible. You search for the right combination and perfect configuration to get things done the best way. You organize well, but you are flexible enough to confront the unexpected and change plans when a better way appears.
so yeah, it was crazy to see those results and realize that yes, that is totally me. I encourage everyone to take buy the book and take the test. You learn so much about yourself abd how you work with others.
This weekend we get a 5 day break from school. Not sure how that came to be but Im not complaining. Tomorrow Im gonna go hiking so I will definitely be taking some pictures, Saturday is beach day, more pictures for that too, and Tuesday we have a class fun day and we are gonna go to another beach and see turtles and have a BBQ. So, lots of things to look forward to!
Hope everyone had an amazing week!
Love you all sooo much!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
When I call on Jesus...
WOW!
so today was just an amazing day. I really can't explain it but basically we spent a lot of time talking about about our testimonies and how to write them and more importantly, how powerful they are.
I couldn't stop smiling. Ask anyone in class, it took a lot in me to not cry actually. I just can't believe how amazing no, how marvelous... no, there are no words to describe God's greatness. We spent the afternoon talking about worship and I was remembering this one time being late at work when I worked at a golf course and seeing the sun set and the clouds and the song "Reedemer" by Nicole C Mullen popped in my head which was random cause I hadn't heard it in a long time (its old school) but I was just looking back on how depressed I use to be and how changed my life was since I fully surrendered my life to God and it just blew my mind.
So tonight our assignment was to write out my testimony and I, again, just couldn't help but smile and tear up. God showed me the verse in Jeremiah 1:5 that "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." It doesn't necessarily mean that Im going to be a prophet, but it does mean that he set me apart... ME! He knows me and loves me so much that he has something so special for me. He has something so special for all of us and he has set each of us apart.
I went and bought the song "Reedemer" and ended up buying another song from Nicole C Mullens called "When I call on Jesus" I'm not sure if you have heard of it but I wanted to share the lyrics with you and if you have time... listen to it. It's super powerful!
I'm so very ordinary
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I'm hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark
But when I call on Jesus
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
Weary brother
Broken daughter
Widowed, widowed lover
You're not alone
If you're tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can't find the strength to carry on
But when you call on Jesus
All things are possible
You can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When you call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue you when you call
Call Him in the mornin'
In the afternoon time
Late in the evenin'
He'll be there
When your heart is broken
And you feel discouraged
You can just remember that He said
He'll be there
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Nicole+C.+Mullen:Call+On+Jesus:1060176:s29895563.8800704.2445585.0.1.85%2Cstd_bc2001ad24576dce4e932b8eacac685d
Have a good night everyone!
so today was just an amazing day. I really can't explain it but basically we spent a lot of time talking about about our testimonies and how to write them and more importantly, how powerful they are.
I couldn't stop smiling. Ask anyone in class, it took a lot in me to not cry actually. I just can't believe how amazing no, how marvelous... no, there are no words to describe God's greatness. We spent the afternoon talking about worship and I was remembering this one time being late at work when I worked at a golf course and seeing the sun set and the clouds and the song "Reedemer" by Nicole C Mullen popped in my head which was random cause I hadn't heard it in a long time (its old school) but I was just looking back on how depressed I use to be and how changed my life was since I fully surrendered my life to God and it just blew my mind.
So tonight our assignment was to write out my testimony and I, again, just couldn't help but smile and tear up. God showed me the verse in Jeremiah 1:5 that "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." It doesn't necessarily mean that Im going to be a prophet, but it does mean that he set me apart... ME! He knows me and loves me so much that he has something so special for me. He has something so special for all of us and he has set each of us apart.
I went and bought the song "Reedemer" and ended up buying another song from Nicole C Mullens called "When I call on Jesus" I'm not sure if you have heard of it but I wanted to share the lyrics with you and if you have time... listen to it. It's super powerful!
I'm so very ordinary
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I'm hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark
But when I call on Jesus
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
Weary brother
Broken daughter
Widowed, widowed lover
You're not alone
If you're tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can't find the strength to carry on
But when you call on Jesus
All things are possible
You can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When you call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue you when you call
Call Him in the mornin'
In the afternoon time
Late in the evenin'
He'll be there
When your heart is broken
And you feel discouraged
You can just remember that He said
He'll be there
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Nicole+C.+Mullen:Call+On+Jesus:1060176:s29895563.8800704.2445585.0.1.85%2Cstd_bc2001ad24576dce4e932b8eacac685d
Have a good night everyone!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Steve Murrell
So sorry its been a while since I've updated, it's been a pretty busy week.
First of all Saturday our church was helping out at this family fun day which consisted of a bunch of booths, a petting zoo with a llama!, pony rides, the best kettle corn ever, and some live music. It was pretty fun. I'm not gonna lie though, I was super tired. However, they stuck me in the kitchen and I was able to serve in there and that definitely gave me some energy to make it through.
Sunday's service was pretty amazing. We had our Every Nation president Steve Murrell here sharing about trying to hit the bulls-eye but sometimes when we miss it's because God has something else planned for us. He talked about things that distract us from God sometimes they aren't bad things but they are simple things.
Pastor Steve also taught our class yesterday and today and focused on the idea of discipleship. It was pretty spectacular. He taught us to stick with simplicity when it comes to making disciples. Its the same boring strokes but its effective. We should always and only be focusing on these 4 things engage, establish, equip, and empower. He also gave us a free copy of his book "Accidental Missionary" which I highly recommend for everyone. I started reading it and its so basic but good. Basically everything he taught us is in the book so that kind of helps. haha.
We had our youth executive meeting tonight and went over new strategies with the youth service and discipling them. We also discussed the middle school ministry and I found out more about what I'm specifically going to be doing with my internship. I'm super excited! I don't know the exact details but I will let you guys know as things unravel.
This week marks our 4th week of school. Super crazy to think I've already been here for a month. Over 1/4 of the way done. woot woot!
Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you sooo much for all your prayers and support. KNow that your support is already impacting soo many.
Love you guys!
First of all Saturday our church was helping out at this family fun day which consisted of a bunch of booths, a petting zoo with a llama!, pony rides, the best kettle corn ever, and some live music. It was pretty fun. I'm not gonna lie though, I was super tired. However, they stuck me in the kitchen and I was able to serve in there and that definitely gave me some energy to make it through.
Sunday's service was pretty amazing. We had our Every Nation president Steve Murrell here sharing about trying to hit the bulls-eye but sometimes when we miss it's because God has something else planned for us. He talked about things that distract us from God sometimes they aren't bad things but they are simple things.
Pastor Steve also taught our class yesterday and today and focused on the idea of discipleship. It was pretty spectacular. He taught us to stick with simplicity when it comes to making disciples. Its the same boring strokes but its effective. We should always and only be focusing on these 4 things engage, establish, equip, and empower. He also gave us a free copy of his book "Accidental Missionary" which I highly recommend for everyone. I started reading it and its so basic but good. Basically everything he taught us is in the book so that kind of helps. haha.
We had our youth executive meeting tonight and went over new strategies with the youth service and discipling them. We also discussed the middle school ministry and I found out more about what I'm specifically going to be doing with my internship. I'm super excited! I don't know the exact details but I will let you guys know as things unravel.
This week marks our 4th week of school. Super crazy to think I've already been here for a month. Over 1/4 of the way done. woot woot!
Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you sooo much for all your prayers and support. KNow that your support is already impacting soo many.
Love you guys!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Evangelism
So, today we continued a discussion about evangelism. It was pretty amazing if I might say so myself.
Most of my life, I hated the idea of evangelism. I thought evangelism meant I had to be that guy on the street trying to convince people that Jesus is the way, when really thats not the case at all. Evangelism is just being able to go out and build relationships with people.
There were a couple of really good points today that I thought I would share with you guys.
FIrst of all, the idea that its not just someone who is called for evangelism. Anyone can do it.
A quote that was in my notes says "The chief agents in the expansion of Christianity appear not to have been those who made it a profession... but men and women who carried on their livelihood in the purely secular manner and spoke their faith to those they met in this natural fashion."
It's a lifestyle.
We also focused on the idea of culture. There are 4 different views of culture.
The first is that people think that Jesus is against culture. This is when we see Christians that stay in their Christian bubble social groups and never engage in society.
The second is Christ in culture. This is when we get so into the world that there is nothing distinct about our lives.
The third is that Christ is above culture meaning that man has 2 lives. The physical one and the spiritual one. This view is somewhat true but it doesn't show the idea that God can use a culture.
Which brings us to the next one... God can use a culture. This is when God uses the culture to reveal our personal depravity and need for salvation. The problem is that there is no room for God to transform culture.
The last view is that GOd transforms culture. This is how we need to think. God created the world good and though sin has corrupted it, it can be redeemed by God's power.
I love this idea. I think a lot of churches and individuals have forgotten about this concept... being in the world not of it and that God can redeem it.
One final thought is the idea that evangelism isn't just one certain way of presenting. There are essential things that need to be said but really you can change it to fit the individuals need. I love this quote that says " Do not bring us the Gospel as a potted plant. Bring us the seed of the Gospel and plant it in our soil."
So I just want to encourage those of you who might be like me, scared of rejection or viewed evangelism as this absurd thing. Really, its just sharing life with someone and building that relationship with someone who may have never had a true friend before.
Anyways, tomorrow we have Greg Mitchell speaking to us about transformations and getting healing. Im excited to hear what he has to say.
Good night everyone!
Most of my life, I hated the idea of evangelism. I thought evangelism meant I had to be that guy on the street trying to convince people that Jesus is the way, when really thats not the case at all. Evangelism is just being able to go out and build relationships with people.
There were a couple of really good points today that I thought I would share with you guys.
FIrst of all, the idea that its not just someone who is called for evangelism. Anyone can do it.
A quote that was in my notes says "The chief agents in the expansion of Christianity appear not to have been those who made it a profession... but men and women who carried on their livelihood in the purely secular manner and spoke their faith to those they met in this natural fashion."
It's a lifestyle.
We also focused on the idea of culture. There are 4 different views of culture.
The first is that people think that Jesus is against culture. This is when we see Christians that stay in their Christian bubble social groups and never engage in society.
The second is Christ in culture. This is when we get so into the world that there is nothing distinct about our lives.
The third is that Christ is above culture meaning that man has 2 lives. The physical one and the spiritual one. This view is somewhat true but it doesn't show the idea that God can use a culture.
Which brings us to the next one... God can use a culture. This is when God uses the culture to reveal our personal depravity and need for salvation. The problem is that there is no room for God to transform culture.
The last view is that GOd transforms culture. This is how we need to think. God created the world good and though sin has corrupted it, it can be redeemed by God's power.
I love this idea. I think a lot of churches and individuals have forgotten about this concept... being in the world not of it and that God can redeem it.
One final thought is the idea that evangelism isn't just one certain way of presenting. There are essential things that need to be said but really you can change it to fit the individuals need. I love this quote that says " Do not bring us the Gospel as a potted plant. Bring us the seed of the Gospel and plant it in our soil."
So I just want to encourage those of you who might be like me, scared of rejection or viewed evangelism as this absurd thing. Really, its just sharing life with someone and building that relationship with someone who may have never had a true friend before.
Anyways, tomorrow we have Greg Mitchell speaking to us about transformations and getting healing. Im excited to hear what he has to say.
Good night everyone!
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