As 2018 is quickly drawing to a close. Through the year, we have seen baptisms, restorations, increased moments of fellowship and opportunities to share. You have to say it has been a good year.
Even though the year is drawing to a close, our responsibilities are still active and open. This time of the year provides several great opportunities to share the gospel with someone you know. The Christmas holiday puts many people’s focus on Jesus and provides a great opportunity to share with them the message of what Christmas truly is – it’s about a Savior. When Jesus came into the world in human form (probably around April) the world was going to begin to change for the better and the mystery of God was being revealed.
Remember: Many people look to this time of year, to see Jesus. Each of us can begin to plant the seed, water the seed of the gospel and allow God to give the increase.
This time of year also represents a time where many people begin to make changes for the coming year; most call the resolutions, some call them goals, still others call them promises. No matter what they are called, people want to do better. This is an opportunity which needs to be grasped. The best way to make one’s life better is to change the focus from where it has been and begin to look to where one wants to be.
Remember:As people look to make themselves better, let each of us be sure to share with them the One who makes all things better.
During this time of year, families will make trips from all over the country to be together and celebrate a few days. Family becomes a top priority during the holidays because these are the time where memories are created, and the past memories are shared. When families get together, it is another opportunity to spend time growing closer to each other, but also a time to grow closer to God.
As you can see our work is still vital, and the opportunities are here. Pray that your words will be the right ones at the right time to encourage others to see the One who truly makes life worth the living.
Have a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
It is that time of year again where the holidays are upon us. We have already pass through Thanksgiving Day and we are pressing on towards Christmas and then to break in a new year. It is during these times a church family is important due to the emotional strain the holidays may bring. During the holiday season, memories come to the forefront of our minds and those thoughts can make one feel sad, lonely or depressed.
People to remember during the holidays:
Those who have lost loved ones – Having a family member pass away breaks one’s heart and the holidays can revive some of those memories. This time of year brings back memories of good times from our childhood to the current day and many of those memories feature people who have passed on from this Earthly life. Remember the widowers, widows, parents who lost children, siblings, grandparents and more.
Those without close families – Whether by distance or other factors, there are individuals who will not be near any family during the holidays. Being away from family as others attend family celebrations can make the holidays difficult and lonely. Remember those who are not near their families and remember those who have family members away (example – military).
There are several more groups we could mention, but each of us probably has a connection to someone in one of these groups. There are several Bible verses we could mention but remember this one, “…all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35)
In 1971, Coca-Cola released a commercial with new jingle, “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony…I’d like to buy the world a Coke, and keep it company, that’s the real thing.” The new jingle became an instant hit and propelled Coke to a new generation, and it has been called “one of the best-loved and most influential ads in TV history. (Campaign magazine, 2007)
Coke, or Coca-Cola, has been a household name because of its mission. After WWII, Americans returned from all parts of the world. That global exposure led Robert Woodruff, president of Coca-Cola from 1923 to 1955, to succinctly state is his new vision: “During my lifetime I want every person in the world to taste Coca-Cola.” (Shepherding the Sheep in Smaller Churches, Paul Powell, 1995, p.43)
Someone has said, “Almost any mission trip reminds us that Coke has done a better job than the Church.” The influence of Coke has been driven by its mission to share the taste of a Coke with every person in the world.
Have you ever offered someone a Coke?
In 2017, LifeWay Research asked 1,010 American adults that attend church at least once a month, “What is the primary reason you do not bring guests with you to worship services more often?” By far, the most common response (31%) was, “I do not know.” (Lifewayresearch.com)
Are you more likely to offer someone a Coke or the opportunity to learn more about Christ?
Let us remember that everlasting life lasts long than a Coke.
Life is hard. Some days it is easy and some days it can wear you out. From time to time, we can see the world around us and become discouraged by the turmoil and the problems. As Christians, we know that sin has cursed this world and is the root cause of the issues.
How can you stay motivated each week?
Remember why you began your spiritual journey. Think back to the moment you realized you were gogin to become a Christian, do you remember why you made that choice? Most of us made that choice because we knew Christ was our only hope (1 Peter 1.3-6; Ephesians 2.8-10)
Keep your goals in front of you. As humans, we can let the material cloud our vision, but we should not let the material get in our way of the spiritual. Remember to press onto the prize before us (Philippians 3.13-16)
Surround yourself with Christians. I know this may seem repetitive to here if month after month but remember to surround yourself with people of the same mindset (Philippians 2.5) and the same goals (Hebrews 3.13).
A habit is defined as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.” (1) Each of us have habits which developed over time; many from childhood. Studies have shown it takes 66 days to form a habit (2) and 21 days to break a habit (3). I am sure those numbers depend on the habit and the length it has been a habit, but forming a habit takes time.
To some, habits are bad and to others, habits are good. Personally, I believe it depends on the habit. Growing up I heard preachers talk about having a habit of Bible reading. This, of course, being a good habit would take time to develop but the benefits would be worth the cost.
How can you create a habit of church? Whether it is attending services, reading your Bible, or simply being an encouragement to others, how can you create a habit of church?
Start with your calendar – Creating a habit of church will start with your use of time. As Christians, we are to make the best use of our time (Ephesians 5.15-16). Make an appointment on your calendar to attend services, read your Bible, etc. Be sure to write it down on your calendar. Don’t assume it will happen; make it happen. We write down other appointments, why not make an appointment with “church things”?
Plan your Bible reading – Do not just plan to read your Bible but plan your reading. You can download a Bible reading schedule online or ask us to help you find the best reading plan for your needs. Start planning and reading today.
If acted upon, these two suggestions, done over the next several weeks will allow you to begin creating a habit of church. Remember, it will still come down to your continued actions, but I know that you can do it.
