Prerequisites for Sharing - Fort...
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responds by working in the hearts of men and women, pulling and tugging on their hearts, convicting them of their need for salvation (see John 16:8). Second, He uses our prayers to increase our burden for the lost (see Acts 4:31). It is not ironic that the most fervent proclaimers are usually the most fervent prayers. Compassion is another critical concept associated with witnessing. Those who share the gospel do so because they care about others. They have a concern about their eternal destination and their earthly joy. Those who know the forgiveness and life of Jesus will live with God in a perfect place forever. On top of that, they have a better existence in the here and now, since they have true, meaningful life in Jesus (see John 10:10). If believers want to become better at influencing others for Christ, they must become more concerned about both the earthly and eternal wellbeing of others. Jesus Himself had such a concern. In describing an occasion in which He ministered to a great crowd, Scripture says, “He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd, felt compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14). The apostle Paul had a similar empathy and pity towards unbelievers (see Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1-2). When God’s people truly care about others, they will be more motivated to minister. In addition, others will notice their concern, and potentially become more interested in Christ. Personal Consecration Since the beginning of time, the Lord has ordained that He works mightily among those who live according to His standards (see Genesis 3:22- 24). He cannot compromise His character. Under the Mosaic Law, only the cleanest and choicest vessels were allowed to be used in worship (see Leviticus 1:3 and 10:8-10). Still in the church age, God desires to work through clean vessels. If our lives are stained by sin, others can’t see the image of Jesus within us. This is why Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men” (Matthew 5:13). Prerequisites for Sharing - 2 Christ desires for His church to witness for Him. We are His ordained means for making Him known to His creation (see Isaiah 43:7). Engaging in this task, however, requires certain commitments on our part. Let’s examine three prerequisites for effective witnessing. Prayer is a pivotal part of personal evangelism. It has been noted that most great revivals can be directly linked to great prayer efforts. Regarding soul-winning, Charles Spurgeon once said, “The great secret lies, in a large measure, in powerful supplication.” The great London preacher’s statement is in alignment with the words of Jesus. Speaking to His disciples, He said, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:36-37). The word “pray” appears as a command in the original language of the New Testament. A large influx of souls into the kingdom of God is possible, but His people must make requests. The Lord uses our faithful intercessions in two ways. First, He Summer is here and that means its time for camps. One of the camps that we get to go to is Cross Timbers Children’s Missions Adventure Camp. CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp exists to support local church efforts to reach lost children in their communities and to raise up a generation of kids with an authentic walk with God who actively serve others with missional living. This year I have the privilege of taking our Children to this great camp. Our third, fourth and fifth graders will be going June 20-23. We have nine students and three adult sponsor that will be attending at this time. Please be in prayer as we will leave on Tuesday the 20th. The theme for the camp this year is Kingdom Calling. The verse we are focusing on is Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” We will be looking at these four truths from Gods Word. One, The Time is Now. Mark 1:15, Two, Truth, Psalm 86:11, Three, Sent, John 20:21, and Fourth, Kingdom Calling, Matt. 6:33. The core values of CrossTimbers is 1. Learn biblical principles for worship, missions, evangelism, and life. 2. Create and strengthen relationships with God, family, and others. And 3. Experience nature in a fun and safe environment. Thank you so much for your prayers as we go to camp, and for your support as we attend a life changing week in the life of these Children. Aaron
Transcript of Prerequisites for Sharing - Fort...
responds by working in the hearts of men and women, pulling and tugging on their hearts, convicting them of their need for salvation (see John 16:8). Second, He uses our prayers to increase our burden
for the lost (see Acts 4:31). It is not ironic that the most fervent proclaimers are usually the most fervent prayers. Compassion is another critical
concept associated with witnessing. Those who share the gospel do so because they care about others. They have a concern about their eternal destination and their earthly joy. Those who know the forgiveness and life of Jesus will live with God in a perfect place forever. On top of that, they have a better existence in the here and now, since they have true, meaningful life in Jesus (see John 10:10). If believers want to become better at influencing others for Christ, they must become more concerned about both the earthly and eternal wellbeing of others. Jesus Himself had such a concern. In describing an occasion in which He ministered to a great
crowd, Scripture says, “He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd, felt compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14). The apostle Paul had a similar empathy and pity towards unbelievers (see Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1-2). When God’s people truly care about others, they will be more motivated to minister. In addition, others will notice their concern, and potentially become more interested in Christ. Personal Consecration Since the
beginning of time, the Lord has ordained that He works mightily among those who live according to His standards (see Genesis 3:22-24). He cannot compromise His character. Under the Mosaic Law, only the cleanest and choicest vessels were allowed to be used in worship (see Leviticus 1:3 and 10:8-10). Still in the church age, God desires to work through clean vessels. If our lives are stained by sin, others can’t see the image of Jesus within us. This is why Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men” (Matthew 5:13).
Prerequisites for Sharing - 2Christ desires for His church
to witness for Him. We are His ordained means for making Him known to His creation (see Isaiah 43:7). Engaging in this task, however, requires certain commitments on our part. Let’s examine three prerequisites for effective witnessing. Prayer is a pivotal part of personal
evangelism. It has been noted that most great revivals can be directly linked to great prayer efforts. Regarding soul-winning, Charles Spurgeon once said, “The great secret lies, in a large measure, in powerful supplication.” The great London preacher’s statement is in alignment with the words of Jesus. Speaking to His disciples, He said, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:36-37). The word “pray” appears as a command in the original language of the New Testament. A large influx of souls into the kingdom of God is possible, but His people must make requests. The Lord uses our faithful intercessions in two ways. First, He
Summer is here and that means its time for camps. One of the camps that we get to go to is Cross Timbers Children’s Missions Adventure Camp. CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp exists to support local church efforts to reach lost children in their communities and to raise up a generation of kids with an authentic walk with God who actively serve others with missional living. This year I have the privilege of
taking our Children to this great camp. Our third, fourth and fifth graders will be going June 20-23. We have nine students and three adult sponsor that will be attending at this time. Please be in prayer as we
will leave on Tuesday the 20th. The theme for the
camp this year is Kingdom Calling. The verse we are focusing on is Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” We will be looking at these four truths from Gods Word. One, The Time is Now. Mark 1:15, Two, Truth, Psalm 86:11, Three, Sent, John 20:21, and Fourth, Kingdom Calling, Matt. 6:33. The core values of CrossTimbers
is 1. Learn biblical principles for worship, missions, evangelism, and life. 2. Create and strengthen relationships with God, family, and others. And 3. Experience nature in a fun and safe environment.
Thank you so much for your prayers as we go to camp, and for your support as we attend a life changing week in the life of these Children. Aaron
Sunday School 334 Morning Worship 403 Evening Worship NA Wednesday Ministries NA
Weekly Required $ 25,923.08 Weekly Received $ 36,589.43 YTD Required $ 259,230.80 YTD Received $ 240,437.40 YTD Percentage 92.75%
Please Pray ForMission Trips:
Latvia, Jun 16-24, Chicago, Jun 23-Jul 1, Haiti, Jun 24-30, Honduras Jul 9-16.
Summer Camps:Super Summer, Jun 12-16, CrossTimbers, Jun 20-23, Falls Creek, Jul 10-15.
Vacation Bible SchoolCommencement will be held on Sun, Jun 11 following the morning worship in the Fellowship Hall.
Summer Golf DaysWe will have a Summer Golf Day on Sat, Jun 10 at Fort Cobb, OK. Cost is $40 and will include lunch. We leave from the church parking lot at 8:00 am. For more information contact Gary Bradley or Jack Newell.
Silver SaintsOur Silver Saints luncheon will be on Mon, Jun 12 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Ladies LifeLine Bible StudySummer session will begin on Jun 13 - Jul 25 at 9:30 - 11:45 am. There will be no study the week of Jul 4. Childcare is provided.
Falls CreekParent/Camper meeting will be Sun, Jun 18 following morning service. Cost to sign up $165.
Family GatheringWe will have our Family Gathering/Quarterly Business meeting on Sun, Jul 9 at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Billie will provide the meat, bread, and drinks. Please bring your favorite covered side dish.
CCB TrainingThere will be CCB training on check in procedures for greeters and Sunday school workers on Wed, June 28 at 4:30 pm and 7:15 pm.
Forgiven ConcertOn Jun 29 at 6:30 pm the Comanche Cotton Baptist Association Senior Adult sponsored summer concert will feature Forgiven in the worship center. A love offering for Forgiven will take place.
Choir & OrchestraThank You Celebration Choir & Orchestra for leading out in worship this past spring! Enjoy your break during the summer. We will be back leading worship from the loft August 13, 2017!
Wednesday Fellowship MealsMenu for June 14
Taco Salad and dessert. Adults $5.00; Kids (5-12) $3.00, (under 5 free) $20.00 Family Max (5 or more people)
