A Previous Post and Preaching

Last night, I found out that I'll have the opportunity to preach this Sunday at Redeemer Church. I always love having the opportunity to preach. Since I've had Mark 5 and the story of the demoniac on my mind (see my previous post), I'll be preaching from that text. If you live in Anderson, come by and worship with us this Sunday.

Afraid to Tell Your Story?

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. (Mark 5:18-20, ESV)

I'd like for each of you to take a moment and answer this question: Are you afraid to tell others about Jesus?

Christians often become fearful when they begin to think about sharing their faith with other (i.e. witnessing, evangelism, etc.). A number of questions or thoughts may run through your head:

• What am I supposed to say?
• Do I know enough about Jesus to tell others about Him?
• What if I mess up?

If you have ever experienced fear in regards to evangelism or entertained any of these questions, I'd like to encourage you with a few thoughts.

First, tell your story. Don't make evangelism more complicated than it really is. Evangelism is telling others what Jesus has done for you. Isn't that what Jesus told the man to do--to tell of His acts and mercy? If you are a Christian, then you have a story to tell. Why? Because the story of your life has intersected with the Big Story--the Story of Salvation. Your sin has been forgiven because of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Tell others what He's done for you.

Second, begin with your friends. Those who know you the best will be the ones who will most readily see how Jesus has changed you. The friends of the demoniac remembered him as someone who lived among the graves, cut himself with stones, constantly cried out, and broke out of his changed. Yet, after encountering Jesus, he was changed.

There's much more that can be said, but we need to start somewhere. May the Lord give you opportunities this week to share your story.

( Go here to read the whole story of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasenes demoniac.)

Sloppy Wet Kiss

If you haven't had a chance to listen to DC*B's Church Music, then you should do it now. Even if you have listened, you may not have known that there is a lyric change on the song "How He Loves." The song originally had the lines "sloppy wet kiss," while on the DC*B version the lyric was changed to "unforeseen kiss." In this interview, David Crowder explains, along with other things, why they made the change.

Phil Wickham - "True Love" Live

This is such a great, gospel-centered song! Hope that you enjoy. Jesus is alive!

The Joy of Rainy Days

I love rainy days.

When I awake in the morning I enjoy being greeted by a gray sky, dark clouds, and pouring rain. Rain slows down the pace of life: cars drive slower ( at least they should!) and people tend to stay inside.

The sound of rain is like a soft lullaby that relaxes me: the sound of rain hitting the roof of my house, the sound of rain as it makes its way through the leaves of trees, the sound of cars driving through puddles, the sound of children laughing and splashing.

"Rain, rain, don't go away. Come again day after day."

I love rainy days.

"I'm Bored"

"I'm bored."

Redeemer Youth Blog

I've recently started a blog for the youth ministry at our church. You can visit the blog at www.redeemeryouth.wordpress.com.

An Old Favorite

On the way to Virginia, we stopped by Concord Mills Mall for a short break. While we were walking around the mall, we went into a candy store where I came across Cry Baby Tears candy. As a kid these were my favorite candy, but I haven't had them in years. So, I bought a box and ate half of them. Unfortunately, the acidity of the candy "burned" the taste buds off of my tongue. But it was worth it. Oh, the memories.