Weekly Tip #9, October 16, 2015
1 Corinthians chapters 1-2
As I began to read this letter to the Corinthians from the Apostle Paul, he brought up some important points in the opening two chapters. I believe that we need to have some training so that we might present a clear presentation of the Gospel message. We also need to be filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His leading as we speak to people.
However, that is where our efforts end and where God takes over. Read these select passages and you’ll begin to understand that it is the power of God that leads and transforms people’s lives. Feel free to read in context for greater understanding.
1 Corinthians 1
“18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
1 Corinthians 2
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
These verses represent a powerful reminder that God desires and chooses to use us just as we are. We rest on the power of God and not the wisdom of men. We present Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That is the transforming message to anyone who believes.
In your ministry situation, as you share your faith, always be mindful of communicating the pure Gospel message. The Gospel is truly one of the easiest messages to explain that has eternal results. Be bold, be persistent, be intentional, be Spirit-filled and make it your goal to share the gospel message regularly each week where ever God has you in ministry. God has chosen you just as you are.
Have We Forgotten Anyone?
Follow-up of new or young believer, and even those who are still seeking – is an important part of your ministry. In Tip #2 we talked about using Missionhub as a way to track with people in your ministry location.
Take some time this week to intentionally review the names of everyone who has attended your meetings so far this Fall. Is there anyone who still needs to be followed-up? Are there some who came to a few meetings but you haven’t seen them in a while? Give them a phone call and/or text and see how they’re doing.
When the opportunity is right, go through the basic follow-up principles with them. Don’t leave this to chance. Take the initiative to invite them for a cup of coffee and ask if you could share some principles that will help them for life. Here is some good material to start with.
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru