Gospel for Chico... and Beyond - Encouraging Evangelism Everyday

Five Unbiblical Things Talk

2012-02-25T14:07:00.002-08:00

If you were listening to Evangelist Mark Cahill speak, and he told you upfront that he was going to make five unbiblical statements during the message, could you spot them? Well, here is your chance! Take a listen and see if you can catch the errors. Oh, and by the way, just to keep you on your toes, there just might be six unbiblical statements in the message!

Get out your Bible and get ready! Click Here to Listen Now

Source: http://www.markcahill.org/listen4.html

Steps for Sharing the Gospel by Gary Cobb

2012-02-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Steps for Sharing the Gospel by Gary Cobb

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV). Jesus said that we are to go, and as we're going, to make disciples. That involves walking with Him and sharing Him with others. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Understand that your own life is a great part of your witness. If my relationship with Christ isn't vital, then I really don't have a lot to share. People not only listen to your words, they look at your life. We still fail and aren't always a good example, so our only hope is to come to God and surrender to Him. It's nothing that we can do. It's God's work.

2. Realize that we earn the right to be heard by sincerely listening to others. Everyone has a story. You can't just blunder into a situation and callously share without listening. The Bible says that Jesus was a friend of sinners. That's our example—to be a friend, to listen to people, see where they are, and then take them where they need to go.

3. Recognize that people are looking for a cure. When you go to the doctor, you don't say, "I have cancer." Instead, you describe your symptoms. That's where most people live. They only see symptoms. "I'm lonely. I'm suffering from a broken relationship. I'm stressed." … We know the ultimate cure. It's Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't die for their symptoms. He died for their sins. Yet, people don't wake up in the morning and think, You know, I need to accept Jesus. They wake up with the symptoms, and so as people who are attempting to rescue those who are lost, we need to start with their symptoms, show them the disease (sin), and take them to the ultimate cure (Jesus).

Learn to share life's most important message

Prayer

Lord, thank You that we have found repentance and forgiveness in Christ. Teach us how to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Scripture quotation is taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers, Nashville, Tenn. From Gary Cobb: "Decision" magazine, February 2012, ©2012 BGEA.

Source: http://links.mkt1529.com/servlet/MailView?ms=Mzg4NTg5MDIS1&r=MTgxODQ5ODgxMDcS1&j=MTMwOTc1ODk2S0&mt=1&rt=0

The Great Omission by Greg Laurie

2012-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.— James 4:17

As Jesus was getting ready to ascend to heaven, He gathered the disciples together and said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18–20).

This is what is known as the Great Commission. In the original language, these words are a command. That is why we call this the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. And I believe that to fail to do this actually could be a sin. "A sin?" you might say. "Well, maybe we should do more, but it is not a sin if I don't share the gospel."

But I think it could be, because James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." This is called the sin of omission, which is not doing what you are supposed to do.

These words were given to every follower of Jesus. If I am His disciple, I am commanded to go and make disciples of others. On the other hand, if I am not making disciples of others, then I am not being the disciple God wants me to be.

For many of us, the Great Commission has instead become the Great Omission. So how are you doing with your part in fulfilling the Great Commission? Are you going into all of your world? The commission is not to wait for the world to come to us; it is to go into all of the world.

TODAY'S RADIO PROGRAM: "The Pursuit of Happiness — I"

TODAY'S BIBLE READING: Numbers 1-2, Acts 24

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Source: http://www.harvest.org/devotional/archive/devotion/2012-02-17.html

Rachel's Challenge

2012-02-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

This week at our local high school campus in Chico, CA, our students who come to our weekly Bible studies told us about a Rally they were required to attend called "Rachel's Challenge". After the Rally we found out this was about Rachael Scott. The Rally was about not being a bully which is a good thing, but it allowed for us to mention the real reason those students were shot and killed at Columbine. Why? Because they were Christians.

"I have no more personal friends at school. But you know what? I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend, Jesus, then that’s fine with me." —Rachel Scott, 17, Columbine martyr (1.)

"Now I have given up on everything else. I have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to experience the mighty power that brought Him back to life again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with Him. So, whatever it takes I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead." —Cassie Bernall, 17, Columbine martyr (2.)

Seventeen–year–old Rachel Scott was killed because she had a Bible. They tormented her by shooting her in the leg, and taunted her by saying, "Go be with Him now", before killing her. Next was a bright–eyed seventeen–year–old named Cassie Bernall. When the gun was put to her head she was asked, "Do you believe in God?" She paused for a second, and then she answered, "Yes". Staring at her, the gunman asked, Why?" Before she could reply, he pulled the trigger and shot her through the temple, killing her instantly. (3.)

Eighteen–year–old Valeen Schnurr was also shot for believing in Christ. When she tried to tell them that they would be able to stop killing if they too believed, they shot her nine times. She was left with permanent nerve damage from nine wounds. Seventeen–year–old Kacey Ruegsegger survived after being shot in the face and shoulder for being a Christian believer at Columbine too. (4.)

If you were to die tonight and stand in front of God, and He asked, "Why should I let you into Heaven?" what would you tell Him? Did fifteen people at Columbine High School have to answer this question? Yes, they did. Two other people weren’t thinking about it much or they wouldn’t have done what they did. (5.)

As you live your life for Jesus, turn your back on trying to please the crowd; face Jesus, and please Him with every fiber of your being. That’s what these faithful witnesses did, and their names will be written in the annals of history... (6.)

Source:
1., 2., 5., 6. - "One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven" by Mark Cahill, Chapter 11. 'A Pocket Full of Tickets'

3., 4. - http://blockyourid.com/~gbpprorg/judicial-inc/85rachel_joy_scott_killed_because.htm & http://blockyourid.com/~gbpprorg/judicial-inc/columbine_killers.htm

Come Aside and Rest by Skip Heitzig

2012-02-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Come Aside and Rest by Skip Heitzig

I'm impressed with the many times Scripture shows us the compassion of Jesus Christ. He had compassion on the widow whose son had died, and He raised him to life (Luke 7:11-13). Many times when He healed people from sickness and disease, He felt compassion on those who were afflicted (see Matthew 14:14, 20:34; Mark 1:41, 5:19).

… And so in Mark 6, when the people came to Him from the Galilee region, He had compassion on them. He taught them, because He knew their greatest need was to understand the truth about God. He was concerned for their lives and their eternal destiny. He was concerned for their comfort, and so He had them sit. He was concerned for their bodily needs, and so He fed them. But that simple, quiet moment in Mark 6:31 shows the same compassion in perhaps a more poignant way. He was concerned for His disciples, that the demands on them were too great, and so He called upon them to come aside and rest.

I believe Christ still deals with us in that same way. He calls us to come aside and rest. You might say, "But there's so much work to be done for Christ!" After all, Jesus says in Matthew 9:37 that "the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Yes, that is true, and those who labor for the Lord are to be commended. But your all-powerful, all-knowing, untiring Master is aware of your situation, and He knows that you sometimes need a break. So come aside and rest.

Find out how to rest in Christ

Prayer

Lord, we are grateful that You are a Master who cares about Your servants. Give us the strength to do Your will each day, and the wisdom to take time to rest in Your presence. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Scripture quotation is taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers, Nashville, Tenn. From Skip Heitzig: "Decision" magazine, February 2012, ©2012 Skip Heitzig.

Source: http://links.mkt1529.com/servlet/MailView?ms=Mzg4MzIzODkS1&r=MTc2OTg1NjA2NzUS1&j=MTMwMzI3NDM2S0&mt=1&rt=0

The Cost of Love - by Answers in Genesis

2012-02-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Our culture packages love in jewelry commercials, flower bouquets, and boxes of confections. Celebrities pair up and break up with such regularity that weekly magazines and gossip websites thrive on the intrigue. Contemporary romantic comedies promote an if-it-feels-good-it-must-be-love mentality that leaves many moviegoers feeling empty—especially when their real life can’t compete.

And maybe that’s where you are. Maybe you feel dead to love. If so, perhaps it’s because you’ve been swindled.

Love—the kind that’s real—doesn’t come gift-wrapped on Valentine’s Day. It’s not the momentary glow of a fresh relationship. It’s not the reuniting of two characters in a sappy movie.

No, real love is explained in the Bible. Real love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Jesus taught His disciples about love

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
By this we know love, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:16, ESV)

In our self-indulgent world, a love so sacrificial and selfless may sound like some impossible ideal—some unreachable gold standard of what love could be—but it’s not. It really happened, and it happened for us.

No Strings Attached

You may have learned from experience that what our world calls love often comes conditionally. If you mess up, it’s gone. If you don’t pay the cost, it evaporates.

But that’s not the real thing. Real love endures. Real love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. Real love doesn’t seek its own. Real love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

And there’s Someone who loves like that. He gave up more riches than you could imagine to come on a rescue mission. Although He didn't deserve it, He was betrayed, whipped, and beaten to fulfill that mission. Soon after, He died by one of the most painful forms of execution that humans have ever invented. He loved us and “gave His life a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6).

The Rescuer—Jesus—died for love. He lived entirely without sin, yet He walked up a hill in Israel 2,000 years ago and sacrificed His life to save sinners from God’s wrath—the punishment we deserve for our rebellion (Romans 5:9). He didn’t put stipulations on His love, such as waiting for us to clean up our act first (Romans 5:8) or only caring for the “best” of mankind (1 Corinthians 1:26). He went all in because He wanted to save us.

Three days later, Jesus rose to life just as He predicted, proving He is the Son of God (Matthew 12:40; Revelation 1:18). He proved that He can indeed give us new life.

The Bible tells us God is love (1 John 4:8) and beautifully summarizes what He did:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers/features/cost-of-love?utm_source=answers-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cost-of-love

Online Evangelism?

2012-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

I just got back from our Church's High School Winter Camp and wanted to pass this along...

"HOW TO BE CONTENT IN A SOCIAL MEDIA WORLD" By Sarah Denham

POSITIVES:
1. You are able to communicate with people without being in their presence.
2. You are given a window into the lives of others with pictures and video.
3. You are able to communicate with anyone in the world who has access to the Internet.
4. You are able to rally people under common interests and causes (e.g. The Arab Spring utilized Facebook in helping rally people politically and around just causes.).
5. The church can use Facebook as a tool for Kingdom growth.
6. You are able to find people you once cared for and were close with and reconnect--(modern day phonebook).

NEGATIVES:
1. Fuels the "comparing game" that breeds insecurity and depression.
2. By nature it is exaggerative and self promoting.
3. Cultivates a pre-occupation with trivialities.
4. Expends energy on "cyberspace" not "physical space" (which is essential to genuine companionship on a human level).
5. Fuels the anxiety called F.O.M.O. = Fear.Of.Missing.Out!

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES:
1. I want you to know that you are not alone in experiencing unhealthy feelings associated with "Social Networking". It's common that jealousy, depression and anxiety result from activity on "Social Networks."
2. I want you to understand that there is an addictive and serious downside to being on Social Networks.
3. I want you to understand that we all have a need for companionship, friendship, communication and community --and that our deepest needs in these areas will not be fulfilled in "Cyberspace!"
4. I want you to understand that as popular as Social Networks are, there is good reason to unplug and replace!
5. I want you to learn to be content in Christ!

The key to contentment is two-fold: it's based on who you know (the Lord Jesus) and how you think.
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about faith. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
(C.S. Lewis)

"Learning to be content requires putting gratitude in your attitude, not comparing yourself with others, but being thankful for what God has given you and doing something with what God has given you!"

Made for a Purpose by Billy Graham

2012-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Made for a Purpose by Billy Graham

The Bible says that God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness ... So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him" (Genesis 1:26-27). And, notice, God did not make man haphazardly, but with an infinite plan and purpose. He made him in His own image and likeness: a creature with which He could commune and fellowship. You were made for God's fellowship, and to fulfill any other purpose is to fail to fulfill your destiny.

That heart of yours, which, despite its evil and waywardness, in its serious moments cries out for fellowship with the infinite God. That mind of yours, so fraught with evil imaginations, sensual images and earthly aspirations, longs for communion with the divine Potter. That body of yours, tired of its labors and wanderings, aching with loneliness, hungers for companionship with the One for whom you were created.

Thousands of people admit that they are unhappy. Economic security, recreation, pleasure and a good community to live in have not brought about the peace and happiness they expected. The reason is that man was created in the image of God and can find no complete rest, happiness, joy and peace until he comes back to God.

Do you understand why God made you?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that we were not put on earth randomly and left to fend for ourselves. Help us to understand what it means to have fellowship with You, so that we may understand our true purpose in life. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Source: http://links.mkt1529.com/servlet/MailView?ms=Mzg3NzczNjkS1&r=MTY3NzMyMzUzMjYS1&j=MTI4OTc2MTMxS0&mt=1&rt=0

Scripture quotation is taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers, Nashville, Tenn. From Billy Graham: "Decision" magazine, February 2012, ©1956 BGEA.

Are you being Entertained or Evangelizing?

2012-02-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

Television, Movies, Music, Internet, and Video Games in a Christian's Life

First of all, Jesus didn’t come to save us from the things of this world but to save us from the wages our own sin--death (Romans 6:23). Secondly, each person is equipped by God with a conscience that instinctively knows right and wrong.

Also James 1:14-15 says “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Therefore those things that drag us away from God and toward sin are not outside of us but inside of us.

And 1 Corinthians 6:12 says “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” So as you go through life remember to listen to your God given conscience and let the Bible be your authority. (If you don’t know God, please repent and place your trust in Jesus Christ today)

Question: "Should a Christian watch television (TV)?"

Answer: Many Christians struggle with the issue of whether or not to watch TV and, if we do watch, how much TV should we watch? Television, like many other diversions we have in today's society, has the ability to do both great good and great harm. However, many people have become mindlessly addicted to whatever show may be on, taking them away from family, friends and time with God. The impact of television in our lives comes in what we do with it. We can let it control us, or we can use it as the tool it was meant to be. (Got Questions Ministries - http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-TV-television.html)

Question: "Should a Christian go to movies?

Answer: The danger lies in (1) how what we are watching affects our heart and (2) how it affects others. As members of the body of Christ, we are to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14) and a holy example of what God has done in our lives (1 Peter 2:11-12). If we are seen by others going into an “R”-rated movie, it could send the wrong message to them—that we enjoy and/or condone illicit sex and violence. That is not conducive to being a light in a dark world. So, how do we know for sure whether what we are watching is beneficial? When we become followers of Christ, we are given His Holy Spirit to live in us (Acts 2:38; 2 Timothy 1:14). Jesus tells us that this Spirit will guide us in all truth (John 16:13). One way God's Spirit guides us is by our conscience (Romans 1:12; 9:1). If your conscience is telling you that what you are watching is wrong, it probably is. (Got Questions Ministries - http://www.gotquestions.org/sin-movies.html)

Question: "Should a Christian listen to secular music?"

Answer: Many Christians struggle with this question. Many secular musicians are immensely talented. Secular music can be very entertaining. There are many secular songs that have catchy melodies, thoughtful insights, and positive messages. The content of the lyrics must be considered. While not specifically speaking of music, Philippians 4:8 is an excellent guide for musical lyrics: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Obviously, the best kind of music is that which praises and glorifies God. It is the lyrics that determine whether a song is “acceptable” for a Christian to listen to. If anything leads you to think about or get involved in something that does not glorify God, it should be avoided. (Got Questions Ministries - http://www.gotquestions.org/secular-music.html)

Question: "Should a Christian use social networking tools (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogs, etc.)?"

Answer: The answer to these questions should be determined by whether we can honestly ask God to bless and use our actions for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christians who choose to participate in social networking should be aware of the negative aspects of social networking. When we rely on social media sites primarily to promote ourselves or draw attention to ourselves, it is time to take a step back. It’s wise to utilize accountability, family members, and Christian brothers and sisters to view our social networking activity and hold us accountable. (Got Questions Ministries - http://www.gotquestions.org/social-networking.html)

Question: "Should a Christian play video games?"

Answer: When God shows us that a specific activity is controlling our lives, we should break away from it for a time. This “fast” could be from food, movies, TV, music, video games, anything that distracts our attention from knowing and loving God and serving His people. While some of these things may not be bad in and of themselves, they become idols if they distract us from our first love (Colossians 3:5; Revelation 2:4). We are to pursue praiseworthy activities, not simply permissible ones. He leads us to passionately follow Him above all else. Prepare for eternity. Every sacrifice will seem insignificant when we meet Jesus. (Got Questions Ministries - http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-video-games.html)

(Where Scripture References are given you are encouraged to also meditate on them)

2Believe Ministries - 2Believe.net

Christian Citizenship by Franklin Graham

2012-01-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Christian Citizenship by Franklin Graham

Although November 2012 is a long way off, we have already been inundated with political debates, commentary and scandal. As Christians, however, we are citizens of two worlds. The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen, warned the church in Philippi about exclusively earthly expectations: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21).

Every American adult has a responsibility to vote, and to vote wisely. Christians have the additional responsibility to pray for our elected leaders and candidates. Paul wrote to Timothy, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Where is your real citizenship?

Prayer

Lord, help us to be good citizens of Your Kingdom, no matter what country we live in. Teach us to live peaceful lives that bring glory to Your Son. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Source: http://links.mkt1529.com/servlet/MailView?ms=Mzg3NDkxNDMS1&r=MTYzNTI1ODk1NTYS1&j=MTI4MTQ0Njc5S0&mt=1&rt=0
Scripture quotations are taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. From Franklin Graham: "Decision" magazine, January 2012, ©2012 BGEA.