Dear Friends,
Several years ago, I posed a question to my Facebook “friends” (I use the term loosely since many of the people on the list are people with whom I’ve never spoken). I asked them, if they are Christians, why they don’t share their faith with people who are far from God and far from the church.
Probably the most common response I received was rooted in a fear of begin rejected. No one wants to unnecessarily offend a friend or, for that matter, a stranger.
Some talked about being silent about their faith for fear of being stumped by a question they don’t know how to answer.
I received responses like these:
“People my age don't want to discuss anything potentially controversial and that someone else might find offensive. Sadly, I've found that lovingly sharing my faith is a great way to turn a conversation hostile.”
“Some people want to avoid confrontation. I can remember my parents always saying, ‘There are two things you NEVER talk about in public. Politics and religion. It will ALWAYS end in a fight!’"
“Some people don't share because they are afraid of being labeled as discriminating against others. They are afraid of negative labels. ‘It's not Christian to be intolerant!’ They think.”
“Fear is the issue,” one person said. “We’re not confident in the power of the message, not confident in our ability to communicate....all lousy reasons, but true.”
One person said one reason we don’t share with others because we don’t really believe it’s good news.
Some people don’t share with others because they’re shy.
Some don’t share with others because they feel like when they do, they turn into salespeople trying to convince uninterested buyers into making a purchase they really don’t want to make.
Some of us don’t share our faith because we are embarrassed by Christians we’ve seen on TV or people who preach on a street corners or folks who go door to door.
Some don’t share because they say “it’s not my gift.”
Let me talk about that one for a minute. In 2010, Pollster George Barna released research (https://us.list-manage.com/TIJCu50xFbr?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf) saying that just 1% of believers claim to have the gift of evangelism (down from 4% in 2005).
Some of us have found it convenient to dismiss our responsibility to share our faith by simply saying “it’s not my gift” and moving on. The problem is, Jesus doesn’t say “If you have the gift of evangelism, go make disciples.” Or “If you have the gift of evangelism, share your faith.” When Jesus said “go and make disciples,” He was talking to all of us.
Some people don’t share their faith because they think it doesn’t really matter whether they do or not. God’s gonna save who He’s gonna save, whether we share our faith or not.
You know what? That’s true. I believe that if we don’t share our faith with others, God will get the job done. If we’re silent, God will get rocks and stones to cry out.
But God has given us the assignment – the privilege and the joy – of being part of the spiritual birthing process.
And more than that, He has commanded us to share the gospel with others..
When he was a college student, one of R.C. Sproul’s professors asked the class to explain why, if God is sovereign in regard to salavatin, we need to share our faith After several students said that they simply didn’t know, student Sproul stammered, “Well, I guess one reason that we should still be concerned with evangelism is Christ does command us to do evangelism.”
Sproul’s professor famously responded “Ah, I see, Mr. Sproul, one small reason is that your Savior, the Lord of Glory, the King of kings has so commanded it…!”
Sproul quickly got the point. The fact that God commanded it should be enough.
But sharing our faith ought be more than a grudging duty for Christians. God allows us to participate in the greatest work in history, the work of redemption.
One of my Facebook friend said “we don’t share with others because we take the pressure of "success" in conversion, and put it on ourselves. We believe that it's our job to convince others into the Kingdom. Therefore, if someone doesn't respond, rather than trusting the Sovereignty of God to do the work that only He can do, we feel as if we have failed.”
But when we understand the Bible correctly, we realize that when we’ve shared our faith with others, we have succeeded in pleasing God regardless of how someone responds. Our job is to sow. God’s job is to grow.
The book of Isaiah tells us that sharing our faith is better than getting a pedicure. Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
One of my Facebook friends suggested an exercise that I think every one of us as followers of Christ should embrace.
“I think every believer needs to take the time to write their story ~ their testimony. It needs to give God the glory. It should not be an egotistical recounting of all their trials & tribulations, but should genuinely describe how God has worked in their lives. It needs to focus on relationship, not religion, especially “Christianese” labels. If folks could have a short few minutes long story to share, it could be the seed that's planted that God might use to bring others to the Father...”
Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard people share their stories of God’s work in their lives as they have been welcomed into our church as new members. While each story is different, each story has the same three parts:
- Who I was and what my life looked like before I came to faith
- How God worked in my life to draw me to Himself
- How my life is different now because I have surrendered control of my life to Jesus
If someone asked you tomorrow to share your faith story with them, could you give a 3–5 minute explanation of your journey to Jesus that follows an outline like that?
If not, let me challenge you to write your story down. Practice it. Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you to anyone who might ask.
And then, look for an opportunity to ask a friend or a co-worker this question: “Do you have a faith story? Has there been a spiritual turning point in your life?”
Listen well to what they tell you.
And be ready to respond if they ask you the same question.
REDEEMER SMALL GROUPS
Redeemer Small Groups will be starting back up the week of September 13. And this Sunday, Small Group leaders will be in the lobby after church to answer any questions you might have about their group.
If you’re not currently part of a small group, this is the perfect time to visit a few groups to find the place for you. And if you have any questions about Redeemer Small Groups, contact Pastor Matt: mattgurney.rcc@gmail.com (mailto:mattgurney.rcc@gmail.com)
AWANA BEGINS NEXT WEEK!
Awana kicks off next week! We have nearly 60 kids signed up already. If you haven’t signed up your kids yet, you can (https://us.list-manage.com/Y6272eiiHHb?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf) click here to register now (if space is still available). Please be praying for the kids and leaders this year as Awana begins next week.
NXTGEN SINGLES & YOUNG ADULT HANGOUT
As summer winds down, the NxtGen group is gearing up for fall. If you are college aged or young adults, plan to join with others from the church for the NxtGen fall kickoff on Saturday, September 5 at the Gurney’s house. Contact Pastor Matt for more info or if you have questions. mattgurney.rcc@gmail.com (mailto:mattgurney.rcc@gmail.com)
NEW MEMBERS CLASSES
If you’ve been attending Redeemer for a while and would like to know more about what it means to officially become a member of our church, you’re invited to our upcoming New Members Meeting on Friday night September 11 and Saturday morning September 12.
WOMEN'S FALL GATHERING
Ladies, mark your calendar for Monday night, September 14. That’s the night for the Women’s Fall Gathering – an evening filled with great fellowship and great food.
If you’re planning to attend, please let us know. Click here to register (https://us.list-manage.com/JIpH3Qb9gd7?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf).
FIRST FALL ROOTS HANGOUT
The first Roots Hangout with the Perkins this fall is coming up on Saturday night, September 12. Students, have you blocked out that evening yet on your calendar? Is it on your to do list? It should be.
MEN'S FOUNDATIONS STUDY
Men – the first of our Foundations – And Why They Matter is happening on Thursday night, September 17 at 7:00 pm at the church.
Although it’s not a requirement, you’ll be helped by getting a copy of Paul David Tripp’s book Do You Believe: 12 Historic Doctrines To Change Your Everyday Life (https://us.list-manage.com/pTOsVqCxew4?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf) before the class begins and by reading chapters 1-2 ahead of time.
The class will be highly interactive and discussion based.
FALL BIBLE STUDIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN
This fall, the men and women of the church will have Bible study opportunities.
The men will be starting and extended study through the book of Genesis. Two class times each week – Tuesdays at lunch or Thursday evenings. Here’s the info. Or click here to register (https://us.list-manage.com/wnes_frHyeF?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf).
Meanwhile, the women will be spending this fall going through the first eight chapters in the Gospel of John. The study will take place on Monday nights or Tuesday mornings. All the details can be found here (https://us.list-manage.com/CcB1IhQtDee?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf). Sign up now to be part of the study this fall.
REDEEMER FALL EVENTS CALENDAR
If you’d like to take a look at all we have planned for this fall at Redeemer, the Fall Calendar is ready to be downloaded (https://us.list-manage.com/fTpcO53aFzE?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf). Or you can pick up a copy at church on Sunday.
READY FOR SUNDAY
Here is out preview (https://us.list-manage.com/S5p_zsNkGOc?e=da31571acc&c2id=9646fad7312ad0e2da39a919ec1318cf) of the songs we’ll be singing together this weekend.
If we’re going to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as Christians, and if we’re going to preserve the unity of the Spirit that is so precious to Christ, there are four essential virtues that will be necessary. Sunday as we continue to look at the book of Ephesians, we’ll look carefully at the virtues the Bible commends as indispensable for each of us as members of one another in the church.
See you in church!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Bob
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