October 27, 2008
The Method of Missions
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . —Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ did not say, "Go and save souls" (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, "Go . . . make disciples of all the nations . . . ." Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them. But Jesus said, in effect, "Don’t rejoice in successful service— the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with Me" (see Luke 10:17-20 ). The missionary’s great essential is remaining true to the call of God, and realizing that his one and only purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus. Remember that there is a passion for souls that does not come from God, but from our desire to make converts to our point of view.
The challenge to the missionary does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the perspective of the missionary’s own personal relationship with Jesus Christ— "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" ( Matthew 9:28 ). Our Lord unwaveringly asks us that question, and it confronts us in every individual situation we encounter. The one great challenge to us is— do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit? Am I wise enough in God’s sight, but foolish enough according to the wisdom of the world, to trust in what Jesus Christ has said? Or am I abandoning the great supernatural position of limitless confidence in Christ Jesus, which is really God’s only call for a missionary? If I follow any other method, I depart altogether from the methods prescribed by our Lord— "All authority has been given to Me . . . . Gotherefore. . ." ( Matthew 28:18-19 ). - Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Halloween experiment
Nancy and I are trying something this Halloween that friends of ours have tried in Ohio with great success. We are going to invite our neighbors for a hotdog dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 PM or until the food runs out. We hope, in this way, to meet our neighbors and make some connections. As people come to our house for trick or treating we will be offering hotdogs, chips and we're not sure what else yet. We will have some chairs and tables out (we don't have many). We just want to try to break the ice with our neighbors. We have been in our house about a year and have not made many connections. So, that is our idea. Pray that this will help us build relationships so we can share the love of Christ.
Don and Nancy Meissner
Don and Nancy Meissner
Friday, October 17, 2008
Encouragment
Some people may remember my testimony a few Sundays ago during service. I just wanted to share a little more with you and encourage you to be bold in your faith! As I continue to go out to places like malls, universities, and festivals to share my faith I know God is hard at work using little old me! I have met many people and shared my faith with them over the last 6 months. I often wondered in my human-ness, "Am I doing any good?" Well I met a dear brother at E91 just 2 weeks ago who is coming to the "One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven" classes. He wrote me an e-mail today to tell me he went to the Castleton mall the other night and ran into people who were reading "One Heartbeat Away" (Mark Cahill's book, which I give to each person I talk to). When he told these people that he knew me personally and was out there doing the same thing their faces lit up. Here is what he wrote:
"I was at the mall last night handing out some tracts and talking to people. Just wanted to let you know that I watered one of the seeds you planted. Her name was Annette. She's a pretty black girl that works at one of the little kiosks. She said you gave her one heartbeat away about a week ago. How cool is that, that God had me talk to her after you had just talked with her. You should have seen her eyes!"
You see, God is at work when we are obedient to Him. My silly concern was just blown away to know that other Christians are stepping out to water the seeds that other Christians have planted. Isn't that what it is all about? If all of us constantly lived for Christ and spoke His name in love and truth people would keep hearing about the good news. I don't have to go out and save anyone...I can't. Only God can change their hearts and bring them to salvation, but we need to do our parts and plant the seeds. Let us inundate our communities with Jesus Christ so people are hearing/seeing the Gospel over and over and over...not what the world is telling them. Don't ever feel pressured that you must see results or must convert people...leave it to the One who can hanlde it. Plant the seeds and let God take it from there!! God Bless you all!
I Corinthians 3:5-9
"I was at the mall last night handing out some tracts and talking to people. Just wanted to let you know that I watered one of the seeds you planted. Her name was Annette. She's a pretty black girl that works at one of the little kiosks. She said you gave her one heartbeat away about a week ago. How cool is that, that God had me talk to her after you had just talked with her. You should have seen her eyes!"
You see, God is at work when we are obedient to Him. My silly concern was just blown away to know that other Christians are stepping out to water the seeds that other Christians have planted. Isn't that what it is all about? If all of us constantly lived for Christ and spoke His name in love and truth people would keep hearing about the good news. I don't have to go out and save anyone...I can't. Only God can change their hearts and bring them to salvation, but we need to do our parts and plant the seeds. Let us inundate our communities with Jesus Christ so people are hearing/seeing the Gospel over and over and over...not what the world is telling them. Don't ever feel pressured that you must see results or must convert people...leave it to the One who can hanlde it. Plant the seeds and let God take it from there!! God Bless you all!
I Corinthians 3:5-9
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Washington Township Neighborhood Initiative
We had a great meeting tonight. Different ages and neighborhoods were represented and we left excited to see how the spirit will move through our prayers in the next 30 days! How did it go for you? If you are praying with a group and would be willing to include others, please post details.
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Lawrence Township Neighborhood Initiative
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood Initiative
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Noblesville Neighborhood Initiative
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Carmel Neighborhood Initiative
Let's continue continue to be in prayer as we seek Him in this 30 day period.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
How is He guiding you?
What can you do to practice "Overflow in your community?
Are we expecting to see our Mighty God work in a BIG WAY in our church,our families, our neighborhoods or our world?
Post your comments and thoughts as you reflect and are led to share.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fishers Neighborhood Initiative
Monday evening's meeting at the Fishers Library was an excellent starting point as a community to listen, connect, and pray. We had around 55 people in attendance and there was a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and anticipation for what God will do through the this group. There were discussions around helping low income apartments to what can we do to revive the Christian life within the area public schools.
Our prayer time was good and we were sent off to be a light in this dark world and to pray for 30 days. While we pray we need listen to what God is saying. As you hear Him leading you, please post your comments. We can inspire each other to step out in faith and obedience and then be blessed beyond what we can imagine.
Be Bold, Be Courageous, and Above All Love!
Our prayer time was good and we were sent off to be a light in this dark world and to pray for 30 days. While we pray we need listen to what God is saying. As you hear Him leading you, please post your comments. We can inspire each other to step out in faith and obedience and then be blessed beyond what we can imagine.
Be Bold, Be Courageous, and Above All Love!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Welcome to the E91 Neighborhood Initiatives Blog
After the meetings over can you take the next step and begin basic training?
One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven
A class on sharing your faith
What: This class is based on the book by Mark Cahill and will include personal stories and examples on how to share your faith.
When: Wednesday, October 8 – November 12, 6:30 – 7:45 pm,
Where: E91 Sunroom (Upstairs above the gymnasium)
Why: You will learn how to share Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation as you reach out in your community. It will help you to be better equipped to handle some of the hard questions on faith.
Let us know you are coming... Susan Sharp (susans@east91st.org)
One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven
A class on sharing your faith
What: This class is based on the book by Mark Cahill and will include personal stories and examples on how to share your faith.
When: Wednesday, October 8 – November 12, 6:30 – 7:45 pm,
Where: E91 Sunroom (Upstairs above the gymnasium)
Why: You will learn how to share Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation as you reach out in your community. It will help you to be better equipped to handle some of the hard questions on faith.
Let us know you are coming... Susan Sharp (susans@east91st.org)
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