Category: Discipleship Essentials

Spiritual Authority in Times of Crisis

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Times of crisis reveal who people truly are and what they believe and value.

Crises are God-given times for the promotion of those who have faith in Christ and revelation from the Spirit and the exposure of those who operate by human reasoning alone or from previously disguised corrupt motives. The American Revolution had such an effect upon the people of who lived in the colonies, and we are in such a crisis. It is estimated that only 3% of the American populace actually fought to win our liberties. More broadly, those who identified themselves as Patriots were likely 40-55% of the population. Loyalists comprised another 15-25%; while 30-45% remained uncommitted. In my own family, my 5th great grandfather, Jeffrey Beck Jr., fought with patriot militia in NC, but my 6th GGF, his Dad, Jeffrey Beck Sr., remained a loyalist, who supported the Crown by allowing Tory military leader David Fanning to use his ford over Deep River. We cannot know people’s hearts or motives. Perhaps he had no choice in the matter. To his credit, my 6th GGF fought with the Regulators at the Battle of Alamance in 1771 against government corruption; so, he was not a coward. He took an oath of allegiance to King George in the aftermath of that failed cause and remained loyal to his oath for the rest of his life. He raised his minor children, who were still living in the home during the Revolution, to be loyalists, which caused further family discord over the years. My point is that the American Revolution was a type of civil war that pitted neighbors and family members against one another, depending on where they came down on the issues according to their convictions. Everyone had to choose where they stood on the matter, and it was costly, sometimes fatal. When the war ended, patriots were rewarded with undying appreciation and honor for their willingness to put everything on the line for the fledgling nation. Loyalists suffered the consequences of their choice, too, and the uncommitted were likely held in some measure of contempt by those who risked everything in the courage of their convictions. The uncommitted hedged their bets, hoping to come out well, no matter which side won.

Jesus had something to say about such an uncommitted position.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

Peter Block, in his book The Answer to How Is Yes, makes the point that we should not do things based on being able to figure out ahead of time if we are able to accomplish them. Rather, we should do the right thing, no matter what the cost, trusting that God will show us how to proceed once we start.

Faith launches out in seemingly impossible circumstances because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the potential pitfalls or dangers.

Those who fought as patriots took on impossible odds because they believed it was the right thing to do. Those who remained loyal to Britain probably also believed it was the right thing to do, and those who were the odds makers back then would have bet on Britain being the victor. Those who refused to commit to either side either had conscientious objections, did not understand what was at stake, or were simply afraid to pay the cost of making a stand.

The current election crisis is producing just such a scenario. We are in the midst of an attempted takeover of our nation by communist / globalist forces, and it is time for patriots to take a stand. Many are already standing with our president against seemingly insurmountable odds. Sadly others are avowed supporters of the coup attempt, either as knowledgeable Leftists or what the Communists call “useful idiots,” who have no idea what they are doing. A far greater number of people are either apathetic, confused, misinformed, or afraid to make a stand. Once this crisis has been resolved, there will be a reckoning and a reward, depending on who wins. God is revealing hearts in politics, families, and the church. Nothing will be the same after this is over.

I have friends who justify having a neutral attitude toward this conflict by proposing that it is more important to focus on the Lordship of Christ and the priority of the gospel. They seem to be overly concerned that any involvement in politics is putting a false hope in a human being, instead of trusting in God. This translates into refusing to publicly support Donald Trump and passively accepting whatever happens in the election, even if it is a fraudulent steal.

In my opinion, this is may be a misguided form of Pietism, which thinks that politics is dirty and anti-God and should be avoided. By holding this position, it reveals that they have accepted the Left’s doctrine of the separation of church and state and have become irrelevant in practical matters. Another less likely possibility is that this is nothing but well-articulated cowardice. If I knew an evil man had determined to kidnap, rape, and enslave my wife, you would think me a coward if I did not defend her with my life. If I told you that I was not going to get involved because I wanted to make sure that I kept my eyes on Jesus, rather than place my hopes on keeping my wife, you would rightly lose respect for me. Although this is an imperfect analogy, in a similar way forces are at work in our nation right now that are making a determined attempt to capture America and transform her into a socialist / globalist hell hole, stripping her citizens of their God-given rights and freedoms and destroying what our forefathers fought to create and preserve.

Those who maintain neutrality in such a time as this either do not understand what is happening, do not care, are too proud to admit they were wrong, or are afraid to make a stand. That is harsh, but I think it is accurate.

When Paul traveled to Rome in Acts 27 to appear before Caesar, the Roman Centurion who was in charge of the expedition made a poor choice to set sail too late in the year, even though Paul warned him that it would lead to disaster. Paul had no authority to make decisions. He was a prisoner who could only appeal to the person who did. His appeal was denied. Interestingly, the only person who had heard God speak regarding the matter was Paul. Everyone else was operating merely by their human reasoning, not knowing that a crisis in the form of a storm would soon expose their poverty of understanding. When the storm enveloped the ship which carried over 200 people, the Bible says that over time everyone abandoned hope of surviving, everyone, that is, except Paul. Here is what Acts records.

No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22  But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23  For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24  and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25  So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26  But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” Acts 27:21-26 (NLT)

God told Paul what would happen, which gave him insight and authority to know what to do in the crisis. In their hopelessness, confusion, and fear, the Centurion, crew, and passengers put their hope in Paul’s words and the revelation God had given him.

In times of crisis, those who hear God and operate in wisdom and faith are elevated into leadership.

Because the Centurion had the wisdom and humility to listen to Paul, everyone on the ship was saved. The crisis elevated Paul to a position of authority because in that moment his faith and ability to hear God provided everyone with hope and direction. He alone had something worthwhile to say. It is no different today.

Lots of people are saying lots of things about our current election crisis. Most of it is mindless blather and worthless to those who need to know what God says and wants us to do. We should be listening to those who have heard God and have faith. They are the only ones who have spiritual authority and something to say.

When King Jehoshaphat led the army of Israel into battle against seemingly insurmountable odds, here is what he told to them.

...“Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NLT)

We are in just such a time now. It is vital for us to believe the prophets, and the ones that I trust are saying that we should keep believing that God will pull this out for President Trump because much bigger things are at stake here than who is our next president. It is not a Republican – Democrat thing. It is a kingdom of God matter. Our Constitutional form or government may not survive under a Democratic presidency. Our freedoms may become a thing of the past. America’s call and destiny to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations could be thwarted. I believe that God still has plans for our nation, despite our many sins. If we will turn to him in repentance and faith, he will forgive us, save us, and give us a glorious restart as a nation. If we lose this battle, we will enter a very dark time.

Jesus said:

And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25 (NASB)

I issue a call to the Body of Christ today: step out of the gray shadow land of neutrality. Be either “hot” or “cold,” not “lukewarm.” If God has not spoken to your heart about the election, listen to those who have heard God. God is raising up prophetic leaders to help us through this crisis. Let us not miss this opportunity to be more than “sunshine” patriots. Let us be those who risk it all because it is the right thing to do. May God help us and grant us mercy.

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Seeing Death from God’s Perspective

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Anyone who has lost of loved one understands the pain and loss that accompanies death. The Apostle Paul, a man whose life was frequently in jeopardy due to his fearless proclamation of the gospel, penned these comforting words for us to ponder.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (ESV)

Sin is the mortal sting that causes death. 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56–57 (NASB95)

Adam’s sin led to his death as God promised and Satan denied (Genesis 2:17). It also led to the death of all his posterity, thanks to the laws of inheritance and reaping and sowing. But our Lord Jesus undid that horrible outcome by absorbing our guilt and the consequences of our sin, at least for those who put their faith and allegiance in him. 

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NASB95)

Some of us suffer from a deeply seated fear of death that robs us of joy and holds us in bondage.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews gives us the welcome news that Jesus confronted this problem head on to liberate all of us who have been held captive by this fear.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15  and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV)

Christ took our sin upon Himself. He actually became sin and received the attached judgment of death, so that we could become righteousness before God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

As a result, we who believe have been blessed in many ways, including being given eternal life in the Spirit. Now, as Jesus taught, even though we die physically, we shall live spiritually. In fact, in reality we shall never die because He is the Resurrection and will someday raise our physical bodies back to life.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26  and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (ESV)

Jesus is now the Lord of Life as well as Lord over death. He has the keys of hell and death. Our lives and physical death are now exclusively under His authority. What then is physical death for the believer?

How we view death will greatly influence whether we fear it or not.

Death no longer should be viewed as a final separation or end, but as a homecoming and a beginning. The Bible tells us that God regards the death of His saints as a precious thing. (Psalm 116:15) The Hebrew word here means “precious, splendid, rare, or weighty.”

For God, physical death is his opportunity to welcome us into a new realm and dimension of life in which we can more fully enjoy Him and He, us.

Look at what Paul wrote.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7  for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8  Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (ESV)

Paul actually looked forward to his own demise because he had already been given a glimpse of what awaited him in the heavenly realms. If we could see as clearly as Paul did, we would never fear death.

May God open our eyes to the true nature of physical death – a doorway to life eternal in the very presence of God.

Jesus could not wait to get back to His Father. We really have little idea yet of how good our homecoming will be!

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

If you are facing death, now is the time to meditate on Christ’s victory over death on our behalf. Now is the time to allow God’s peace that passes understanding in invade your life. We can listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd speaking to us the same words he spoke to Martha.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26  and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (ESV)

Do we believe this? The things we are facing or will face eventually are designed to provide a setting for the Spirit of God to reveal to us personally that Jesus is our Life which never ends and is absolutely fulfilling – eternal, resurrection life.

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8  All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9  I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:7-10 (ESV)

A confrontation with death, then, is actually an invitation from God to know the Lord Jesus Christ as the Resurrection and the Life. The light shines most brightly in the worst darkness.

SeeingGodsSmile nooksizeThis chapter is taken from my book, Seeing God’s Smile When Life Is Difficult, which can be ordered from Amazon. This book is designed to help people through severe trials, but is helpful to all who wish to live by overcoming faith.

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What Are We Waiting For?

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Sometimes we are waiting for the perfect scenario to share the gospel, instead of stepping out in faith to see what the Holy Spirit might do. The disciples ask Jesus to eat something, but he replied that he had food of which they knew nothing. As they wondered aloud what he meant…

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35  You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36  The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37  You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38  I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” John 4:34-38 (NLT)

Principle: What Are We Waiting For?

The disciples were asleep to the opportunities for sharing the gospel that were all around them.

There is a joy that is associated with sharing the gospel and leading people to faith in Christ that is more satisfying than food. In another place, Jesus told his followers about this.

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 (NLT)

Most of the church seems to find their satisfaction in hanging around other believers. If you are reading this article, I hope it is because you feel the pull to be an ambassador for Christ who ventures out of the comfort and safety of the local church to search out those who are open to the gospel. If you are, be encouraged by Jesus’ words. Whether or not we are in the midst of an awakening, the harvest is ripe. There are people whom the Holy Spirit has prepared to hear and believe the Good News!

Being Christ’s ambassador is perhaps the most satisfying occupation in the world.

It was more important to our Lord than food. May the Spirit of God awaken us to the opportunities around us. May he give us the love and boldness to engage people. May he equip and inspire us to operate in the supernatural realm of the gifts of the Spirit, and may he give us success in effectively sharing the gospel. If all that happens, the only thing that remains is to disciple our converts to become just as we are – followers of Christ and fishers of men.

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19 (NLT)
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Don’t Wait Until You’re Ready

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Some might have thought that the woman at the well was not ready to share the gospel, but not Jesus. She abandoned her water jar to go round up the rest of the village to come meet Jesus.

Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28  The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29  “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30  So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4:27-30 (NLT)

Principle: Don’t Wait Until You’re Ready

Many new believers imagine that they should wait until that magical day when they finally will be ready and fully equipped to share the gospel. This is partly the fault of the church. We think that sharing the gospel is more to do with having our doctrine right than it is with being “on fire” for Christ. It is partly our fault for buying into the notion that it is better to say nothing at all than risk making a mistake.

The Samaritan woman did not know much, but God used her to bring the entire village to Christ.

And this is not the only time that Jesus commissioned a new convert to be an evangelist. The Gerasene man whom Jesus delivered from many demons was immediately put into service, too.

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19  But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20  So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. Mark 5:18-20 (NLT)

Didn’t Jesus realize that it is dangerous to put a new convert into the ministry, especially one who had been so unstable?

By the time we are thoroughly trained to properly share the gospel, we likely have lost contact with many of the people who most need to hear our message. This is because we stop “hanging around” with unbelievers and spend all our time with other Christians at church meetings.

The most opportune time for us to share our faith is when we first come to Christ, before our unbelieving friends relegate us to the “weird Christian” category.

Another reason we should start sharing our faith immediately is that we likely never will be quite so enthusiastic about Christ as when we are first saved. Some call this “first love” or the “honeymoon” period of Christianity. This is not to say it should be this way, but it often is. By the time disciples are thoroughly trained, they often have  picked up plenty of excuses for not be evangelistic and become quite comfortable simply going to church, rather than actively sharing the gospel. I call this Great Commission drift.

Most of the American church is more in love with comfort than with sharing the gospel.

The night I came to Christ, I immediately began telling my friends that I just met Christ and that he is real. That is about all I knew, but it was worth sharing. Over time I have added to my knowledge and understanding of who Christ is and what he did for us, but my fire to share the gospel has never been stronger than it was on the very first night.

Don’t wait until you’re “ready”. Start sharing the gospel and never stop.

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Look for Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s Work

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When sharing the gospel, we should look for evidence of the activity of the Holy Spirit in others. After Jesus satisfactorily answered the Samaritan woman’s question about the rift between Jews and Samaritans, she showed that she was one of those who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah.

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26  Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!” John 4:25-26 (NLT)

Principle: Look for Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s Work

When a disciple of Christ begins a conversation with someone he or she has never met, it is something like opening a long buried treasure chest. What is in it? That is one of the things that makes fishing for people a most interesting occupation.

Going into an encounter, we do not know how God may have already been working in a person’s life, but our hope is that God will lead us to those he has already been preparing to receive the gospel.

It is obvious from the passage above that the Samaritan woman had been thinking about and longing for the coming of the Messiah. She was more than ready to meet and believe in Jesus. She just did not realize at first to whom she was speaking.

When a fisherman leaves home for a day on the water, he or she anticipates catching a big one. We know they are “out there.” That’s what makes it fun. Will God privilege us to meet someone like the woman at the well? I am convinced they are “out there.” We only need to find them, and the Holy Spirit knows exactly who they are. Don’t forget that she was a most unlikely person. We dare not judge people superficially. Only God knows the heart.

We should pray daily for the Spirit to orchestrate encounters like the one Jesus had at the well.

We should also prepare ourselves mentally to be alert when such opportunities present themselves. Jesus could have simply sat there in weariness, but he engaged this woman. We must also be alert to using the gifts of the Spirit. They are not just for church meetings. Lastly, we should prepare far ahead of time by thoroughly familiarizing ourselves with the gospel message. Don’t waste your opportunities!

(Learn more about the gospel by clicking here.)

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Address Root Questions

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Jesus was willing to answer people’s root questions if they were genuine seekers. After Jesus fully gained the Samaritan woman’s attention, she addressed the heart of the controversy between Jews and Samaritans.

So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” 21  Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22  You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23  But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24  For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:20-24 (NLT)

Principle: Address Root Questions

There was no point ignoring the “elephant in the room.” The Samaritan woman re-posed her opening question – “Why are you talking to me?” – in more theological terms. When we converse with people outside the boundaries of “normal” social interaction, these sorts of questions may arise. Rather than skirting the issue, he explained it in terms of the New Covenant, which breaks down the walls separating Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles.

Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well, coupled with his answer to her question, made her realize that God’s plan included her. The gospel bridges cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and political divides. The key is for us to be able to explain how.

Jesus did not go into much detail as to how this would happen. He did not need to do so. He was and is the embodiment of the New Covenant. Since we are not, we must be prepared to give a reason for our hope by explaining the gospel as best we can.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

(If you want to learn more about how to share the gospel effectively, click here.)

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Depend on the Holy Spirit

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If we want to be effective fishers of men, we must learn to depend on the Holy Spirit. After Jesus moved the conversation to a spiritual plane, the woman responded by asking for eternal life, whether she fully understood or not.

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” 16  “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17  “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18  for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” 19  “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. John 4:15-19 (NLT)

Principle: Depend on the Holy Spirit

When Jesus used the gift of the word of knowledge, a subset of prophecy, to identify the woman’s hidden sin, it changed the entire dynamic of the interaction.

It moved her from curiosity to full attention. It proved to her that Jesus was from God. It showed her that God knew all about her without condemning her. It convinced her that Jesus was someone she could trust and to whom she should listen. All that happened because Jesus shared one thing he could not have known without the Spirit’s help.

This takes us back to the synagogue in Nazareth when Jesus launched his itinerant ministry by reading from Isaiah 61.

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19  and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)

A big secret of Jesus’ effectiveness was that he ministered under the influence of the Spirit.

Try to imagine how he would have operated without miracles and the gifts of the Spirit. He would have been reduced to how a modern evangelical operates. How sad, for him and us. How tragic that today his disciples act as if the power of the Spirit is no longer available.

We need to return to New Testament methods if we want early church results. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit in a greater way.

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Move the Conversation to Spiritual Matters

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Using the open door provided by the Samaritan woman’s question, Jesus masterfully moved the conversation to spiritual matters, from a drink of water to eternal life.

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12  And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 13  Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:11-14 (NLT)

Principle: Move the Conversation to Spiritual Matters

It was immediately apparent that this woman was no one’s fool. She wanted to know the practicalities of how Jesus was going to provide a new kind of water in a place where the only source was this well that her forefather Jacob had provided. She wondered just who Jesus thought he was, but her thinking was still on a natural level. She realized that she was speaking to a very interesting person, but might have wondered if he were some sort of “nut job.” She certainly had no clue yet that he was the Messiah.

Instead of immediately responding to her natural question, Jesus offered what seemed to her to be a puzzling reply that moved things toward a spiritual plane entirely. This is an important key to fishing for people the Jesus way.

Certainly our desire is not to come across as “weird;” rather, we should strive to be authentically and spiritually interesting, which requires that we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Probably Jesus had quickly discerned her spiritual hunger and led her down a conversational path to satisfy her deep longings for God. In our case, since we usually cannot so easily “read” people, we may have to be more “experimental” in our approach, offering interesting spiritual conversational tidbits to see if the one with whom we are talking responds positively.

The important thing is to try to move the conversation toward spiritual matters instead of allowing it to focus on the kind of mundane and trivial small talk that the world prefers.

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Remember Whom We Represent

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When sharing the gospel, we should remember whom we represent. We are ambassadors of Christ.

After the woman at the well questioned Jesus regarding why he was speaking to a despised Samaritan, he continued.

...“If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4:10 (NLT)

Principle: Remember Whom We Represent

The Bible says that disciples of Christ are ambassadors for God (2 Corinthians 5:20) who carry the most important life-changing message in the universe – the gospel.

Unfortunately, we often forget who we are and act as if we are insignificant with little to offer. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus never forgot his identity, his message, or his mission. He was on point all the time, and so should we be.

But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence {in God} when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (GW)
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Talk to Unlikely People

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Jesus often engaged very unlikely people. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in John Chapter Four, he broke the Jewish cultural rules.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” John 4:9 (NLT)

He was a Jewish rabbi. She was a Samaritan woman. Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. Rabbis did not talk to women. Jews would not drink from a cup or jar handled by an “unclean” Samaritan. What Jesus did in asking for a drink of water immediately got her attention and prompted her question. When people ask “Why,” it means we have made them curious and gives us an open door to share.

Not only did Jesus break social taboos, he also made himself vulnerable by asking for a favor. We like to present ourselves as self-sufficient, but people generally respond well when we admit that we need their help. She could have rebuffed him, but did not. When we ask for a favor, we open the door for people to be kind to us. Once a person does something for us, it is more likely that they will be more open in general.

Have you recently engaged any unlikely people who are outside your normal comfort zone or pack of friends? Have you asked a favor from anyone? Are you willing to launch a conversation just to see where it might go? These are all keys to being an effective fisher of men.

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