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May
19

Sharing the Gospel: Creation to Christ

By Ray · Comments (0)

We’re planning for this fall’s lineup of new classes during our Adult Equipping time (called Equip U).  This is always a ball to plan for because the door is wide open for so many varied topics and options for equipping the saints.

One great opportunity in sharing the Gospel is connecting with others through the story of the Bible.  While many who grew up in a church environment are familiar with the narrative of scriptures, many in our world have never heard the name Jesus, let alone His story from creation.

This fall we’ll be equipping to share Creation to Christ, or chronological storying, yet another way to clearly share the Good News. Creation to Christ chunks the narrative down to share God’s story, what man needs, and why Jesus Christ is the Answer.  I wish I could track down online a great representation of the power of this kind of story telling method.  If I remember correctly, it was captured in a video by the name of “E Tau.” The elation of those coming to faith in Christ was thrilling and stirring!

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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May
15

SBC in decline?

By Ray · Comments (0)

Ed Stetzer of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and LifeWay Christian resources reported on information released this week from a study on the growth (or rather decline) of the membership of the SBC.

He writes:

We are a denomination in decline. Some don’t like to admit it.  But, the decline of SBC membership is not a matter of debate.  It is a matter of math.  And, if trends continue, it won’t end soon. Expect to hear “membership decline” more times than “membership growth” over the next few years.”

Check out the stats, but notice the options he lists that we could take in response to this report, particularly #5.  Find the blog here at:

Between the Times

What is my take-away from this information?

How am I personally on mission with Jesus Christ?  Am I faithful to Him?  Am I faithful to the Gospel?  How does this impact my family?  My church?  My community?  The big numbers come down to one important number, me.

I attended a funeral of a friend and minister today, and one of his life impact verses was John 14:21

He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me:  And he who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I will love Him and will disclose Myself to him.”

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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Nov
10

Christmas wish list? Doug Baker Recommends:

By Ray · Comments (0)

Last night the Oklahoma Baptist Ministers of Education Association met for our annual banquet in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our special guest speaker at this dinner was the new editor of Oklahoma’s third largest publication, The Baptist Messenger, Doug Baker.

In his stirring and impassioned address, Doug encouraged us as Christian educators to a renewal, a revival of our purpose in Christian education to make disciples by confronting people with the Truth of the Bible, Its Doctrine, the Gospel. The Gospel that is real news, the facts of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. No real gloss or fluff, but life changing knowledge based on the facts.

As he challenged us, he mentioned a number of must reads/authors:

Anything Tim Keller

The Mission of God by Christopher Wright

Anything C.S. Lewis

How to Read a Book

The Gospel Driven Life

The Heidelberg Catechism

Thanks Doug for the help with my wish list for this year!  Lord, help us clearly teach the Truth.

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism, Help for the New Minister, Leadership, Personal Growth and Development
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Jan
08

What retirement??? Quick plan for today.

By Ray · Comments (0)

Wow, what about that magic show at the end of 2008, some disappearing act right!  Ouch.  I think we’re all reviewing our investment plans.  What is your strategy?  Here are some things I am keeping in mind:

1.  Invest in a plan. You know the saying of having a plan and working a plan.  No direction will get me nowhere.  Visit with a number of wise folks, friends, financial planners; don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.  We are working to have a couple of different revenue streams at retirement (if the Lord wills).  Use financial planners and services.  For ministers, if you are not using Guidestone, check them out.  Also, as far as getting a picture of the impact of planning, check out Dave Ramsey’s investment calculator, plus many other solid resources he has.

2.  Invest in a CPA. If you are a self-employed minister, get a solid CPA who understands you and stick with them.

3.  Invest in yourself. You are (with the Lord’s help) your best investment.  You and your work and earning potential are the most valuable part of your retirement.  So find a way to continue to stretch, train, grow in your work and field.  Find (or finish) books, seminars, schooling, and leadership development opportunities that will push you to be the best at what you do.  Listen to your call.  Perhaps make a complete change due to the Lord’s leading.  One resource that has been valuable to me is Giant impact.

4.  Invest in the Kingdom. As I read this week, the Lord promises, that’s right promises, that He will take care of you and me if we stay focused on Him from Matthew 6.  So as I am rightfully planning for the future as a good steward of what the Lord has given me, I must not ever let my focus shift from my ultimate trust in Him, and also the things that truly have eternal value.  This is a prime time to share the Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Categories : Evangelism, Help for the New Minister, Leadership, Personal Growth and Development
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Dec
23

Great gift part two…

By Ray · Comments (0)

Share the Gospel of Salvation Through Jesus Christ.  My pastor gave another profound message on Sunday encouraging us to keep the spotlight in the right place at Christmas, on Jesus Christ the Savior.  What better way to do that than to talk about Him!

Today, after checking out Kevin Stilley’s site, the power of this simple Gift was reinforced with the Featured Video link he has to the entertainer Penn Jillette, of Penn and Teller.  Check it out.  Share the Good News!

Merry Christmas!

Categories : Evangelism, Personal Growth and Development
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