I think we would all agree that Paul knew what he was talking about when it came to evangelism~Bob Coy

COMPASSION: LEADS PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?-Romans 2:4 (NKJV)

I think we would all agree that Paul knew what he was talking about when it came to evangelism. The book of Acts makes it clear that, apart from Jesus Himself, no single person did more to spread the Gospel than Paul. With this in mind, let's consider his point that the goodness of God leads people to repentance.

Wait a second, Paul. That might work with low-level sinners, but you need to get rough and radical with the serious sinners. They need to be blasted with a real "turn-or-burn" presentation of the Gospel!

Again, Paul knew what he was talking about, and experience had taught him that real repentance only occurs when the compassion and goodness of God are given center stage.

Think it through. If people come to Christ on the basis of fear, then they're always going to relate to Him that way. Their walk will be a torturous trek, filled with insecurity and instability. Soon they will resent their relationship with Him because it has become such a burden, and they will end up walking away from the things of God. To make matters worse, they carry around a "been there, done that" attitude whenever they hear the Gospel mentioned.

But if we emphasize the compassion of Christ, if we share how He always shows mercy to the 'serious sinners,' if we share that He doesn't point a judgmental finger but extends a helping hand, it will do something that no fear tactic ever could.

It will lead to a relationship where love prevails, people change because they want to, and the fruit of their repentance stands the test of time.

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain . . . ." (John 15:16 NKJV)

Discuss the compassionate heart of Jesus with your group.

Share your favorite example of Christ showing compassion to those around Him.

Why did Jesus do what He did, and how did He do it?

Dig into Romans 2:4. What does this verse tell you about God’s character?

What does it tell you about our condition? How has this verse been true in your life? What is it that motivates you to repentance?

Decide as a group to take part in an evangelistic outreach.

Coordinate your efforts through your local church and schedule your group to participate.

Let the kindness of God show forth through you as you invite others to repentance and faith.

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.~Jon Courson

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
	Philippians 1:8
Rather than referring to the heart, Paul’s culture referred to the intestines as the seat of deepest emotions. ‘I long for you greatly,’ said Paul, ‘not just superficially, but deep within me.’ What gave Paul this kind of love? What caused him to pen this epistle rather than pout about his own situation? I believe it was because Paul utilized his prison time to pray. He cared about the Philippians because he prayed for them. Who’s on your nerves? Who’s robbing you of joy? Maybe it’s your boss or husband, a coach or teacher, a colleague or neighbor. Pray for them, for as you do, a couple of things will happen. First of all, because God answers prayer, they’ll change. But secondly — and much more importantly — you’ll begin to change ... In Exodus 28, we read that on the ephod, which the high priest wore, was a breastplate. And upon the breastplate were gems representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, the people of Israel — those who were often stubborn, backslidden, unappreciative and rebellious — were to be as gems on the heart of the high priest. But that’s only half the story. You see, inscribed on the shoulders of the high priest’s ephod were the names of the tribes. In other words, the high priest could not carry the gemstones of the tribes on his heart if the names of the tribes were not on his shoulders. Spiritually, the shoulder speaks of bearing burdens. Thus, as the high priest bore the burden of intercessory prayer for the people, he would experience a change in his heart toward the people. He would view them not as dirt clods or pieces of coal — but as gems. Gang, pray for the people who bug you. Pray God’s blessing upon them. Pray for God’s work to be flowing through them. Pray good things to happen to them. Hold them up on the shoulders of intercession, and you will find that they will become gems in your heart. You cannot be angry or bitter towards someone for whom you’re praying. That’s why prayer is so important — not only because others will change, but because we will.

Twit Wisdom with Rick Warren (Call me the Twit, I like these)

1. In 30yrs travel&training leaders-164 nations-Ive never met anyone who didnt need massive doses of love.Hosea14:4 LOVE HEALSabout 1 hour ago from web
2. Wicked people r wounded people.Job15:20.Sin in our nature&nuture causes deep pain&hurt people hurt people.StillJesuslovesusabout 1 hour ago from web
3. I upgraded to #HootSuite 2.0 because it is freehttp://hootsuite.com/upgradeabout 11 hours ago from HootSuite
4. Dont just tell it like IT IS.It changes no one.Tell it like it CAN BE!That changes everything! Preach in FAITH! 2 Cor4:13about 19 hours ago from web
5. Guilt by association is the tactic of Pharisees.So I defend pastors maligned by it even if disagree w them.Mk 2:16, Lk7:348:33 AM Aug 22nd from web
6. Everytime u hold ur tongue when attacked or misrepresented your spiritual power grows.Humility gives u authority.Mt.27:126:27 AM Aug 22nd from web
7. When morality is determined by popularity,depravity becomes normality & the death of that culture becomes an inevitability.11:03 PM Aug 21st from web
8. Pride is the antithesis of grace."Grace humbles a man without degrading him and exalts him without inflating him." Charles Hodge6:46 PM Aug 21st from web
9. Feeling superior to other believers shows u dont really understand the Cross & Grace no matter how much you've read.Ph 2:36:42 PM Aug 21st from web
10. Identity theft is as old as Eden.Beware of comparing(2 Cor10:12) &conforming (Rom12:2)which rob your God-shaped uniqueness.11:21 PM Aug 20th from web
11. If God asks u to give something away & u can't, u don't really own it; IT OWNS U. Never let a possession possess u. Lk12:156:17 PM Aug 20th from web
12. http://twitpic.com/enlvu - GrandBabies on BabyGrand! I write songs 4my grandkids:Kaylie,Cassidy,Caleb-2yrs today! Cole(unseen) is 1yr Sat5:40 PM Aug 20th from TwitPic
13. For 2000yrs people tried to refute,mute,persecute,dilute,dispute,convolute&substitute the Bible.STILL ABSOLUTE! 1Pet1:24-255:01 PM Aug 20th from web
14. RT @donyandell Rick,many of us feel we have all 4 in you. Don, a life goal is to be the friend of all pastors.rw3:53 PM Aug 20th from web
15. 4kinds of people u need: MODELS 2follow Ph3:17, MENTORS 4counsel Pr11:14,PARTNERS 2help Ecc4:9-12, FRIENDS 4support Pr7:173:38 PM Aug 20th from web
16. "My life doesnt matter"is Satan's life The Father created u.Jesus died for u.The Spirit lives u.The Trinty says u matter!7:58 AM Aug 20th from web
17. RT @kapurcell: Purpose Driven Connection mag&DVD studies inside are great.Thanks Kevin! Always trying ways to help ur small groups grow!8:47 PM Aug 19th from TweetDeck
18. A TRUE man of God is known by HOW HE TREATS those who DISAGREE w him.He refuses to quarrel & is kind to EVERYONE.2Tim.2:244:48 PM Aug 19th from web

"TheLORD will perfect that which concerns me.~Bob Hoekstra

A Precious Promise of God's Perfecting Work

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me. (Psalm 138:8)

Again, we look at one of God's "precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4). This one pertains to His perfecting work in the lives of those who know Him and humbly depend upon Him. This priceless promise is the Old Testament antecedent of the one we recently considered fromPhilippians 1:6. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it."

Think of the astounding implications of our present promise. "TheLORD will perfect that which concerns me." Our God has pledged to fully accomplish His will and His plan in every matter that pertains to our lives. Let's consider three important examples of "that which concerns [us]": development of biblical understanding, growth in godliness, and (for the married) spiritual progress in marriage.

God's word reveals that He wants us to develop in biblical understanding. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Hebrews 5:12). If we will humbly feed on God's word, seeking Him for spiritual insight, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this area of life.

God's word reveals His will for us to grow in godliness. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that,denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12). If we seek the Lord and trust in Him for ongoing growth in godliness, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this area as well.

God's word reveals His will with respect to spiritual progress in marriage. The Lord wants married couples to become mutually submissive servants, each serving the other out of reverence for the Lord: "submitting to one another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:21). The servant wife would follow the spiritual leadership of the husband. "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord"(Ephesians 5:22). The servant husband would love His wife with sacrificial Christ-like love. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). As each seeks the Lord for His transforming grace, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this vital area of life also.

Dear Father, I acknowledge many futile attempts to perfect myself. I easily forget that You have promised to attend to my perfecting. My vain efforts only quench the work of Your Spirit of grace. Lord, please carry out Your transforming work in my study of Your word, in my need to grow in godliness, in my relationships at home—as well as in my testimony on the job, in my service of You—yes, in my entire life, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Leadership: What will a lapse in character cost you? (80-5)~Barry Werner

What will a lapse in character cost you? (80-5)

July 31st, 2009 in Character, Gifts, Judges, Leader Qualifications, Leadership Principles, Old Testament |leave a response

To build trust, a leader must exemplify three qualities: competence, connection and character. People will forgive an occasional mistake based on ability, especially if they can see that you’re still growing as a leader, but they won’t trust someone who slips in character. If a leader has an occasional lapse in character, it is lethal. No leader can break trust with their people and expect to keep influencing them. Trust makes leadership possible. Read Judges 13:24 – 16:31.

In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Maxwell looks at Samson and the Law of Solid Ground.

By all accounts, Samson could have become one of Israel’s greatest leaders, yet he turned out to be one of the worst. How could someone with such a strong start finish so poorly?

Samson learned the hard way that trust provides the foundation for all genuine leadership. This impetuous, volatile, lustful, moody, emotional, and unpredictable man provides a very good example of a very bad leader. Since no one could trust him, none followed his leadership.

Signs of Leaders in Trouble

Leaders who erode the solid ground of trustworthy leadership usually exhibit one or more of the following signs. Leaders in trouble…

1. Fail to address glaring character weaknesses. Samson struggled with sexual impurity. He asked for a pagan wife, slept with prostitutes, and ultimately Delilah destroyed him. Any time a leader neglects to repair his character flaws, they worsen.
2. Count on deception to safeguard themselves. People who flirt with disobedience often deceive others to protect themselves. Samson liked using riddles to outwit others. He didn’t tell the whole truth, which later led to distrust and betrayal.
3. Act impulsively. Time after time, Samson displayed his impetuosity. He chose his wife rashly. He made wagers without thinking. And more than once his impulsive spirit led him into a bloody battle. A leader who cannot control his temper endangers both himself and others.
4. Are overcome by an area of weakness. Sin eventually consumes anyone who gives it free rein. Samson met his match in Delilah. The deceiver was deceived; the seducer, seduced. He lost a dangerous game and it cost him everything.
5. Misuse their God-given gifts. Samson possessed immense strength and godly anointing, but he took both for granted. Many times Samson exploited his God-given gift, intended for the deliverance of his people, for personal revenge. When a leader misuses God’s gifts, serious consequences inevitably follow.

Exodus 18:21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

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Tags: Character, Competence, Connection, Influence, Strengths, trust

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