Based on “Under His influence – Cowards No More”
by Pastor Mark Balmer;
“Passion”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I know a guy who, a few years ago, was all about meeting new people and constantly bringing up Scripture and application every time he was talking. Lately, I have not seen that passion. Oh, he still has a passion, and I hear him talk about it often. However, it is for the ministry he is currently serving in. All of his conversations now seem to just focus on that ministry. It is no longer about what God is doing or can do.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): “One of the greatest sins in the church today is that we have made it ok to sit and do nothing and still call ourselves followers of Christ.” Ed Stetzer.
This is a powerful statement and something we should take note of, but, just because we are busy doing ‘church’ does not mean we still have it right. Serving in a ministry needs to be about meeting the needs of people, and Christ needs to be our passion, not a church or a ministry. Doing good things at church is not a substitute for serving Christ every day.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): I have heard it said that whatever you are passionate about you will talk about. What is your passion? Football, shopping, politics, etc? When was the last time you told one of your unbelieving coworkers about what God is doing or has done in your life? Sharing Jesus is not a formula, though they can sometimes be helpful. How did the disciples do it?
But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)
Paul said: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The woman at the well: Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" They came out of the town and made their way toward him. ……Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." (John 4:28-39)
Start thinking today of all the times God has come through for you in your life. Be specific and write them down: forgiveness, restoration, finances, relationships, meaning. These are all things that unbelievers need help with as well.
Look for open doors to share what God is doing in your life.
If there has not been anything recently, take a few minutes and examine your relationship. Make sure nothing has become your #1 passion except the Lord.
Have you been having your quiet time, listening for His voice?
Let Jesus be your #1 passion and talk about Him.
