Monday Mentionings: Words of Wisdom from the Workshop - Part III

Culture...the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time. That is part of Merriam-Webster's definition. Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks all employ marketing gurus to make sure that they are able to consistently reach the culture. If they were to fail, their sales would drop. Thus, causing their "sails" to drop. In other words, they wouldn't be able to be in the race with their competitors. The church has the same challenge. We are not in the "sales" arena, but we must be willing to do what we can to keep our "sails" up so that we will not get lost at sea.

Yesterday, we concluded the "Words of Wisdom From the Workshop" sermon series. Here are a couple of applications from the two sermons that were referred to yesterday...

1. "How to Get Today's Culture to Listen to the Ancient Gospel" - Jeff Walling - Are there people in your culture that you would have a hard time talking to, based on something superficial about them? I think we would all answer yes. However, one thing that I've come to realize is that God can use us in any situation. Pray that you will be ready to share Jesus in a practical and relevant way to people that you meet. Pray a "stretching" prayer that God will help you move past the comfort levels you currently have so that you may be able to "win some" (I Corinthians 9:22-23). Don't forget to set your cell phones to 3:16 (for John 3:16) or 4:15 (for Mark 16:15) to pray for someone who needs Jesus or that God would lead you to someone who needs Jesus!!!
2. "Praying with Anticipation" - Randy Harris - "What a day that will be" we sing as we think about the day when we get to see Jesus. THE day when prayers will cease because the saved will go "up" and the unsaved will go "down". However, God is able to do supernatural things. So, if He wills the world to be at peace, for pain to be diminished, and/or for all confusion to be nonexistent, then it can be done. May we be praying with the anticipation of that day..."are you ready"? "There's a great day comin'...are you ready for that day to come?" God is good...All the time!!!

You're a part of a culture...Now, go and take part in connecting your culture with Jesus!

Anticipating the next open door ~