Isaiah 14-16
Ephesians 5:1-16
“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not…” 2 Timothy 4:2, HCSB
I (Sandra Ryan) was visiting a friend once and she was involved in the Alpha program. For some of us who are unfamiliar with Alpha, the heart of that ministry is for people to come and meet other people, get a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and then go and continue to spread His love more effectively.
My friend had been asked to prepare the meal, which is an essential part of Alpha. She was cooking for about 60 people so I said I would come over to help. While we were preparing the meal, we heard a knock at the door. It was her sister and someone she did not know. My friend said, “Oh, how lovely. What are you doing here? What a surprise!” Her sister went, “I was just out with Kate and we were talking. She was asking me questions about Jesus and the Bible and I said to her, ‘You know, I would love for you to meet my sister because she would be able to answer a lot of these questions.’” My friend responded, “Yeah, it would be great if you could come to Alpha tonight, Kate. We talk about all these questions and you will have an opportunity to ask your questions and get to know people. Why don’t you come tonight at 7pm?” Kate answered, “Um, evenings don’t really work for me. I’ll do my best to come, but I don’t know.” My friend went, “Oh, well, I hope you are able to make it and I’ll see you tonight. I’ve got to run. I have a big meal to prepare.” The sister and Kate said, “Okay, bye!” and left.
After my friend closed the door, she complained, “I cannot believe my sister would put me in that horrible position. She knows I have a meal to prepare for Alpha tonight.” I then said, “I’m not sure what’s going on here.” My friend answered, “Sandra, I have a huge meal to cook.” And I told her, “And you just turned away two helpers. They could have come into the kitchen and we could have talked about these questions that this woman had. We could have got things done quicker.”
How many of us have missed out on the opportunity to share the gospel because we have been too busy trying to do things for God and we forget the reason that we do these things is in order to invite people into a deep and significant relationship with Jesus Christ.
Whom can we build a relationship to share Christ with today?
Dear God, thank You for programs, like Alpha, where I can invite people into deep and significant relationship with You. Help me to be mindful when You are giving me opportunities to build relationships with others.
Ephesians 5:1-16
“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not…” 2 Timothy 4:2, HCSB
I (Sandra Ryan) was visiting a friend once and she was involved in the Alpha program. For some of us who are unfamiliar with Alpha, the heart of that ministry is for people to come and meet other people, get a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and then go and continue to spread His love more effectively.
My friend had been asked to prepare the meal, which is an essential part of Alpha. She was cooking for about 60 people so I said I would come over to help. While we were preparing the meal, we heard a knock at the door. It was her sister and someone she did not know. My friend said, “Oh, how lovely. What are you doing here? What a surprise!” Her sister went, “I was just out with Kate and we were talking. She was asking me questions about Jesus and the Bible and I said to her, ‘You know, I would love for you to meet my sister because she would be able to answer a lot of these questions.’” My friend responded, “Yeah, it would be great if you could come to Alpha tonight, Kate. We talk about all these questions and you will have an opportunity to ask your questions and get to know people. Why don’t you come tonight at 7pm?” Kate answered, “Um, evenings don’t really work for me. I’ll do my best to come, but I don’t know.” My friend went, “Oh, well, I hope you are able to make it and I’ll see you tonight. I’ve got to run. I have a big meal to prepare.” The sister and Kate said, “Okay, bye!” and left.
After my friend closed the door, she complained, “I cannot believe my sister would put me in that horrible position. She knows I have a meal to prepare for Alpha tonight.” I then said, “I’m not sure what’s going on here.” My friend answered, “Sandra, I have a huge meal to cook.” And I told her, “And you just turned away two helpers. They could have come into the kitchen and we could have talked about these questions that this woman had. We could have got things done quicker.”
How many of us have missed out on the opportunity to share the gospel because we have been too busy trying to do things for God and we forget the reason that we do these things is in order to invite people into a deep and significant relationship with Jesus Christ.
Whom can we build a relationship to share Christ with today?
Dear God, thank You for programs, like Alpha, where I can invite people into deep and significant relationship with You. Help me to be mindful when You are giving me opportunities to build relationships with others.
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