They say it's about 'felt needs' today. Most unbelieving people aren't walking down the street engrossed in what is going to happen to their eternal souls. But they ARE thinking about their JOBS ... their MARRIAGES ... their CHILDREN ... their FINANCES ... their HEALTH.
Once again, another survey comes out revealing that the reason 18-21 year olds don't attend church is that they feel it is irrelevant to their daily lives. And I don't really think that response is limited to that one age group.
Jesus began His conversation with the Samaritan woman on a topic of interest to her --- water. If we can do that with our community, we'll gain a hearing.
And be blessed.
2 comments:
I remember in college going to a free lunch on campus provided by a religious group. The topic they were discussing: the estate tax and taxes on dividends and how they were morally unfair. They didn't win too many souls that day.
But I also remember almost a week later a college friend missing her bus so she could continue her conversation with a homeless man to make sure he was taking care of himself - and then she prayed with him. That guy was a fixture on the curbs of that campus, but I never saw him again. When I mentioned that to my friend she said he went to her church every week, and that someone at her church got him a job at a Vons grocery store.
She won over two souls that day. And she did nothing more than recognize this guy had real problems and offered herself as a soldier of Christ to help him get on his feet.
We have to tune in to where others are. That is so right. All we can see is what He allows...but, we can all be so easily distracted. We touch the heart of God when we respond to Him - that may look different in each of us. Today when I was cleaning my house He reminded me of something I had forgotten to do. I was so thankful to Him and it was a joy to do it even more because of how sweet that was. It wasn't something as grand as leading someone to the Lord... but, somehow indirectly it will make a difference. I have to trust for those i will be with tomorrow who don't know that sweet connection. Tonite I will pray for them and hope He can shine thru somehow. He is looking for a response in all of us. Once Peter said of John..."Lord, what about him?" Jesus said..."You follow Me." (last book of John) Lately, I have been under the conviction that we( and that means me-the church) might do good to stop analyzing the church (we all fall short) and just look to Jesus and worship & do whatever He impresses. I see God working in the Pastors at KFA...I have witnessed the Love of the Father in them. His love is more than just what they say (sermons) and do (humanitarian efforts and concern for people--as important as that is...) It is Who I know they have on the inside and it is their uncomprimised motivation to be a blessing to Him that causes me to hold them in utmost respect. I am always inspired by that. IN Him. mary
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