Acts 2:22-41
Peter really nails it in Acts 2. I honestly don't think his communication style could have been any better (after all, about 3,000 people came to know Christ as a result of this message). So Peter gave me a good example of how to talk to others about Jesus. But his example goes further than witnessing. Think about this. If all of our communications were like Peter's here--direct, truthful, passionate, and delivered with love--how much more effective would we be?
So communicating more like this Acts 2 Peter is something I want to work on. As I see it, there are really two parts to accomplishing this task. The first is being straight with people--regardless. This can be difficult depending on the situation. Then secondly, is the whole "speak the truth in love" thing. I love the concept, but it's also not the easiest thing to implement.
So what are some things we might do to help us better communicate with our families--kids, husbands, siblings? People at work? At church? If you have any examples or success stories, please share them! Tami W.
You are right Tami, this can sometimes be difficult. One thing we can do is realy seek Gods face and generaly Love people. If we see people the way God sees them, not for the things they do, we can be more compassionate and sincere and deliver the message in love and brokeness. How do we do this? By continuing to be in Gods word, asking God to change our hearts and minds and asking Him to help us love those who seem unloveable at times. To see their hearts and not focus on their actions.
I honestly believe that the best thing we can do is live the life in front of them, with God's help. Secondly, look for open doors to plant seeds. Thursday, one of the gentlemen at work starting talking about the 10 Baptist missionaries in Haiti and what is a real Christian. It gave me the opportunity to share. I mentioned that the most important things are 1. a personal relationship with Jesus Christ 2. The Bible was the inspired word of God. 3. That Jesus was God's son who came to earth to show us God's love for us.
I hope to have a success story, some day (soon). I needed this passage today. Speaking the truth in love is very difficult. But so is putting aside ego and accepting that truth in love. I have a dear friend with whom I adore her friendship, but sometimes I think we put ourselves in our own little world on a daily basis. Then when it comes to wittness around other people, we are not being honest and instead seem to conrform to their ways, attitudes, and direction. We (I) need to stay focused 100% of the time, not just "behind closed doors." Oh Lord bless me (us) with that ability. Only in Him will we (I) have the strength.
Are we not to be ready at all times to be witnesses for God? I "hear" the passion of Peter when I read this passage. Sometimes I think that is why we lack the ability to speak the truth - because we lack the passion for the "subject". Sometimes we get caught up in needing to be heard, so we speak our mind, rather than praying before we speak so that we can share God's heart.
My daughter has a friend who was prone to making bad choices. Because my daughter spoke the truth to her (I'm not sure how lovingly, at times), this person was a hot and cold friend. Now that they are out of high school, and a little more mature, this person realizes and appreciates what a true friend my daughter has been.
It takes faith, courage, passion and prayer to be able to talk like Peter did. I pray that God will give me what I need as I need it.
I have been praying for something like this, I want to preach the gospel everywhere I go. But, instead I found myself talking about vain things. So the Lord have been talking to me about preaching, and I want to be obedient.
The simplest way is to be direct and to be honest. Don't sugar coat or compromise the Word of God. It won't help us or them. Whenever you approach, start with prayer and let The Holy Spirit guide your words.
I HAD JUST MOVED TO ANTHEM AZ. I WAS LOOKING FOR A CHURCH AND FOUND THE CANYON CHURCH OF CHRIST. WHEN YOU FIRST ATTEND THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, A MEMBER HAS YOU OVER THEIR HOME TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE AT AND TO SHOW YOU GODS PLAN.THIS IS THE ROOT OF THE LESSON, A MEMBER SHOWED ME. IT BECAME A MOMENT WHEN I FELT GOD PULLING AT MY HEART.I WAS BAPTIZED THE NEXT DAY . ACTS TWO IS A PLACE I GO TO TELL OTHER JESUS WANT YOU TO BE BAPTIZED. MY MOTHER WAS VISITING ME AND SHE FELT GOD TUGGING HER HEART AND WAS ALSO BAPTIZED WITH ME .THIS IS MY STORY HOW ABOUT YOU. JOY