Letter 5/6

May 6, 2010
Pastor Steve Mathewson
  

Our goal this year is for 700 people to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ from people in our church family. So far, 159 people in our church have shared the gospel with someone else. While this puts us on pace for 477 (223 less than our goal), it is still fantastic!   Think about it: 159 people have heard the gospel so far this year through folks in our church!

One of the greatest challenges, though, in sharing the gospel is starting the conversation. How can you guide a conversation towards the gospel? How can you do this in a way that does not seem awkward or abrupt? Donald S. Whitney, a fine pastor and author, has the answer. He suggests using a simple question. Here is an excerpt from an article he recently wrote:

Over and over I've seen one simple question open people's hearts to hear the gospel. Until I asked this question, they showed no interest in spiritual matters. But then after six words—only seventeen letters in English—I've seen people suddenly begin to weep and their resistance fall. The question is, “How can I pray for you?”

This question is similar to one that Jesus Himself sometimes asked: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32). For what we are really asking is, “What do you want me to ask Jesus to do for you?” And by means of this question, we can show the love of Christ to people and open hearts previously closed to the gospel.

As I think back over the years, I recall some conversations I had with people about the gospel that grew out of asking this question! Pastor Rick tells me that he had the senior high youth group visit homes in our neighborhood a few years ago to ask this question! I realize that I need to be more intentional about asking it with the intent that people will want to know more about the hope I have (see 1 Peter 3:15). So, keep these six words in mind and use them sincerely as you interact with people the people you know and love: “How can I pray for you?” You may have an opportunity then or later to share the gospel.

Speaking of prayer, I’ll be participating at the National Day of Prayer service today at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Presbyterian Church. Come pray with us about global, national, and local concerns.

This Sunday, May 9, we will wrap up our series on Parenting Myths Exposed. It is my privilege to take you to Scripture to expose the myth that says, “Good parents do not have rebellious children.” The fact is, sometimes good and godly parents do have children who rebel. I believe the gospel itself gives us insight into how to approach and cope with this painful experience. If you want to do some reading in the texts we’ll examine on Sunday, here is the list: Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 1:8-19, Ezekiel 18:1-18, 1 timothy 1:12-17, and 2 Corinthians 12:7-11. Each one of these texts helps us understand or respond to children who do not want to follow God. By the way, look for information in this Sunday’s bulletin on a three-week sermon series (for the rest of May) which should be a huge encouragement to us!

Next week, I will spend Tuesday through Thursday in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at an annual preaching retreat for graduates of the doctoral program in preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Our mentor, Haddon Robinson, leads the week. This week, Craig Blomberg from Denver Seminary will join him and help us think about preaching 1 Corinthians. This is always a rich time of study.

Finally, I know that the last couple weeks have been challenging ones for our church.    When a staff member resigns or we have to announce budget cuts, it can challenge our unity. But I am encouraged by your response. Thank you all for being patient, prayerful, understanding, and supportive. I really believe that God will do some great things through our church in the days ahead. I’ll see you on Sunday!