Archive for December 6, 2011
Dec 6
“Who is Jesus?” A Good Time for an Important Question
If there is a month in the year that invites this question, December is it.
We want a clear answer to that question for ourselves, of course. But we want to be able to answer that question clearly for others, and especially those who are asking that question seriously for the first time.
Here are some suggestions for how to bring Christ to our family, friends, and neighbors during Christmas:
First, get clear on what the Scripture says about Christ and what He came to do.
One place get a quick and helpful summary of Jesus’ person and work is our new “Who is Jesus?” page, recently added with the refresh of the website. This was written primarily with the curious unbeliever in mind, but being clear on the identity and work of Jesus Christ is certainly important for our daily Christian life, and for our communication of the gospel. Print it out. Mark it up. Look up verses. Meditate. And pray for a chance to answer the question Who is Jesus?
Second, pray for God to provide a door for the gospel and an ask others to join you in praying for the same.Â
In Paul’s letters we find this kind of “prayer request” a regular thing. Paul asked the Colossian church, “pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (4:3). And in his letter to the church at Ephesus, he wrote, “[pray] for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” So, pray for a door for the gospel, for the spiritual alertness to see it, and the boldness to walk through it.
Third, pick up a Christmas Servies Invitation Card, and invite a friend to church.
This year Christmas falls on a Sunday. That means we have a full Christmas weekend coming up. Our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday night, December 24. Our Sunday services will be at the regular times. And, of course, that Christmas is on a Sunday is a treat for those who know why it is that Jesus was born: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It’s also a time where people are more open to visiting a church than at other times of the year. So, pick up or download our Christmas Services Invitation Card and email or pass it along.
Fourth, pick up a copy of Bringing the Gospel Home, by Randy Newman.
As the subtitle helpfully describes, this book is about “Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well.” This book is available at the Resource Center, and is offered now as a free download from Crossway Books. We posted a blog with a video about this book a number of months ago, so if this recommendation peaks your interested, revisit that post.
Fifth, browse our titles at the Resource Center for possible gifts.
Last week we posted a list of resources being featured at the Resource Center this month. Some may be a match for someone you know. Review the list or stop by during the week or on a Sunday.