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MAY 2017 SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Ten Questions to Ask to Turn a Conversation Toward the Gospel

by Dr. Donald Whitney

Many Christians suffer with unnecessary fears about sharing their faith. Once they finally get a conversation turned to the subject of the Gospel, however, most believers find that they're able to manage quite well. Much of the time the biggest problem is simply moving a conversation from small talk to "big" talk, the biggest subject of all—the Gospel. Here's a list of questions that can help. Some of them aren't original with me, though I don't recall where years ago I first heard the ones I've borrowed. I've found that the last one opens more doors for the Gospel in the widest variety of situations.

• When you die, if God says to you, "Why should I let you into Heaven?", what would you say? Are you interested in what the Bible says about your answer?
• If you were to die tonight, where do you think you would spend eternity? Why? Are you interested in what the Bible says about this?
• Do you think much about spiritual things?
• How is God involved in your life?
• How important is your faith to you?
• What has been your most meaningful spiritual experience?
• Do you find that your religious heritage answers your questions about life?
• Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs? If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it? Well, the Bible says . . . .
• To you, who is Jesus?
• I often like to pray for people I meet; how can I pray for you?

It may seem awkward at first to ask these types of questions, but it is more loving to ask someone a question that leads to a presentation of the gospel, than it is to save them an awkward moment at the expense of their eternity.  Ask for God to make you faithful and bold in your confidence in the truth of the gospel and to give you opportunities to beginconversations with people about the most valuable gift they could ever receive.

April 2017 Spiritual Development

Spiritual development is hard work!  The process of daily denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Jesus (Mark 8:34) requires us to lay down those things that we naturally want to hold on to.  This process is also described in Ephesians 4:19-22 as “putting off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” and “putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

I have recently begun the process of becoming certified by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, which has required me to attend a few weekend seminars.  During one of the sessions we were taught about spiritual growth and how to encourage people to pursue Jesus more faithfully in their walk of faith.  One of the main points that was made is that sanctification, the process of growing spiritually, is a life-long commitment.  We should be continually developing as Christians.  We should be able to look back each year and see the ways that God has grown us as we participate through the power of the Spirit.  God instructs us at many points throughout the Bible of how we can develop     spiritually.  I wanted to share a few that I learned from attending these seminars.

1. Spiritual growth equips you to overcome joyfully the trials of this present life. (James 1:2-4) 
2. Spiritual growth is a process that enables you to "grow up" in Christ. (Eph. 4:15)
3. You must constantly examine yourself in accordance with God's Word. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 
4. You must consistently examine yourself in light of God's Word instead of comparing yourself with the lives or expectations of others. (2 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3-6)
5. Spiritual growth entails learning to accurately handle the Word of God. (2 Tim. 2:15) 
6. Spiritual growth requires continual hearing of God's Word and practicing it. (James 1:19-27)
7. You must deny yourself by putting off your natural self-centeredness to follow Christ. (Matt 10:38-39; Luke 9:23-24) 
8. You must seek to please God in all things. (2 Cor. 5:9; Eph. 6:6-7; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:l; Heb. 13:21) 
9. Spiritual growth requires continual prayer with thanksgiving. (Phil 4:6-7; I Thess. 5:17-18)
10. Spiritual growth entails placing the welfare of others ahead of your own, following the example of Christ. (Phil 2:3-8) 
11. You must love others in biblical ways. (l Cor. 13:4-8a) 
12. You must faithfully use your spiritual gift(s) for God's glory and for the benefit of others. (Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:1-16; 1 Pet. 4:10-11) 
13. You are to regularly worship the Lord, remaining in fellowship and in ministry with other believers. (Ps. 29:1-2, 122:1; John 4:23-24; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:5; 1 John 1:7)