There are several who would like you to believe because of my beliefs, I am a hater. Before you subscribe to that belief, know that I willingly identify that I am included in that category of “sinner” also. I need a Savior as much as anyone; probably more.

I’m not driven to tell you these things because I want to prove I’m right or condemn. On the contrary, I’m driven by the love I received while yet a sinner (see Romans 5:8) and desire others to know this truth.

When the law (10 Commandments) came into being sin became clear. When Jesus came to fulfill the law, sin became even more clear. Men and women were no longer able to justify God’s truth as stories. For they had seen the Living God and all His signs and wonders.

As children of the Living God, our sins our forgiven because of faith in Christ’s finished work at the cross. The text says that He “chose us out of the world”. As a result the word hates us.

The world hating me will not keep me from telling others about sin and what God has done to resolve it, in my life and the lives of many. When we are in sin, and apart from Christ, we are in bondage.

I do not condone or seek to continue in sin, but instead seek To follow Jesus and all His ways.

In a loving manner, I will continue share the truths of the gospel to those around me. Some will receive and some will hate.

#MPWarrior

#TruthAndLove

#SomeWillReceiveSomeWillHate

Do we not see that, daily, several in our presence are perishing?  Several are struggling, feel all alone, and need someone to come alongside, encourage them, and give them hope.   Put yourself in their shoes.  Do you want to wait another day?

The time is now to reach out to those in need. Look around you. Put down your phone and open your eyes and ears.  Listen for those who are broadcasting a distress signal.  Run to them with the love of Christ.  Listen and walk with them.  Do not neglect the grace you have been given. For the gift of Christ was given to you for the sake of others.    

Reflection

Do not let another minute be wasted.  Make a list of who God has put in your path. How can you tangibly help them.  Do they need someone to talk to?  Do they need a helping hand with something?  Are they having trouble paying the light bill this month? You have the power to change lives for His glory for all eternity.   Surrender your every desire to Him and live!

Prayer

Father, you are greater than our minds can comprehend.  Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear those in need around us.  Let us empty ourselves for them that they may see that You love them.  Use us to full measure for Your glory, in Jesus, Amen!

I decided to expand this thought a little further and asked myself the question, “How does praising God in the midst of the trial I am currently in, reach more for the sake of the Gospel?”

We have a unique platform when we are in the middle of suffering, especially suffering for the name of Christ. All suffering, however; connects us with others and opens the door to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Don’t waste that platform!

Reflection

I believe one of the greatest ways of making sure sufferings aren’t wasted is to journal.  Emotions have a way of clouding things that later become clear as we go back and read objectively. It’s also a great way to see how the hand of God has moved.  

Find a notebook or buy a journal and start keeping track of the challenges you face and how God is furthering the gospel through them.  Then share those stories with others. 

Prayer

Father teach us to watch for Your mighty hand at work especially through our sufferings.  We pray that no experience would be wasted, but instead all would be used for Your glory and furthering the gospel.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

I was living in the clutches of slavery and death. In hearing the gospel, my heart was convicted and encouraged.  I answered humbly but excitedly to my Father in heaven, “I believe!”  I confessed and repented(turned away from) of my sins and I found a hope like nothing I had ever known.

Jesus rose on the third day, and so is now available to offer life each and every day.  Surrender today.

Reflection

Jesus simply asked, “Do you believe?  A simply yes or no question I ask you today. Do you believe that Jesus, in fact, died for your sins on that cross?

Do you believe that His death and resurrection has conquered sin and death for you?

Prayer

Father, be with all those still making their decision.  Reveal Your truth that they may see your great love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

I recall the moment I realized that I had sinned against the holy God of the universe.  I stood condemned and then something amazing happened.  God revealed The gift He had given me through His Son.  I marveled at His obedience, perfection, and sacrifice.  I was overwhelmed as I pondered that He left His place on high that He may fish me out of the mire.   What a loving Father we have in Him!

Take some time to go back to where it all began.  Recall your earliest memory of understanding the gospel.  Meditate on the victory won for you at the cross. Let praises fill the air and know that you are blessed!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove #childofthemosthigh

@brianfriedl

The top 2 questions I get asked are, “How do I share my faith?” And “How do I change the world?” This would often be called our testimony.  While each person has there own unique story that needs to be told, the substance of the story is really God’s rescue mission of us.  You can attend classes, seminars, and workshops that help you formulate a plan and craft your story, and that’s great;   However, people really want to see the impact your relationship with God has had on you.  We can have the greatest story in the world and without action it is just another story. 

There were hundreds of cars passing by this woman on the street with drivers looking away assuming someone else will help or citing how “these people” are making thousands of dollars per year.   Did she need words or judgement in that moment?   My daughter saw that she was hungry physically and spiritually.  Our testimony is not only words but also actions.  There are 3 actions that come to mind that communicate our faith and change the world. 

STEP 1 – LOVE

What really has the power to grab our attention, cast out fear and cover a multitude of sins? Only love. Love has the power to do something that the 4 spiritual laws can’t. It pierces the depths of a person’s soul and shatters the need and notions of performance, leaving us to make a decision to fully trust our beautiful Savior or still cling to our own efforts. You want to share your faith? Then bathe in the Father’s love and love others with that same love. 

STEP 2 – SERVE

Serving others is something all of us can do.  You don’t have to have the right words.  One of the most powerful ways we tell our story is by loving others through acts of service.  It can be as simple as holding the door for someone or sharing a smile with them. The are literally hundreds of ways to serve.  Connect with your Pastor and ask where service is needed.  Don’t be surprised if he says taking out the trash. No job is too small.    Jesus found it pleasing to wash His disciples feet.  Serving is contagious and is a catalyst for more acts of service, but more importantly, it is part of sharing our faith with others and changing our world. 

STEP 3 – DISCIPLE

I don’t want to make light of your personal testimony.  You know who and what you were before you had an encounter with Christ.  You also know what God has done since.  Praise Him for all of His work!    You can share that story without a ton of prepwork. This story needs to be told, but we don’t have to run from person to person with a drive thru version making sure we get a confession from them. 

Be willing to invest the time to bring others along with you on your journey. Share with them the areas  where God has taught you.  We are commanded to teach others to observe all that he commanded us.  This implies that we are applying and learning these commands ourselves.  Discipleship takes time. It means walking with others, helping pick them up when they fall down.  You may experience disappointment, sadness and grief.  

So there you have it. You want to share your faith and change the world?  Be ready to invest and start loving, serving, and discipline today.  You may have the opportunity to only do one of these steps with someone you meet, but in all things be about Your Father in heaven and His work.  For He has done a mighty work in you; share it in word and deed!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl

You see a fan doesn’t give up anything, they just watch. They even sometimes switch teams when things get rough. They leave with the same thing they came with… nothing!  

On the contrary, a follower gives up everything and they participate. They experience loss, but gain more than words can express. They leave with more than they could have asked for or imagined. A follower is part of changing lives for eternity by bringing the good news of Jesus Christ and loving people wherever they are at. 

So, who are the followers that have invested in you over the years? Have you ever thanked them for their dedication and service to you?  Get that done today!

And who are you investing in? Remember life as a follower is not passive but requires action.  Find someone you can serve today!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

Make sure to comment, share, and use the hashtags above to spread this message as far as it will go to encourage someone today.  
@brianfriedl 
Note: All Bible quotes are taken from the New American Standard Bible offered by youversion.com unless otherwise stated.

Sometimes we get so hung up on “How do we share the Gospel?” question that we miss the fact that if we believe the Gospel to be true and we pursue relationship with Christ, He will bring forth the fruit and He transforms us to be the evidence of His Gospel. 

 The Gospel has the power to transform, do we? Have we forgotten that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Rom 1:16) I don’t remember reading anything about our abilities to share the Gospel as having any impact on increasing (auxano) the kingdom. 

 I firmly believe that if you want to be “better” at sharing the Gospel and being ready in season and out of season to share it, you must pursue your relationship with Christ as if your life depended on it, because it does. The more you seek Him through study, prayer, and service, the more you will see His fruit through you, the more the Gospel will be shared…not because you came with your strategy, but because God has faithfully transformed you in the likeness of his Son, your joint heir…

May you pursue Christ this year as if your life depends on it because it does!

Salvation is not the result of our work to earn favor with God. For this is impossible. Instead with God all things are possible. He has made a way by grace through faith in Christ.

Let that faith not stop at you, but instead May your mouth be the overflow of your heart as you bring the good news to all around you!

Pray today that this simple but powerful message of the Gospel would have its way in the hearts of all who hear it, especially for those enslaved by the thought of having to earn their way.

Pray for those suffering to bring this truth to the world. May they not grow weary but be filled with the power of God that never tires….

Reflection

Who do you know that is without Jesus today?

How can you invest in your relationship with that person?

Commit time to pray for and share Jesus in word and deed with this person over the next 6 months.

Prayer

Father we humbly pray that You would use us to full measure as Your hands and feet. Let Your love reign in and through us to reach those that are without Jesus. May the come to know a Your amazing truth and grace in Jesus, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#truthtalk4life

Read Acts 28:1-31

1) What do you observe?

2) what challenges or questions need to be answered?

3) what’s the overall main theme of the passage?

4) What’s the application for the original readers?

5) How does this passage apply to believers today and you personally?

I’ve enjoyed journeying with you through the book of Acts.  Stay tuned for other adventures though scripture!