It was a great privilege for me to be able to speak at all three of our church services yesterday.  It started with the 9:00 and motored through the 10:30 and finished up with the 5!  A big thank you to Pastor Chris for giving me the opportunity to speak and to each person there yesterday…

As you know, we finished our teaching series 19.12.  We have been working through this at the Five and we were able to share this last portion with the rest of the church yesterday.  So, here are some of your comments and your questions… Remember, it isn’t all about my answer… it is about our conversation!  So join in!  Let’s go…

1. A church is a place but the Church is everywhere.  A bank is just a building unless there is money tellers and bankers.  A hospital is only a building unless there are doctors, patients, and medical supplies.  And similarly a Church is just a church unless Christians are there.  Some churches aren’t Churches and some buildings that aren’t churches can be a Church.

~good thought!  I think the part I like best is that some buildings that aren’t set up as churches can be used as some of the greatest Church’s.  God can use anyone and anything.  The Church is God’s people… He said I will build my Church!  I am so incredibly for the Church!  I can’t wait to see the Church grow into what God has intended for us…

2.  Hebrews 12:27 connects to me with each person’s faith.  If a person’s faith cannot be shaken, it will remain.  Also, nice use of the MFUGE video.  That was exactly what I was thinking when I saw the sermon title.

~You are right on the money… the only thing that will remain is our faith!  Cling to it!

3.  I really have tried many times to witness Jesus to people but they usually will tell me whatever and won’t listen.  I want them to know Jesus but what are some ways to witness without trying to seem like I’m forcing it on them?  Because most people I try to witness to will just say that I am just accusing them!

~First off, there are many ways that you can witness to people.  I’ve used everything from the gospel braclet, evangecube’s, Four Spiritual laws, Roman’s Road, tracts,  stories, situations, etc… Sometimes one of the greatest tools to use in witnessing is your convictions!  Just stand on what you believe to be right, and hold firm to that.  People will look at you and ask you why you choose not to curse, or drink under age, or smoke, or whatever the circumstance may be.  When you set yourself apart from the world it makes you stand out.  People will notice!  Use the opportunities that arise to have a conversation.  Build that relationship… Honestly and genuinely care for the individual.  Shower them in love, and be compassionate and gracious towards them!

Matthew 5:14-16  “You are the Light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

4. Doesn’t the text say that you have come and not you have been called?

Yes, you are correct!

~Peter