EXPOSE | We Must Lovingly Speak
“Into a world that considers any exclusive truth claim to be the height of bigotry, we must lovingly speak that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through [him]” (John 14:6)” – Jon Bloom
EXPLORE | Is This Thing On?
I will admit that I am a timid Christian. More based on personality than anything. But even that should not stop me–or even give me pause–when we consider the desperate need there is for all Christians to speak. That doesn’t mean shout, but as Peter describes, we are to be ready to account for the hope that is within us.
“We’re witnessing an epic change in our culture–a spiritual climate shift threatening to reshape life as we know it.” – Dr. Paul Nyquist, President of Moody Global Ministries
What the world needs now is the truth–in love. And I’m not thinking of the street corner, but from the marketplace, the workplace, and through our families.
Dr. Nyquist’s book paints the (very near?) future of what we may be facing as a Christian in America.
EXECUTE | Clarity and the Cost
Jon Bloom not only encourages us, but reasons for our need to speak up in order to:
– bring clarity to chaotic thinking. In order to speak with clarity, we’ll need to think with clarity. Critical to clarity is critical thinking. Can you ‘objectively analyze and evaluate an issue in order to form a judgment’ (Google definition) as the definition of critical thinking reveals? If not, it would be a major miss when attempting to bring clarity to the world’s way of thinking.
– better understanding of how God will choose to use us. Greater certainty comes through experience. We can better know something from having experienced it over time. Abiding in our relationship with God, and being attentive, will reveal more specifically what it is God desires of us.
– accept the cost–because it will. On this last point, we need to remember that we pay either way–whether silent or outspoken. But it is far better for everyone if we’re suffering for doing good. (1 Peter 3:17)
Let the truth be heard, by lovingly speaking up.
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