New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk Each One Reach One
in our hearts—the heart being the center of the mind, emotions and will, and, with gentleness and reverence we are to:
Not every Christian is expected to be an evangelist. In Ephesians 4:11-12, the apostle writes that:
“Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.”
“When Christ ascended on high he gave gifts to humankind, and his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastor/teachers to equip the saints/members for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
Every Christian should have a God-Story to tell his family, friends and neighbors. Our stories do not have to be all alike; but they must be genuine.
Not every Christian is expected to be an evangelist, but Every Christian is expected to be a witness. In Acts chapter 1, the risen Christ told his disciples that, following the reception of the Holy Spirit, they would be his witnesses, at home in Jerusalem, in the surrounding neighborhood of Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Witness can be non-verbal. The Holy Spirit has given each of us gifts that we are to use in the service of God, and one another. I once had a man tell me that he could not teach a Sunday school class, or pray in public, but if the church needed a woodworker, he was willing. Later, he with six other “woodworkers,” who were really just his assistance, he built for that church a 23 rank pipe organ valued, at the time, at more than a quarter of a million dollars. Witness can also be verbal. In 1st Peter 3:15 the apostle writes that we are to reverence Christ as Lord
There is something else that a witness can do to make sure his family, friends, and neighbors hear the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. The witness can invite them to church. I recently read an interesting static. Two percent of people attend church because of some form of advertising. Six percent of people attend church because they are invited by a member of the pastoral staff. Eighty-six percent of people attend church because they were invited by another member. Thirty-seven percent of people who are converted to Christianity like the critical change to the fact that someone invited them to church. It is all good. Except for one thing: Only two percent of Church members invite others to church. Over the years, hospitality has worked for New Philadelphia. It can do so once more. Let’s press on. EACH ONE REACH ONE. Pastor Green
Join us for Lovefeast Services Sunday, December 6 Children’s Lovefeast & Candle Service @ 10AM Sunday, December 20 Congregational Lovefeast & Candle Service @ 7PM Thursday, December 24 4:30PM Christmas Eve Lovefeast & Candle Service 8PM Christmas Eve Lovefeast & Candle Service ** The band prelude begins 45 minutes prior to each service with the exception of the Children’s Lovefeast**