The Show Is Over
Our generation genuinely desires to live a life according to God’s
way of doing things. Many accept Christ in their youth and then
veer off to a life that seems “greener” on the other side. They put
themselves on a quest to have a sense of belonging, live like
kings, rule the world, and have clout like a superstar. However,
they try to obtain this without totally committing to God.
The truth is, all those things are already promised to individuals
who live a Christ-centered lifestyle. What’s the missing piece?
They just need someone to explain God’s way without the
“Christian-ease” terminology and theatrics.
way of doing things. Many accept Christ in their youth and then
veer off to a life that seems “greener” on the other side. They put
themselves on a quest to have a sense of belonging, live like
kings, rule the world, and have clout like a superstar. However,
they try to obtain this without totally committing to God.
The truth is, all those things are already promised to individuals
who live a Christ-centered lifestyle. What’s the missing piece?
They just need someone to explain God’s way without the
“Christian-ease” terminology and theatrics.
Is It Their Fault?
Not totally. Many lost faith in the Christ they were raised on
because they did not have a good example of a true Christian in
their lives. They may have witnessed individuals proclaiming to be
close to God, but they were rebellious and merely went through
the motions. This may have caused their motives for attending
church to change. Therefore they felt obligated to go because it
was the “right thing to do.” Others went to make friends or
business contacts. And some viewed church as a safety net,
thinking all they had to do was maintain a good attendance record.
The days are gone when we just quote a few good scriptures and
never see any results. We read the Word, live the Word, see
results, and tell others. This is not just something we say, but it
happens for us. Whatsoever we ask we receive because we walk
in love and do what pleases God. Notice I did not say we are
morally correct. If non-believers do not see Christians walking in
this type of authority, they’ll begin to take matters into their own
hands by accepting worldly offers and call it a blessing from God.
We must present ourselves as effective ambassadors for Christ
who succeed if we want others to respect and convert to our God.
Not totally. Many lost faith in the Christ they were raised on
because they did not have a good example of a true Christian in
their lives. They may have witnessed individuals proclaiming to be
close to God, but they were rebellious and merely went through
the motions. This may have caused their motives for attending
church to change. Therefore they felt obligated to go because it
was the “right thing to do.” Others went to make friends or
business contacts. And some viewed church as a safety net,
thinking all they had to do was maintain a good attendance record.
The days are gone when we just quote a few good scriptures and
never see any results. We read the Word, live the Word, see
results, and tell others. This is not just something we say, but it
happens for us. Whatsoever we ask we receive because we walk
in love and do what pleases God. Notice I did not say we are
morally correct. If non-believers do not see Christians walking in
this type of authority, they’ll begin to take matters into their own
hands by accepting worldly offers and call it a blessing from God.
We must present ourselves as effective ambassadors for Christ
who succeed if we want others to respect and convert to our God.
Make It Plain.
How do we compel them to convert? First of all, you can only do
what you understand. When we speak, it’s important for the
unsaved to understand us. An effective soul-winner knows when
not to use “Christian-ease.” Words like “anointing” or “in the spirit
of God” is not everyday terminology. We know what we mean, but
they’ll look at you with a confused look on their face. Instead, say
“the empowerment to succeed” or “God’s way of doing things.”
The enemy never wants God’s way to be clear. He’d rather a lot
of theatrics and entertainment in the sanctuary. He’d prefer non-
authentic screaming, stomping and shouting, with no results
obtained. Let me be clear, there’s nothing wrong with praising the
Father in your own way. But when it is done and no results in any
form take place, re-evaluate your motives.
When God touches you He brings change. For example, if an
individual needs to know how to come out of debt, depression,
overcome lust and other types of addictions and habits, an
animated sermon about “Shadrack, Meshack and Abendigo” or
“Daniel in the lions den” may not help. Neither will general or
vague moans about “He’ll make a way out” or “God is good”,
pacify. That show is over!
Theses are great stories, but what our people need to know is
what salvation means, how to love, how to forgive and how to get
free from the circumstances previously mentioned. Scriptures
like James 4:7, Romans 8:1 and Psalms 34:19 properly explained
will show them the way out and prove how real God is. Preaching
may get people saved, but plain and simple teaching makes them
grow up and mature. When they leave the sanctuary, they’ll be
able to make changes in their life based on what they heard and
understood. At 3am when they need God to speak to them, they
should be able to remember the Word that was taught, not
necessarily how good the choir was.
What Do They Want?
What our generation wants when they come to church is clear
instructions, not a show or a performance. They want to be able
to do something with what they learned and have a better life.
They want a life that permits them to be famous and
distinguished without selling their soul to the world. This life was
already set aside for them before they were formed in their
mother’s womb.
They need to know that they are already a King or Queen, they
already rule the world and they already have clout better than a
superstar, simply because of who they know (Jesus). As
believers, we must share the Word with simplicity so that they will
be compelled to live it!
How do we compel them to convert? First of all, you can only do
what you understand. When we speak, it’s important for the
unsaved to understand us. An effective soul-winner knows when
not to use “Christian-ease.” Words like “anointing” or “in the spirit
of God” is not everyday terminology. We know what we mean, but
they’ll look at you with a confused look on their face. Instead, say
“the empowerment to succeed” or “God’s way of doing things.”
The enemy never wants God’s way to be clear. He’d rather a lot
of theatrics and entertainment in the sanctuary. He’d prefer non-
authentic screaming, stomping and shouting, with no results
obtained. Let me be clear, there’s nothing wrong with praising the
Father in your own way. But when it is done and no results in any
form take place, re-evaluate your motives.
When God touches you He brings change. For example, if an
individual needs to know how to come out of debt, depression,
overcome lust and other types of addictions and habits, an
animated sermon about “Shadrack, Meshack and Abendigo” or
“Daniel in the lions den” may not help. Neither will general or
vague moans about “He’ll make a way out” or “God is good”,
pacify. That show is over!
Theses are great stories, but what our people need to know is
what salvation means, how to love, how to forgive and how to get
free from the circumstances previously mentioned. Scriptures
like James 4:7, Romans 8:1 and Psalms 34:19 properly explained
will show them the way out and prove how real God is. Preaching
may get people saved, but plain and simple teaching makes them
grow up and mature. When they leave the sanctuary, they’ll be
able to make changes in their life based on what they heard and
understood. At 3am when they need God to speak to them, they
should be able to remember the Word that was taught, not
necessarily how good the choir was.
What Do They Want?
What our generation wants when they come to church is clear
instructions, not a show or a performance. They want to be able
to do something with what they learned and have a better life.
They want a life that permits them to be famous and
distinguished without selling their soul to the world. This life was
already set aside for them before they were formed in their
mother’s womb.
They need to know that they are already a King or Queen, they
already rule the world and they already have clout better than a
superstar, simply because of who they know (Jesus). As
believers, we must share the Word with simplicity so that they will
be compelled to live it!
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