Links

I wanted to share some blog posts that I've read in the past week, but haven't really had the time to say much about them.  So here are some links with a brief quote from the post (along with a video):

When Hospitality and Hell-Fire Kiss

"Sarah and Lindsay both work in midtown Manhattan. Sarah is a Christian; Lindsay isn't. After several attempts to share Christ with Lindsay, Sarah simply invites Lindsay over to dinner, where she has many folks from her local church coming over for a meal and fellowship. Lindsay meets a handful of singles and a few married couples with kids. 

"She spends the evening eating and talking about life, which naturally leads to faith, since that's what everyone else shares in common. She witnesses thankfulness and hears about the providence of God in their lives. She sees how Christians interact with their friends, spouses, and kids. One single girl invites her to coffee, and another family invites her over for dinner, where a few other church members join her."

What Does Eating, Sleeping, and Exercise Have To Do with Sanctification? (HT: Vitamin Z)

(email/RSS subscribers may need to click through to view video)

How to Witness to Mormons

"There are basically two ways Christians witness to Mormons. One is to demolish Mormonism in an apologetic way, the other is to expose Mormonism in a theological way. The former deals with Mormon history, false prophecies, archaeology, DNA, etc. The latter deals with sin, repentance, atonement, the gospel, etc. 

"Most people take the first approach, but we, the Oasis ministry in Utah, take the second. The first may make many ex-Mormons, but it doesn't necessarily make believers. Actually, it can be counter-productive."

Join or Die?: Addressing the Question of Church Membership

"Church membership is a gift and a duty. It’s sort of like making your children eat their desert. Christ saves and sanctifies sinners in the church. Where else would we want to be?"

What Letter Would You Write to a Gay Son?

"I will not bring up your sin and the Gospel every time we meet, but I do want you to know where I stand right up front, and also that I’m willing to speak with you about the Gospel of Christ anytime you wish. 

"I hope you will not call this message hate. This is how love sounds."

Christmas Cards

The previous post suggests that "this is the best time of year to talk about Jesus." I think it's probably the easiest time to do so.  And I think one of the easiest, most non-threatening ways to do so is with Christmas cards.  Who doesn't like to get Christmas cards?  I love getting the mail and opening the cards, reading various cards & letters and seeing lots of family pictures.  What I love most is reading good messages that point me to Christ and the gospel.  Whether it's a letter from one of my college friends who is now a pastor, or a brief line in a card or on a picture, I love how they help me worship the Savior.  I also love the opportunity to get this message in the hands of people who may have never heard it or embraced it before.

If you're planning on sending out some form of card this year, and haven't yet, I'd recommend that you consider including some sort of message that keeps the focus on Christ.  (Or keep this in mind for next year.)  It doesn't have to be long or filled with Bible verses.  Greg Koukl at Stand to Reason shares some messages, encouraging people to pick one to include in their card.  Or maybe these suggestions will get your mind rolling to think of something on your own.  Here are two from Koukl that I particularly liked:

Christmas Blessings…

…with a prayer that you come to a quiet place of reflection on the simplicity of Jesus’ birth and the magnitude of His purpose.

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From the cradle to the cross:
What the Child has done for those who receive His pardon…

Free Download: Bringing the Gospel Home

From Crossway:

The holiday season is upon us! For some, this means more days off work and more time with family. And if you have unbelieving family members, the joy of celebrating Christmas can be mixed with anxiety and hopeful expectation—this is perhaps the best time of year to talk about Jesus.

After all, there are songs on mainstream radio proclaiming the birth of a King, whom people are coming to adore, a savior who can save us all from Satan’s power. This is the time of year when people are most open to going to a church service or watching your kids sing in a Christmas program. Yet, even during this special time of year, sharing the gospel with family can be difficult. 

Crossway is offering a free download (in PDF, Mobi, or Epub format) of Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well.