CHRISTIAN BUZZ WORDS

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL)

Do you remember this memorable line from the movie of Forrest Gump ?

Lieutenant Daniel Taylor: Have you found Jesus yet, Gump?
Forrest Gump: I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir.

Not to make light of this secular dialog, as it can also have a deep spiritual meaning. However, I can't help but ask, are we Christians using too many buzz words, when talking with our unsaved non-believer friends and family? You see, most of the unbelieving public knows nothing about Christian clichés like: "Have you been saved" or, "Are you a child of God", etc."

And the unbelieving public will use any form of excuse such as "my religion is a personal matter". "I don't like people who are so dogmatic or fanatical about my religion". "You are just trying to force your views on me". "I have my own religion, and I'm happy with it."

So, how do we reach this segment of unbelieving humanity for Christ? When on this earth, Jesus spoke many times in parables relating to the culture of that day. A parable is defined as a "earthly story with a heavenly meaning". However, He often times quoted scripture, as well.

Talking to anyone about Christ, is simply giving a good witness to what Jesus has done for you. In other words we must have first-hand information Of Jesus. (1 John 1:1-3)

We must have a changing experience relative to the full gospel.(1 Cor 15:1-4) (2 Cor 2:2) (Romans 10:9-10) (John 14:6) When these scriptures truths are real to our lives, then we certainly have a witness.

In connection with a knowledge of the saving gospel, comes the Holy Spirit. The Spirit not only draws mankind to the gospel but transforms lives, as well. (Titus 3:5)

Finally, we must not only "talk the talk" but we must "walk the walk". In other words, "we are the only Bible some people read". (Philippians 2:15) (John 15:1-8) (Galatians 5:22-23)

And above all else, we must have a knowledge of the scripture, in order to talk with others. (1 Peter 3:15)

So, are you ready to move on with your witness? According to a Gallup poll, half of the unchurched population stated they intended to return to active church participation some day. Of that group, 1 in 5 said they would return to church if someone would just talk to them about spiritual matters.

Apparently, according to this survey, the spiritual groundwork has already been laid, not like the unbelieving public. (2 Tim 3:16-17)

So, we have two distingue situations here. Those with some knowledge of the gospel verses those with no knowledge at all. Then, it's very important which group we are dealing with. This knowledge is probably easy with friends and family. Not so, with those we really don't know. We must just relay on (2 Tim 4:2 ). (Exodus 4:12) (Isaiah 44: 8) (Ezekiel 2:6)

You don't know or are unsure ? Then, commit that person, who is on your mind, to the Lord in prayer. The Holy Spirit will show you what and how to speak. (Romans 8:14) (Acts 16:6-7) (Ephesians 6:17) (1 Tim 4:1-2)

One mistake we Christian often times make is that we get discouraged, if we see no result. However, Christ never said we would see results, only that we should witness in His name. (Matt 28:19) (Mark 16:15) Our greatest calling is to share the love and forgiveness of Christ to those who have never received Him as Savior.

Yes, men and women are lost without Christ (John 14:6) (Acts 4:12)

According to an internet site (10basicsteps.org)." I have discovered that at least 25 to 50 percent of nonbelievers are ready to receive Christ in most parts of the world if properly approached, one on one, by a trained Spirit-empowered witness. And I believe that among that number may be some of your own family members, a neighbor or a co-worker, or a person you do not yet know to whom God may lead you. They are ready to hear a clear and simple presentation of the Good News of God's love and forgiveness".

So, go. (John 4:35) (Mark 9:37-38) (Luke 10:2) As these scriptures tell, the fields are white and ready to harvest. And we are the only people God has to do the job.

Just be careful using those "buzz words". Tell it like it is. Tell what Jesus did for you.