Tonight, instead of a strict "Bible Study," let's
consider one subject: How does one go about reach-
ing out to neighbors in order to present, in a natural
way, the life giving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Over the years, (50+) there have been many worthy
"programs" on the subject in which we have involved
ourselves. (Members of Southern Baptist Churches)
Generally, the studies were suited to the day and were
quite effective for a time. In addition to books and
courses from our denomination, we also became part
of groups that were interdenominational in scope. It
seems to me those were more appealing because they
brought fresh perspective to our congregations and
were not tied to group thought. One such study is
the evangelistic philosophy of Dr. Bill Bright's Cam-
pus Crusade for Christ. The programs came and
went, since interest in a "program" is difficult to
sustain over years. Campus Crusade for Christ is
still active on university campuses.
went, since interest in a "program" is difficult to
sustain over years. Campus Crusade for Christ is
still active on university campuses.
I do not have a study course, book or program to
promote, but a simple idea where each person will
fill in the details. Depending upon your personality,
schedule and knowledge of Scripture, each will go
about it in a manner that works for him/her.
fill in the details. Depending upon your personality,
schedule and knowledge of Scripture, each will go
about it in a manner that works for him/her.
The first recommendation is; don't talk about
your church or denomination. Secondly, do not seek
to present the gospel the first time you meet someone,
and definitely, do not press or be repetitive. Go slow.
and definitely, do not press or be repetitive. Go slow.
Finally, make it known that you are available for any
kind of need. In other words become a friend. Since
the concept is new to me, let me give an experience...
.
We moved into this neighborhood seven months
ago. During this time there had been no direct con-
tact with neighbors, since we have been quite busy
getting settled. Still unsettled, my son's family, next
door planned to be away from home for a vacation
and asked us to care for their animals. There are
three dogs, one cat and six chickens. We had been
getting eggs from the hens, but now there are 5-6
eggs each day. Since it is just my wife and I, we had
a surplus. We decided to share eggs with neighbors
to keep them from accumulating and spoiling. On
the second day, we put six eggs in a basket and my
wife and I took them to a near neighbor. The daugh-
ter of the homeowner and her child came to the door
and we indtroduced ourselves, presented the eggs in
a basket, and invited them to use our pool, letting
them know we were open to a personal relationship.
Two days later in the early evening I was in the yard
and heard a voice in the semi-darkness. To my plea-
sant surprise it was the homeowner. We had a good
talk and he remarked how sad it is that most people
never get to know each other. We parted with the
commitment to change that and to get together soon.
(This comment is 2 years and 2 surgeries later;
Judith and I have decided to form a Bible discussion
opportunity for our neighbors in our home. Today I
called on 4 neighbors to give them the information.
We will probably begin in 10 days or so.)
.
We moved into this neighborhood seven months
ago. During this time there had been no direct con-
tact with neighbors, since we have been quite busy
getting settled. Still unsettled, my son's family, next
door planned to be away from home for a vacation
and asked us to care for their animals. There are
three dogs, one cat and six chickens. We had been
getting eggs from the hens, but now there are 5-6
eggs each day. Since it is just my wife and I, we had
a surplus. We decided to share eggs with neighbors
to keep them from accumulating and spoiling. On
the second day, we put six eggs in a basket and my
wife and I took them to a near neighbor. The daugh-
ter of the homeowner and her child came to the door
and we indtroduced ourselves, presented the eggs in
a basket, and invited them to use our pool, letting
them know we were open to a personal relationship.
Two days later in the early evening I was in the yard
and heard a voice in the semi-darkness. To my plea-
sant surprise it was the homeowner. We had a good
talk and he remarked how sad it is that most people
never get to know each other. We parted with the
commitment to change that and to get together soon.
(This comment is 2 years and 2 surgeries later;
Judith and I have decided to form a Bible discussion
opportunity for our neighbors in our home. Today I
called on 4 neighbors to give them the information.
We will probably begin in 10 days or so.)
There are no guarantees with this approach or any
other, but we are looking forward to meeting neigh-
bors and befriend as many as we can. Jesus came to
give every man opportunity to have new life; and new
direction, leading to eternity with Him. This way, each
individual has opportunity to avoid eternal punishment
in a place provided for Satan and his followers, and to
experience eternal joy in the presence of our Lord and
other, but we are looking forward to meeting neigh-
bors and befriend as many as we can. Jesus came to
give every man opportunity to have new life; and new
direction, leading to eternity with Him. This way, each
individual has opportunity to avoid eternal punishment
in a place provided for Satan and his followers, and to
experience eternal joy in the presence of our Lord and
His forever family.
Subsequent to this experience, Judith and I took a
short walk late this afternoon as it began to cool and
met another neighbor. We met a man about our age
who lives alone, since his mother's death some two
years ago. He is disabled and has broken his foot
recently. We shared our eggs with him, had a short
conversation, and noticed his yard (grass) has not
been given attention recently. We didn't mention this,
but will go to see him monday and take care of the
yard work. A later contact with him let us know he is
unsure of his personal relationship with the Lord.
He plans to be a part of our Bible discussions. He
in now undergoing treatment of cancer of the throat,
and we are keeping check on his property while he is
indisposed.
Subsequent to this experience, Judith and I took a
short walk late this afternoon as it began to cool and
met another neighbor. We met a man about our age
who lives alone, since his mother's death some two
years ago. He is disabled and has broken his foot
recently. We shared our eggs with him, had a short
conversation, and noticed his yard (grass) has not
been given attention recently. We didn't mention this,
but will go to see him monday and take care of the
yard work. A later contact with him let us know he is
unsure of his personal relationship with the Lord.
He plans to be a part of our Bible discussions. He
in now undergoing treatment of cancer of the throat,
and we are keeping check on his property while he is
indisposed.
If we are to be followers of Christ we must follow
His example. He gave his life for us, expecting us to
give of ourselves to others.
His example. He gave his life for us, expecting us to
give of ourselves to others.
"This is my commandment,
that you love one another as I have loved
you. Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down his life for his friends."
you. Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down his life for his friends."
John 15: 12-13
Thanks for reading. Let me know if you consider this
approach to be worthy of your time, effort and means.
The Lord will bless our efforts made in His name.
Think about ways you might be of help to a neighbor.
Think about ways you might be of help to a neighbor.
donporter,sr 6.05.14, edited 10.13.16
