Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1455603
The Most Import Thing We Do In BSHDFC Part One Marty Edwards Let's think for just a moment about our BSHDFC chapters. What kinds of things do we do in the course of a year? • We shine boots ...to meet people. • We mentor incoming members ...training. • We raise money for worthy causes...compassion. • We support our local HOG chapter. ...focus. • We visit the sick and injured...more compassion. • We attend big events i.e., Sturgis...to meet people. • We do church invasions...to introduce ourselves. • We have breakfast meetings and coffee nights... • and... This is not a trick question, but "...of all these things we do, which is the most basic, the most fundamental to Black Sheep's mission and objectives? Job #1 is doing everything we can to see people come to Christ for salvation! If we do all these other things WITHOUT asking the most important of question of all, ("Can I tell you what Jesus means to me?") then we have failed. We must NEVER forget that BSHDFC was formed to reach people (specifically motorcycle riders) for Christ's sake. Showing, telling, and doing things that will call people's attention to Christ is by far and away our most import priority. If we are not challenging people to seek Christ as LORD and Savior, we are failing. Jesus did a lot of cool things for people: he taught them, healed them, encouraged them, fed them, raised them from the dead and even rebuked them - but everything He did pointed to one objective, "To seek and save the lost!" (Luke 19:10) In BSHDFC, Our mission statement says that we exist to "Introduce Jesus Christ to the world of motorcycle riders..." The Patch on our back declares, "I am not shamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" and the Pledge that we all took says, "We will share the love of Christ with all who will listen..." Jesus told us "let your light shine!"(Matt 5:16) and "You will be my witnesses" (Acts 22:15). The Apostle Peter told us, "...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (1Peter 3:15) And the passion of the Apostles was, "We cannot help but speak out [about Jesus]." (Acts 4:20) Having made it abundantly clear what "JOB ONE" is, let's consider the two most common objections: 1. "I don't have the gift of evangelism." 2. "I don't know the Bible that well." Most Christians don't have the gift of evangelism, but we all have the responsibility to share their faith. Similarly, most Christians don't have the gifts of teaching, mercy or giving....but we have ALL been commanded to teach our children, care for one another, and give our tithes and offerings. Some of us have been given the gift of evangelism (sharing the Gospel of Christ with ease and success) but ALL of us have been commanded, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." 1Peter 3:15 How then do we prepare for job one? Any subject matter can be presented more effectively by careful organization and prayer. A carefully prepared testimony, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can be of immediate and effective use in nearly every ministry situation...but if we are not preparing, we are not ready. A testimony can include three basic points: 1. Life before knowing Christ (Gory details unnecessary.) 2. How you came to know Christ (Be specific) 3. Life after you received Christ (Changes Christ has made in your life; what He has done for you?) When giving a brief testimony... l Pray that God will give you wisdom and clarity of thought. Present only one or two main thoughts. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) l Prepare an interesting, attention‐getting opening statement and close with a good conclusion. l Communicate relevant information in such a way that others feel associated with you in past and present experiences. l Be honest and real. l Be positive and smile. l Emphasize faith, not feeling. l Use at least one, but at the most two, scripture verses.