Keagan

We are given the opportunity to share in the fruit that comes from the gospel message that our financial involvment attempts to further. Although most of us view evangelism as being a message that we communicate to another person or persons, it is also important to remember that a major part of evangelism is our support of this action even when we are not present i.e. our financial giving to missions and the like. Beyond financial giving, we can also participate by our support of these ministries via prayer, the volunteering of our time, and the possibility of us becoming involved by engaging in full-time ministry ourselves. Although I am not always diligent in remembering these vital areas in my prayer life, I am convinced that our prayers prove to be one of the most powerful factors of an effective ministry.

1. Our witness is much more credible when we are going through struggles because we can only point to Christ's power in us when we respond to our situation with reliance on his power and glory. The normal worldly response is what most people expect, so it is of the utmost importance that turn our witness to him regardless of our situation. 2. Paul's witness was so powerful because in spite of his current imprisonment he continued to point those that came in contact with him toward the glory of the Lord and his redeeming power. I am sure that the demeanor of most prisoners was encompassed by fear, anger, and hostility, so when these guards faced a person that displayed love and courage by way of his faith in the Lord, they could not help but be in awe of such reliance in God. This was a witness without parallel! 3. Currently, I am going through a rough spot in my church. The current pastor (who is also my father-in-law) has taken a stance on what membership should consist of with respect to service and ministry. He is a very dedicated follower that is unwaivering in his convictions, which is a remarkable thing in today's church body. However, our new church start is still small and fragile and his requirements for church membership, although consistent with those that are sold out to the Lord, run the risk of alienating those that are still growing in the Lord by not allowing them to serve unless they are participating in six areas (discipleship, worship, Bible study on Sunday, prayer on Wednesday's, ministry outside the church, and evangelism). Christ never promised us that our walk would be easy or without struggle, but this is causing some deep divides in our church leadership, of which I am involved. In this case, my testimony would be strengthened by continuing to rely on Christ to work this for his glory and our development as a body. It will also require me to continue being faithful in my current responsibilities without coming to a point of frustration or resentment because I may not see eye to eye with my pastor's stance.