Bible Question:
I want to work for the Lord, but I don't know how or where.
Shelly K./ Marshfield, Wisconsin
Bible Answer:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Mark 16:15-20
[15] And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
[18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
[19] So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
[20] And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
It is the calling of every Christian, to be a witness of the Lord! (See section named “Personal Gifts.”)
My father though a businessman, for many years of his life, in the state of California, was a lay-preacher. He would show slide presentations on astronomy-- “[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.[2] Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” Psalms 19:1,2
My mother would play the piano, and many souls were brought to the blessed Lord Jesus.
Through prayer and willingness, there is no limit to what a Christian can do, for his Lord.
Witnessing:
I grew up as a kid, helping out at something called “Street Meetings,” anyone old enough to remember them? A group of Christian people would pick a location downtown and on a street corner hand out gospel tracts, and witness, and yes sing wonderful gospel songs.
My grandfather, who had done street meetings for many years, went on to be with the Lord one summer afternoon, while holding a street meeting downtown Mpls in the 1950's.
Today, one would need a permit for such actions (if it could be obtained.)
Even malls and depots, etc. seemingly are cracking down on any witnessing today. Several years ago a friend, who worked for a large computer firm, told me that his manager had announced, no one could wear any kind of religious symbols to work, the cross on his lapel that he had worn for years, as his witness for the Lord Jesus, had to come off.
Friends, let's get busy for the Lord, let's do what we can for as long as we can, and do it with prayer!
Home Bible studies:
Sometimes a church pastors requires any member to tell him of any home bible studies. The reason behind this is not sinister, it is because some who do not know how to correctly handle the Word of the Lord, can end up teaching half truths, if not total misconceptions, and can lead to untold misery, for individuals and a church.
There is also the trouble of neighborhoods. Having a Bible study at your house, (a good idea, for sure) but if it means that people will be coming and parking their cars at your house or on the street, causing some parking problems for others....cities have closed down some home Bible studies for these reasons.
If your church has an assistant pastor, or youth pastor, they may love to hold a Bible study at your house (You pick the subject). Be sure to have a love offering for them.
If you are not a church member, and you wish to hold one yourself, be sure you are an avid student of prayer and the Bible.
Prayer Services:
This like Bible studies, may be subject to city codes, regarding excessive parking...etc.... Oh how we need Christian people who will on a regular basis, pray. Pray for their families, their loved ones, our country and it's leaders, their employers, faithful soldiers at war, for peace in our world, etc..etc...etc..
Rest Home Services:
Oh how the rest homes in your area are so desperately looking for anyone who will come and speak and or play music, etc... Many a wonderful friend I have found doing rest home services. (Again, if a church member, you should check with your pastor first.)
Matthew 10:42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Hospital Visitation:
If you are a member of a church, check with your pastor if there are people from your church, that he thinks you should visit and pray for. If he thinks this is his job, ask him if it is ok, to pray for people not from your church. Again if the answer is no, than that is that. If you are not a member of any church, check with the hospital staff, usually there are scores of elderly people who never receive any visits from anyone, who would so appreciate your kindness and prayers. Again as always, prepare by being a student of prayer and the Word.
Communion Services:
Again, if you are a church member, check first with you pastor to see if he has any objections, if you are not, do everything prayerfully as unto the Lord. (No you do not have to be a pastor to hold a Communion service in your home!)
Baptismal Service:
As has been said before....if you are a church member, check first with you pastor to see if he has any objections, if you are not, do everything prayerfully as unto the Lord. (No you do not have to be a pastor to hold a Baptismal Service.) But be sure you know what the scriptures say concerning water Baptism!
Printing Gospel Tracts:
Today all you need is a desire to serve the Lord, and to sit down at your computer, using it's word processor. Many word programs easily show you how to print brochures. Do you have a wonderful testimony of what the Lord has done for you? Don't sit and wait for some publisher, write and print it out yourself, and share it with as many people as you can!
Gospel Sing:
I remember years ago, oh the fun many had with gospel music. They'd hear a gospel song on the radio, write it down and sing it for anyone who would have the time to listen.
Today, that person could be finding himself in jail.
Yes, as hard as it is to believe, you can't write out someone's song, from radio, records, tapes etc...etc....and use that at church, or any place else.
Today, that is thought to be robbing someone of their royalty rights from a song book of theirs, etc..etc..
There are people, visiting churches today, just looking for choirs, or individuals who do that, to slap them with some kind of litigation.
Oh, how things have changed over the years. (This is not true of all Christian song writers.)
But, be that as it may, one may certainly use hymnals, or other published song books with no problem at all. (And of course any and all songs you may write, for the Lord)
(remember again, the parking situation.)
Radio Broadcasts:
Especially small town radio stations are looking for programing all the time.
And it's not all that hard to get started. Check with your local radio station, what times are open and at what cost.
If there is much interest, we can write a short manual on this subject.
Christian Web Site:
For your church, or your own, telling the wonderfulness of our risen Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. What you could do is limitless! (Encourage yourself and do it! If you don't have thee expertise, do you know those who could help you?)
Christian Author:
No you don't have to be anyone special, to sit down and write Christian stories, for children (which there is a big demand), or adults. Again if you have had a special experience to share as a Christian, here's your chance, to write a book or booklet.
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Well, this list can grow, and perhaps later we will add more things.
Whatever you do as a Christian, be sure of one thing....
I Corinthians 10:31 “...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
