KEEPING THE MAIN THINGS, THE MAIN THINGS, Part 5 282838

Keeping the Main Things the Main Things Pt 5 - Good Communication When we communicate, there are two primary necessities: To Be Heard and To Be Understood. The task of each Christian here is to learn to speak about your relationship with Jesus in a way your friends can understand. “Even musical instruments like the flute or the harp, though they are lifeless, are examples of the need for speaking plain language. For no one will recognize the melody unless the notes are played clearly…And it’s the same for you. If you talk to people in a language they don’t understand, how will they know what you mean? You might as well be talking to an empty room…in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words that will help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language…if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting and hear everyone talking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy.” 1 Corinthians 14: 7-9; 19; 23 NLT “Later that same day, Jesus left the house and went down to the shore, where an immense crowd soon gathered. He got into a boat, where He sat and taught as the people listened on the shore. He told many stories…” Matthew 13:1-3 NLT “Here is another story Jesus told…” Matthew 13:24 NLT “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, He never spoke to them without using such parables.” Matthew 13:34 NLT Good Communication Matters Because… The Message of God to the World Matters! Because the Message Matters So Much… We MUST be Missionaries to this Culture “When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ…When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so I might bring them to Christ” 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 NLT “Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answers for everyone.” Colossians 4:5 NLT Because Someone was Missionary to Us and Made the Message Clear… We have the Responsibility to the Message on to Others Anyone can have a fresh start with God through Jesus Christ 106c39