The carolers managed their way along the sidewalks of Princeton, New Jersey on a snowy Christmas Eve. They came upon an old man’s place and began to sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. The old man was a musician who, being Jewish, didn’t necessarily celebrate the way the carolers assumed. Yet after coming to the door, he turned to retrieve his violin to offer perfect accompaniment.
This man worshipped Mozart and felt such an artist was more than a musician; he was an explorer to be idolized. The gentle soul’s violin marvelously blended with the young singers the rest of the way through the song…and then he turned and vanished behind the closed door. The old man had such a zest for the unknown. He felt Mozart was the epitome of world leadership and vision. If only society could discover as Mozart had, all would be better off…..thought the sweet man.
This amateur violinist was a master of many things…..many things. He once was sought to be President of Israel, yet he declined as he continued to now live in the Americas. His passion for improvement never faded. His drive for looking the present square in the eye and adjusting it to become even more productive had driven this ageless wonder to pick up the violin and learn to play it masterfully. He had to conquer so many things, but this stringed instrument was paramount. The old man? Never did he become the President of Israel; yet, he is known as a world leader in his own right. His name is Albert Einstein.
I encourage you to note the world leaders who explore for more information and affirmation than has yet to be discovered. God is not nearly done revealing new criteria and invention anymore than the sun hanging in space is about to burn out. There is more to come! Love life!
9 comments:
Hi Mr. Rush, I very much enjoy your blog, and am encouraged by it regularly. Although I have conducted one-on-one, personal Bible studies before, it's typically been in a more formal, academic way...a scritpure by scripture review of the basic tenets of our church of Christ faith. It's a modestly successful approach, but I think that approach lacks compassion and concern. Who knows, it might just be me.
At any rate, I care much for the lost, and am feeling very convicted to seek out more opportunities to share the Gospel in one-on-one studies. Not to share "church" so much, but Jesus himself. I am about to begin a study in a few days with an individual who is in a world of hurt right now, and who desperately needs to be lead to Christ in a way that Christ himself would do it.
Help! How do YOU approach personal studies with people that are earnestly, deeply seeking the healing that only Jesus can provide? This individual is appropriately seeking out help through "church", but need to be specifically directed to Jesus.
I intend to share what Jesus has meant for me, and want to avoid a very academic, legalistic approach. But I'm afraid to go light on scritpure too, and am trying to strike a delicate balance of personal testimony with scriptural truths.
I know ultimately, it's the power of God and His Holy Spirit to reach this individual, but I so want to be a ready vessel. I guess I'm struggling with HOW to be just that. I'm obviously praying about sharing the gospel more effectively, but also am really scared to completely botch a more compassionate approach. Please share any insight you can.
Dear Anonymous,
What a delightful note. I'll share ideas. Select those which would help in your situation. I understand your concern as I experience some of the same.
Please keep in mind what I will share is not God's law, but possible answers to your questions.
1. Don't be a afraid to use the Word. I think this gives the searcher confidence. Let them read the verse aloud to you. It will examine the student in a very good way. It transfers their confidence from you to the Bible.
2. Don't hesitate to say, "I don't know." This opens the heart of the student to realize you are a person and not some closed-minded religious robot.
3. Be up front. Tell them you are scared and why. This let's them into your good heart. They want to know you care and they want to hear you say you don't have all of the answers.
4. Your idea of sharing Jesus is how I feel. Especially when a person is in a world of hurt, they need to know there is real relief and they really can start life over. I like to begin with Hebrews 2:14-18 explaining Jesus came to help human beings....not angels for we are no angels. I like to show that new confidence comes from God and not from ourselves....II Cor. 3:4-6. John 3:3-8 shows Jesus wants people to have a place to start over and II Cor. 5:17 speaks of us becoming a new creation. Isa 53 regarding the suffering of Jesus is so key.
5. Your personal testimony is totally like Jesus expected...Mark 5:17. Go slowly. Believe they can find help in Jesus. Introduce them to him and do your best to stay out of the way.
You've made my day! What a nice note from "Anonymous"! Thank you. Stay in touch as you need. Write me at trush@memorialdrive.org if I can help further. Will be happy to work with you.
Mark 5:19...not 17
http://www.legalserviceindia.com/leaders/leaders_home.htm
terry rush, check out website above for more information on great leaders.
and a quote to think about:
"The price of greatness
is responsibility."
Sir Winston Churchill
God Bless, Jim Cooke
Did Einstein ever become a Christian?
Did Einstein become a Christian?
I'm not sure. I haven't read anything that would indicate such, but we never can know the workings of God which went on in a person's life.
And isn't that exciting to think about!
This should act as a relevent, reliable source for the answer to many scientist's belief in God.
Sincerely, Jim Cooke
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/sciencefaith.html
the previous post did not have the .html - check it out now
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/sciencefaith.html
Thank you Mr. Rush, for your feedback regarding a personal study, and also offering your email. I will certainly keep it handy.
Unfortunately, the individual in question wants to postpone our study, due to her difficult situation. Not at all b/c of being put off by anyone at our congregation. On the contrary, she feels very welcome, but is dealing with some guilt and shame, and is heeding the lies that satan puts in her ear that she is not good enough to be at church. So, we stand by, lifting her in prayer, and waiting on the Lord. I'll be using this time to become the ready vessel I want to be.
Thanks again, so much.
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