Dale Cresap's blog

When you proclaim the gospel message, do you make it clear to your audience that you are not recruiting for your church? You understand that salvation involves citizenship in my Kingdom and this is the primary thing. Church affiliation is secondary. Even if you understand and affirm this, the average person walking in darkness may not understand the distinction and may be wary of your intentions. It is up to you to make this clear. They will need discipleship, but they may get it at another place. Even if they have issues with the church you attend, I still want them in my Kingdom. 

I have promised to return and you can count on me. You want to know when it will happen and I do not tell you. I don’t tell anyone else either, so don’t follow those who claim to know. If one says Christ is here, or lo, Christ is there, do not believe them, and neither should you believe those who predict the day and hour of my return even if they are sure of themselves and have an argument from scripture. Yet you are not to be indifferent in this matter. I spoke parables about virgins waiting for the bridegroom and about servants managing their master’s estate until he returned. These are strong messages to be diligent because you know I am coming even if you don’t know when.

Are you prone to taking sides in an issue? Everyone involved in a dispute is eager to recruit you to their side. The more support they can generate, the stronger their position. Yet if you do so you are alienating the other side and adding to the strife.

Are you familiar with the phrase, ‘one size fits all’? This refers to products intended to be adaptable to everyone, which works tolerably well in some cases and not at all in others.

Are you familiar with the phrase, ‘one size fits all’? This refers to products intended to be adaptable to everyone, which works tolerably well in some cases and not at all in others.

If people are willing to confide in you does it mean you are trustworthy, or does it mean that you are known to be a receptive audience for gossip?

Do you have any family members that embarrass you? It is said that you can’t choose your relatives and you may find yourself related to people whose manners and character cause you distress or concern.

What do you look for in a church? One that meets your needs? Some churches offer a wide variety of ministry and programs.

Do you know the four words that are sure to get anyone’s attention? “As you were saying …” This indicates that you were paying attention to what they said, and remembered it, and thought it was worth repeating.

Does it seem peculiar to you that I said that if you seek to save your life you will lose it, but if you seek to lose your life for my sake you would obtain eternal life? Consider a parallel to the world of commerce. Who do you think is a better prospect for long term employment?