Communicators Follow First, Then Share

Simon Peter was one of the inner three of Jesus' twelve disciples.  He, very quickly, became one of the most prominent voices and figures in the New Testament.  Even today, he is probably the best known character in the Gospel writings and the Book of Acts.  Very few know the name of his brother.  But, outside of the calling of Simon Peter by Jesus, Peter's brother, Andrew, was the greatest initial influence on Peter's life and ministry.

The first chapter in the Gospel According to John tells of some of the greatest communications and effective examples of sharing in the Bible.  I recommend reading the entire chapter, which will normally take about five minutes.  Included in this chapter are the following characters, John, one of the Twelve and the writer of this Gospel; Jesus, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us; John the Baptist, who witnessed of the Word; two disciples of John Baptist (one of which was Andrew); Simon Peter; Phillip (who became one of the Twelve); and, Nathanael (also to become one of the Twelve).  Each of these had their own special means of communications and, in the process, shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On some future postings, I hope that we get to share how easy it is to identify with impetuous, impulsive, fickle Peter.  Sometimes it seems as though many of us have followed Peter more than Jesus.  We are often quick to speak, to judge and react, and, as a result, fail to live lives that exemplify our loving Saviour and Lord.  Please forgive us, Lord, for our daily failures.

Andrew, on the other hand, (in verses 40, 41 and 42), got it right the first time.  He heard the message of John Baptist and followed Jesus.  After being with Jesus, "the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him" Who he had met.  Then Andrew brought Simon Peter, his brother, to Jesus.

Lord, help me follow you and share the Gospel with those with whom I come in contact,- my brother, my neighbor, my co-worker, even my spouse.  I will not judge who is or is not a Christian.  That's Your job.  Help me do mine.

Communication--My Purpose for Using the Internet

Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have thought that this could be possible, or that I would attempt it, if it were possible.  My trying to learn how to utilize the internet, with all its unbelievable facets and uses, has been a hit and miss project from the very start.  And, if you read this, you will find there is much more for me to grasp before I could ever be considered a beginner geek, or IT expert.  So, first of all, please understand that my purpose is not to prove anything about me or my expertise.  Rather, my whole purpose will be to endeavor to communicate Jesus Christ and Him crucified, risen and coming again as Saviour and Lord.

The method I have chosen to fulfill the above purpose is sharing.  In fact, sharing is ALL I can do--sharing what He has taught me through His word and by His Spirit's leading.  Telling someone what to do or how to do it is beyond my ability if I indeed want to communicate.  All I pray that I shall be able to accomplish is to help someone get to a position of letting God, through His Holy Spirit, bring them to salvation by His grace, His mercy and that person's faith.  In sharing what He has done (and continues to do) in and for me, may God help me to communicate what He can do for anyone else.

One Christian's Sharing is the name of this blog.  I sincerely hope that it becomes clear that that is precisely all it is-one Christian's sharing.  Not, by any stretch, do I claim to know it all or to be right about every thing.  God has seriously had His work cut out for Him (pardon my expression) in helping me get to that place in life-that I don't know everything and that it "ain't all about me".  I'm just one Christian.  I'm not a denominationalist.  I'm not a theologian.  But, I am a Christian, who loves God with all my heart, my neighbor as myself and who loves to read and study His Word.  If you have an interest, or have come to an understanding of a need for God in your life, join me and we can each be One Christian Sharing.