How It Played Out
Theme of the Week: The Reaching-out Risk
Greg Johnson
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified (Romans 15:7). Bonus Reading:1 Peter 2:9
Within two weeks, two things happened:
First, I started coaching my son's T-ball team. Out of 13 kids, ours was the only family who went to church. Perfect! Besides teaching the kids the basics, I wanted to build a bridge to other men. My wife, Elaine, completed the "double play" by becoming team mom. Before long we clicked with another family.
Second, I attempted to befriend a neighbor. Unfortu-nately, our neighborhood was equipped with friend-proof contraptions called garage-door openers. Before I could barely wave hello, men drove into their homes—all except Joe across the street. His garage, like mine, was too junky to hold both cars, so he had to park outside.
For the first couple of months we made small talk. Then Christmas season arrived. We invited Joe and his family to ride with us to gawk at the lights in a nearby suburb. That launched a great friendship. Joe had absolutely no spiritual background; his wife, Cheryl, had gone to church as a child. By answering questions and making them a part of our lives, we were there when they committed their lives to Christ.
—Greg Johnson in "Daddy's Home"
My Response: One way I could befriend a neighbor would be …
Thought to Apply: When the people see that you truly love them, they will hear anything from you.
—Richard Baxter (English Puritan minister)
Adapted from "Daddy's Home" (Tyndale, 1992) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click
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Jesus, You died for me while I was still a rebel. Help me to reach out to other outsiders on your behalf.
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