Why is it so difficult to share our faith? We often hear of pastors or people in a ministry related profession say they were “called” to the ministry. But it doesn’t matter if God has called you to the ministry or not – we are all called to share the good news of salvation with those that we come in contact with.
On the first day that Jesus rose from the dead, around evening time, Jesus appears to the disciples – only thing is the room they were in were shut up nice and tight because they were afraid the Jews would come after them next. In an instant, Jesus stood in the midst of them and said, “Peace be with you.” Take a moment and imagine the disciples reaction to Jesus – who was dead – just showing up without a door even opening. It’s no wonder Jesus’ first words to them were “Peace be with you.” Then to prove that he was real and not just a figment of their imagination or a ghost, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were overjoyed at seeing Him again. Then Jesus commissions them. He tells them that just as His Father had sent Him, now He was sending them. They were to be His messengers and representatives. He then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” We are never commissioned by God without being equipped by God. A short while after this, they would receive the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). But until then, Jesus would empower them with the gift of the Holy Spirit to carry out the work that He was commissioning them to do. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us more about this commissioning: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We are never commissioned by God without being equipped by God.
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We are all called to be disciple-makers. How we do that might look differently. Some are pastors. Others are evangelist. Some teach children in Sunday school. Others mentor. Some parent. Some sing about Him. Others write books. Some witness at work and others go to another country. Some tell people about Christ to certain people the Holy Spirit leads to them. Others witness to every person they meet. It takes all of us, using the gifts and talents God has given us, to be disciple-makes to the entire world. But no matter what, we have all been commissioned to go and make disciples, just as the disciples were. Who will you witness to today?
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel
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Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.
Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants.
Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.
With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities.
To request more information or a booking,Â
fill out the online form here.
Or call us at 904.524.8073
