@FirstChurchofJerusalem
Today's Early Church Wisdom
“If anyone be a soldier or in authority, let him be taught not to oppress or to kill or to rob, or to be angry or to rage and afflict anyone. But let those rations suffice him which are given to him. But if they wish to be baptised in the Lord, let them cease from military service or from the [post of] authority, and if not let them not be received. Let a catechumen or a believer of the people, if he desire to be a soldier, either cease from his intention, or if not let him be rejected. For he hath despised God by his thought, and leaving the things of the Spirit, he hath perfected himself in the flesh and hath treated the faith with contempt.”
~ The Testament of Our Lord (4th or 5th Century AD)
This week's Psalm is Psalm 31 'My Rock, My Shield, My Song'

Take Time to Engage

What does it mean to properly engage with non-believers? People are far more likely to be won for Christ if they feel listened to. Have you ever felt that the person you were talking with was not really listening to what you were saying? I have, and if I am honest, it does not endear me to them. Making an effort to concentrate on what another person is saying to us gives a clear sign that we want to hear what they have to say. It is foundational to all productive relationships, including the relationship we build with those who do not yet know Jesus. How can we expect them to be attracted to Him if we cannot even show interest in what they say? But if we are willing to invest our time and attention, being patient to properly explain our message, listen to their thoughts, and answer whatever questions they may have, progress can be made. Sometimes that progress may be slow, and we will need to remain patient, but let us always remember that the Holy Spirit is at work to bring them to Him, and we must trust God in this process. If we do our part, He will surely do His!