Where do I start? – a time for everything *

NORSK
When Jesus clarified the mission of the disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness from sin, I am convinced that the assignment to do this to ‘all nations’ must have overwhelmed the small group of disciples. Fortunately, he continued:

and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:47

The mission to the whole world has to start some somewhere and I think it must start where I am. A few years ago, the Navigators published an excellent book on evangelism entitled "Where You Are!". I can’t think of a better title for a book on that subject. The disciples did quite a bit of walking in the weeks between Easter and Pentecost. However, they were instructed that the starting point is Jerusalem, and from then on everything is about where you are.

Today I will go to Ialoveni. This is the first meeting in the new building. The corps leader has asked me to preach about the subject: “I am the door” as part of a series. Fortunately, the new building has doors. A door is something I take for granted when I think of building because the door gives access to the inside. Therefore, the symbolism of the door is very strong. 

When Jesus says that he is the door, it means that it is possible to enter and become part of him. The same Jesus says he stands by the door and knocks so that I may invite him in and in so doing, ma part of me. The door in the new premises in Ialoveni is both entrance and exit. In order for us to be witnesses where we are. I am looking forward to proclaim this today.

‘Manna’ for today:

Every day I start where I am, so today I will start in Ialoveni

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost. 

Prayer for salvation

NORSK

Last Thursday I skyped with Marit Dehli who is a journalist in the Norwegian ‘War Cry’. The reason for the call was an experience I had when I told about the "Prayer for salvation" at a Whit sun Convention in Tana (very far north in Norway) in 2013. Magna and I were there as keynote speakers, and during the day as we were waiting for the next session to begin, I took the opportunity to promote the ‘War Cry’ (1) as a tool for evangelism.

“I've actually heard about several people who have read the magazine and have been saved through praying the ‘prayer for salvation’!” I said. 
An elderly woman interrupted me and said:
“Yes, that happened to me!”
“Are you telling me that you came to faith, prayed the prayer published in the ‘War Cry’, and therefore you are saved and are here to celebrate Whit sun?" I asked.
“Yes!” she replied with a smile and beamed with joy.

I have heard similar stories when I've been traveling and it can be a great asset to find written words as a help to shape a prayer, particular when you are alone. Even more important than the words of the prayer is that the prayer comes from the heart.

Here is the prayer that is published in all editions of the War Cry – a procedure that has been in place for many years:

Jesus, you have said that everyone is welcome to you, and now I want to come. 
I know that you gave your life to atone for the sin of men, and I believe that you died for me.
I ask forgiveness for what I have done wrong. I know you came to open the way for me into God's presence, and I understand that I need you.
Thank you for loving me, both because of and despite of who I am.
Thank you for coming into my life and help me to believe and to live.
Thank you for saving me now and giving me your blessing.
Thank you, Jesus!  
Amen.

And here is the Biblical guarantee that you have been heard:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12

'Manna' for today:

Thank you, God, for your salvation!

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(1) I like to advertise for the War Cry at any time – however, in 2013 the War Cry was also part of my responsibility. I was proud to be part of the publication of such a good product.