Gen4Jesus Ministries

Leverage Connections

Fender Guitars! That advertisement on the front of a T-shirt was all I needed to make a connection. I asked the young man if he played the guitar. Excitedly, he talked about his guitars and playing in a band with his buddies. “That’s great!” I exclaimed. Do you know John over there on the register? He’s a good musician and everyone asks him to play in their band. He can play rock, country, bluegrass – anything, plus a lot of different instruments! You could see the young man’s eyes light up. “Go introduce yourself,” I told him. After a little encouragement, the young man walked over and introduced himself. Instant connection!

Jesus wants us to leverage our connections to build God’s kingdom. Excitement and passion is all you need. John proclaimed, “Look, here is the lamb of God!” and two of his disciples defected and followed Jesus. After Andrew spent the day with Jesus, he ran and got his brother Peter and brought him to Jesus. The next day Jesus called Philip and he ran and told Nathaniel. (John 1) Excitement and passion is all you need. The woman at the well dropped her water jar, ran miles back to the city and convinced them to come and see Jesus! (John 4) Levi threw a pig party so everyone could meet Jesus. (Lk 529) The insane, demon possessed man told everyone he met that Jesus healed him! (Mk 5:19-20)

Excitement and passion is all you need to leverage connections for Jesus. How do you get excited and passionately witness for Jesus?
1) Be open to Jesus. What is Jesus doing around you? What is Jesus doing in you?
2) Care about others. Watch for divine appointments. Work established relationships.

Make America Great Again – Pursue Peace!

"I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world," tweeted President Trump after he visited Pope Francis. President Trump made a huge impression on world leaders as he traveled to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Europe. Unfortunately, the mainstream news coverage continued their attack on President Trump at home.

If we want to make America Great Again, PEACE must begin with followers of Jesus. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God (Matt. 5:9).
We are instructed to pursue peace. “As far as it depends on you – live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). “Pursue peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14). We cannot pick and choose the people we make peace with! God’s command was all-inclusive! That means in every situation and with everyone we meet – pursue peace, as far as it depends on you! You are to make the first move and take that first step toward peace.

Jesus came as a peacemaker to share God’s love with us. Jesus stepped out of heaven – filled with love, righteousness and peace (Lk. 2:14) and into a world populated with selfish people – filled with sin (Rom. 3:23). Jesus could have easily been offended but chose to pursue peace with people instead (Eph. 2:14).

How do you pursue peace? The first step is to not let Jesus’ words offend you (Jn. 6:61). When we develop a daily relationship with Jesus and accept his words of life, we receive a love for the world (Jn. 3:16). Secondly, let God fill you with his love (1 Jn. 4:16). God defines love as an action we choose, over an emotion we feel – choose not to be easily angered (1 Cor. 13:4). Lastly, do not compromise truth to gain peace. Jesus embodied truth (Jn. 14:6) and peace (Isa. 9:6), and knew how to apply both to every situation. For example, Jesus wasn’t offended when the Pharisee (proud religious snob) Nicodemus came to Jesus at night seeking salvation. Jesus patiently and gently attacked his pride by telling him he must be “born again!” Jesus forced Nicodemus to deal with his pride and refused to compromise the truth!

If we want to make America Great Again, we must not be easily offended and pursue peace with everyone!

Game changers!
(from Graham Cooke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p68ykBG-wfM)

Game changers are confident and positive. Game changers are filled with faith that destroys doubt and unbelief. Answering two questions will give you a true perspective on any problem or difficult circumstance. 1) Has God changed? NO! 2) Is anything too hard for God? NO! A great starting point to walk by faith in God and let Him conform you into the image of Jesus. Ask Jesus to make you a game changer today! (Romans 8:28-29)

Graham Cooke 2017 - Game Changers Graham Cooke 2017 Sermons - Game Changers

This new apartment complex on the home page is preparing for new families to move in and gen4jesus ministries is preparing to share Jesus with this generation! "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. Your power and your righteousness, O God, reach the high heavens."