​Rule #3 – Be Patient Some folks don't understand that just because a person understands intellectually (in their minds) the teachings of the Bible, it doesn't mean that they believe and accept (in their hearts) the teachings of Christ.
For example, the Apostles were with Jesus for three years, and yet, it took almost ten years after His resurrection for them to understand that the Gospel was meant for the entire world and not just for the Jews in the whole world.

​Many obstacles stand in the way of faith other than ignorance of the doctrines. For example,

• Loyalty to family and church group
• Culture
• The fear of change
• Love of sin and this world (John 3:19-20)
• Comfort with the way things are

​When discussing religious issues with someone, we need to remember that all of these issues and more may affect the other person's response and attitude. We need to be willing to keep the discussion and the interchange going as long as the other person is willing to share and exchange ideas. People have turned away from Christ because of the hurry to convert them without taking time to understand their issues.
Most have many obstacles to faith that require time to think through and accept the points made concerning the Bible, so be patient.

​Let's Summarize our Three Best PracticesWhen we engage someone in a discussion about religion and questions concerning the Bible, we need to remember three rules of engagement to avoid bad feelings and wasting our time.

​

1. Give people credit for being as sincere as you are. Demonstrate true Christian love and respect (not for religious practices that may be false) but rather for people's genuine effort to serve God. Respect will set the exchange tone and enable the person to listen honestly to what you are saying. If you offend them with your disrespectful attitude, they won't hear what you're saying.
2. Study God's word, not your opinions. People's biggest mistake in religious discussion is that they don't even open their Bibles. Find the passage and keep the debate centered on understanding what the Bible says about the issue, not the various positions of different groups.
3. Be patient. You are sharing to teach someone more perfectly the way and the Word of the Lord – this requires patience. If all you want to do is win an argument, you will need skill and intelligence. If you're going to win a soul, you will need love and patience in addition to skill and intellect.

​Go back and review the two previous blogs, and check out the links below.

https://youtu.be/E90uU5tYLJIƒ
https://vimeo.com/598284190
https://bibletalk.tv/the-basics

What do you think about these best practices? What would you change and why? Thanks for your comments and feedback.

Best Practices
Bible Study with a group of people, follow these simple rules to benefit a discourse on religious or faith issues. Twenty-five years in ministry from the Pulpit and Lectern have taught me some simple rules to follow when visitors come by. These practices are best because Scripture bears them out.

As Christians who want to share our faith, we must realize that we are in the communication business. Communication is necessary to share the Gospel. Three practices, when applied, provide a blessed opportunity for visitors coming by. These practices are general and not exhaustive.

Rule #2 of 3 – Stick to the Bible
We get into more problems and emotional turmoil because we go from discussing what the Bible says or doesn't say about a matter to judging opinions, habits, traditions, and feelings. For example:
In commenting on the Roman Catholic practice of having a religious service at midnight on Christmas morning, someone will call it "crazy," "useless," or "dumb." However, such a comment would be highly insulting, hurtful, and unproductive for those who grew up with this tradition and practice.
As Christians, our task concerning other people, whether fellow Christians or people who follow other religions or complete atheists, is always the same. It's easy to understand, but it's not always easy to do because of our sinful natures and ignorance.
Our task is given to us in Matthew 28:20 by Jesus, and He says that we must "teach them to observe all that I commanded you." This task does not involve our feelings or opinions, only the Word of the Lord – the Bible. There are some critical reasons for rule number two.

A – It's Biblical
Sticking to the Word is how the Word itself tells us to debate and discuss with others about faith.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
- II Timothy 3:16

• Paul tells a young preacher, Timothy, that it is the Word of God that can instruct someone in matters of faith (teach). 
• He says that the Word of God is the standard for proving or disproving the validity and truthfulness of any idea or religious claim (reproof). 
• The Word of God is used to adjust a mistaken idea or proposal in spiritual matters (correction). 
• The Word of God is to be used to train a person to live a good life before God, serve Him, or worship Him (training).

The Bible itself tells us that we should use it in trying to convince, debate or teach other people.

B – It keeps the debate in perspective
When a religious discussion gets ugly and bitter, it is usually because the exchange has become personal. Comments like, "what a stupid idea," or "that's not the way we do it at my church," or "my preacher says that you people are all going to hell."
Religion and faith are deeply personal things and just discussing them with someone else is dangerous. You're afraid of being wrong or looking ignorant, or being rejected. Try to remember that the discussion is not between

• your church versus their church
• your faith versus their faith
• your ideas, traditions, and leaders versus theirs

Religious discussions that are productive, non-confrontational, and informative, a religious debate should be framed in the following perspective: "How do our respective beliefs, faith, and religions line up with the Bible?"
On one side is Jesus and His Word; the other side is ourselves and the people we are discussing religion. 
For example:
Jesus is on one side, and we are on the other. We hold all of our beliefs, including our own, to the light of God's Word. That makes us partners in the search for truth, not adversaries.
So, a simple example of this type of approach would be discussing baptism with a Baptist or a Methodist friend. The debate never ends when approached with the idea that we would argue what the Church of Christ teaches versus what Baptists teach. If we put it into this perspective, the discussion becomes more fruitful and less contentious. "Let's study what the Bible teaches about baptism and discuss what we've learned."
There may not be immediate agreement. The other side may not accept certain conclusions that we readily approve. Still, communication will happen, God's Word will be read and discussed, and perhaps the discussion will end well with the desire to continue because of mutual respect.
If you keep discussing people's beliefs and God's Word (and not between your idea versus their idea), you have a better chance of teaching God's "Word and Will" rather than your own.

That brings us to Practice #3. Check this blog out in a week to look at these three practices in the coming weeks. In summary, remember 1. Give people some credit where their sincerity is concerned; 2. Study God's Word, not your opinion, and have no other agendas; 3. Be patient because teaching the perfect way requires it. 

Beliefs need to be Bible-grown and matured if one is to have peace and salvation. We must remember that we have not cornered sincerity and zeal of faith.

See you in the next blog, and check out the links below.

Best Practices
Bible Study with a group of people, follow these simple rules to benefit a discourse on religious or faith issues. Twenty-five years in ministry from the Pulpit and Lectern have taught me some simple rules to follow when visitors come by. These practices are best because scripture bears them out.
As Christians who want to share our faith, we must realize that we are in the communication business. Communication is necessary to share the Gospel. Three practices, when applied, provide a blessed opportunity for visitors coming by. These practices are general and not exhaustive.

Practice #1: Understand People Have Sincere Beliefs
Everyone has reasons for believing what they have adopted as faith. How people interpret the world and life, in general, is vital to them. The reasons may not be yours, but that does not make them any less real. We do great harm to the lines of communication when we assume our views are more important than others. Confusion and separation result from ideas developed in parental upbringing, your political party affiliation, skin color, age, finances, education, and gender. 


Many people have died as martyrs for causes and beliefs that are non-christian, even atheistic. For example:

• Buddhist monks burned themselves alive, protesting the U.S. presence in Vietnam.
• Japanese kamikaze pilots in World War II would crash their planes into U.S. warships on purpose because they sincerely believed that their Emperor was divine and this suicide mission would guarantee their afterlife. 
• Islamic extremists commit suicide to promote the Islamic religion, believing that their death in this manner will guarantee their entry into Paradise.
• Pagans lived in Canaan before the Jews sacrificed their children to Canaanite gods as a sign of their faith.

These few examples demonstrate that members of the Church of Christ don't have a corner on sincerity or zeal regarding religion or faith.

A Bible Study discussion with anyone we disagree with (whether it's a disagreement about the very existence of God or a dispute over a minor point of doctrine) begins by understanding and respecting the fact that the other person feels as strongly about their point of view as we do ours. Also, remember that it will be as difficult for them to change their minds as it would be for us to do so should the circumstances be reversed

The Apostle Paul says that "we should speak the truth in love," Ephesians 4:15, among ourselves as Christians. Expand this to our communication with those outside of the faith. We should, therefore, speak the truth in love when discussing or debating matters of faith with others because they are as sensitive as we are about these matters, and without a loving approach, we could wound or offend them. Some might say that it is impossible to share the faith, correct error, or teach the word without offending someone somehow.

That brings us to Practice #2. Check this blog out next week to take a deeper look at these three practices in the coming weeks. In summary, remember 1. Give people some credit where their sincerity is concerned; 2. Study God's Word, not your opinion, and have no other agendas; 3. Be patient because teaching the perfect way requires it. 

Beliefs need to be Bible-grown and matured if one is to have peace and salvation. We must remember that we have not cornered sincerity and zeal of faith.

See you in the next blog, and check out the links below

Best Practices
There are simple guidelines in Bible Study to benefit a discourse on religious or faith issues. Over 25 years in ministry from the Pulpit and Lectern have taught me some simple rules to follow when visitors come by. These practices are best because scripture bears them out.
As Christians who want to share our faith, we must realize that we are in the communication business. Communication is necessary to share the Gospel. Three practices, when applied, provide a blessed opportunity for visitors coming by. These practices are general and not exhaustive.

Practice #1: Understand People Have Sincere Beliefs
Everyone has reasons for believing what they have adopted as faith. The reasons may not be yours, but that does not make them any less real. Confusion and separation result from topics like parental upbringing, your political party affiliation, skin color, age, finances, education, and gender. Beliefs need to be Bible-grown and matured if one is to have peace and salvation. We must remember that we have not cornered sincerity and zeal of faith

Practice #2: Bible only, not Philosophy and Opinion
Problems and emotional turmoil begin when we stop discussing what the Bible says or doesn't say about a matter, judging opinions, habits, traditions, and feelings. Those who grew up with certain practices are insulted and feel attacked when scripture is not the confronting method. Non-Biblical discussions in Bible study are unproductive and leave the power of the Gospel behind. 
We are to teach Jesus' words (Matthew 28:20) and not our personally supposed antidotes for correcting misguided thinking. Sticking with the Bible in any study keeps you on Biblical ground and keeps perspective. Bible discussions are not about you against them; scripture confronts us both.

Practice #3: Apply Long-Suffering
Patience is in short supply in our world that including the Saints. Why it takes so long for someone to be converted is our question. We would do well to remember God works outside time, nor is he constrained to our timetable. The Lord works in mysterious ways, which demands we pursue conversions in faith. Believe that God will give the increase in His time. We have to sow a seed that is Bible and not a mix of anything else. If we do that, then a righteous harvest will result

Join me in taking a deeper look at these three practices in the coming weeks. In summary, remember 1. Give people some credit where their sincerity is concerned; 2. Study God's Word, not your opinion, and have no other agendas; 3. Be patient because teaching the perfect way requires it. See you in the next blog, and check out the links below.

What do you think the one best practice is for when visitors come to Bible study?

Inspired by Mike Mazzalongo and BibleTalkTV, "How To Share Your Faith."
​https://youtu.be/E90uU5tYLJI
https://vimeo.com/598284190
https://bibletalk.tv/the-basics

​I have been laboring as the Evangelist and Preacher at the Church of Christ in Brookfield, Illinois, for twenty-three years.  In that time, I have experienced many changes both personally and congregationally.  The Saints at Brookfield are lovely people who, in their way, reflect what we can expect out in the world.  The Lord has used the work and the people of Brookfield to shape and mold me.  Many victories and setbacks have contributed to the current wisdom I use to write this Blog.   I'm prayerful this message is thoughtful and encouraging because I can contribute to thinking about the church's future.  

​Covid-19 needs to be considered a blessing to the Saints.  The disease and its handling exposed our readiness to deal with life's significant events.  Many were left unprepared for how to do business under the strict mandates our government required.  Some were prepared to continue and served their fellowship reasonably well.  We consider it joy when faced with the difficulty Covid-19 presents.  I have a concern that we did not consider after Covid-19, and its variants are not the disruptive occurrence they have been.  

​Change is a constant. Many proclaim not to like change.  Fortunately, change has come, and we must face it.  I hope that we face it with courage and optimism.  Planning is not a wrong endeavor for the church.  However, many a congregation and leadership do not forward plan. The reasons for this are manifold, and I will not go down that rabbit hole. If what I'm writing is helpful, let that be enough to stir us on to good works.  

Here are a few things I would like to mention that the church and leadership need to be aware of and action plan to confront:

1. Assembly will be precious because people will believe in legitimate reasons for not assembling.
2. Congregations will need to improve their digital footprint moving forward, and content must be up to date.
3. Leadership needs to create a means for members to personally evaluate their knowledge and wisdom where the faith is concerned. 

More things could go on this list. I'm going to stop with these three items to begin explaining. Two other blogs will deal with numbers two and three. ​

​Number one should be pretty self-explanatory.  Covid-19 will not be the last disease or public approach to a problem that will affect church assembling and attendance at a corporate event.  Leaders need to consider various ways to keep the continuity of their membership during the challenges of a corporate assembly.  I want to mention two ideas.  

​One idea is precisely what many did, which was to live stream their events.  Live Streaming allowed people to stay at home, not risking catching the virus.  Live Streaming is not going anywhere, so congregations need to figure out the best ways to do it.  I strongly advise that the live stream experience needs to be interactive.  If members only have to watch the event, they will lose intensity and connection with their faith and church family.  Other household needs will compete for their attention in ways that physical attendance eliminates.  We must find ways for members to participate in the live stream.

​They will need ways to say, Amen.  Methods need to be implemented with current live streams to make prayer requests.  Our streams should allow members to chat with one another.  Of course, giving is vital for members to fulfill their calling—the method of giving needs to allow anyone to contribute if they are inspired.  A simple weekly arrangement with your bank doesn't address this matter.  An ability to ask questions and answer them is a must to encourage the congregation's spiritual growth.  These are just a few things our live Streaming should provide to our members to continue to help them grow in spirit and truth.

​Join me in this discussion in "Looking to the Future."  What other ideas would you add?

Leave you comments.
​
Love, Grace, and Blessings,
Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
www.BarrysBureau.com

The year 2020 is coming to a close.  With the reality of Covid-19, it indeed was challenging on many fronts.  There was an opportunity for us to grow in our knowledge of God and His Word.  If we took advantage and redeemed the time, we would have learned that “Christianity is Reality.” The past year brought lessons demonstrating that “There is a God,” “Man has a Soul,” “Truth is Objective,” “The Gospel Lives,” “There is Good and Evil,” “All Have Sinned,” “Love Conquers Hate,” “There is a Heaven,” “The Hell of Scripture,” and “The Oneness of Scripture.” In this last month of the year, our pulpit can quickly summarize that “Man Needs Saving.”  

The Pandemic has made this an urgent reality, and hopefully, men have paid attention.  Scripture tells us in Isaiah 45:22 (ESV) 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. The Bible also reveals in John 14:6 (ESV) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. The necessity of men need of saving is found in Romans 3:10–12 (ESV) 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” In short, “Man Needs Saving.”

In December, join us for more knowledge to make our calling and election sure.  Be there to hear the message that will have you walking in the light as He is in the light.  The blood of Jesus is available to purify humanity of sins.  You can see and interact with these lessons on our Facebook Page, website, and YouTube and Vimeo channels.  Leave comments; questions endeavor to glory in the salvation that is delivered once and for all.
I look forward to your participation in the reality of your won salvation.
​
Grace and Blessings,
Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
www.bgjsr22.com

"Christianity is Reality" the theme for 2020 here at the Church of Christ, which meets in Brookfield, IL.  Each month lessons have supported that compelling truth.  In June begins six lessons ending July 12th, looking at the Reality, 'All Have Sinned."

Everyone considers themselves good people.  We all have a standard of who we think is right and who is not.  Reality is that our goodness pales in comparison to God.  Our righteousness falls completely short of His character and being.  

Sin is like a virus affecting the whole world.  Without discrimination, "All Have Sinned," requiring a remedy.  A cure before it becomes too late, and we die in our sins.  Jesus is that remedy; He is the cure for what ails humankind.  The Bible, His revelation speaks to humankind's healing.

Following that revelation, we will learn all about the virus of sin.  Not only does God's Word teach us that truth, but it also prepares us for how to deal with it.  Even in times of distress, there is proper conduct that is pleasing to God.  It is our prayer that man will find himself operating in God's truth.
​
The Reality, "All Have Sinned," should cause preparedness in man to avoid the virus of sin best we can.  Hear the Word that straightens out our crooked path.

Make plans now to join us every opportunity you must take in this knowledge revealed to us to navigate Reality.  Check our website for scheduled lessons.

https://www.brookfieldcoc.com/

Make it your Reality to live following God's Word and revelation.  Hear and follow His ways will give us all the best possible lives.
​
Barry G. Johnson, Sr.

​At the Church of Christ, which meets in Brookfield, IL, we are enjoying inspiring lessons demonstrating, "Christianity is Reality." In January, morning lessons were about the Reality of God's existence. February dealt with, "Man is a Soul." The month of March was all about, "Reality is, Truth is Objective." April's theme was "The Gospel Lives."

​At the time of this writing, our world struggles in the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic. I cannot know the details of the future, so it will be fascinating to see how man will recover from the news that has quite literally changed the world. The truths of scripture are timeless, and they are profitable in good times and bad. I pray we trust in God and follow His revelation for our lives.

​When we follow that revelation, we will learn that there is "Good and Evil." Not only does God's Word teach us that truth, but it also prepares us for how to deal with it. Even in times of distress, there is proper conduct that is pleasing to God. It is our prayer that man will find itself operating in His truth.

​The Reality of good and evil should always cause preparedness for things we will confront. Hear the Word that straightens out our crooked path.

Make plans now to join us every opportunity you must take in this knowledge revealed to us to navigate Reality.

Check our website for scheduled lessons. https://www.brookfieldcoc.com/

​Watch lessons on our Vimeo channel. https://vimeo.com/brookfieldcoc

Make it your Reality to live following God's Word and revelation. Hear and follow His ways will give us all the best possible lives.

Barry G. Johnson, Sr.

​At the Church of Christ, which meets in Brookfield, IL, we are enjoying an inspiring series of lessons demonstrating, "Christianity is Reality." In January, morning lessons were about the Reality of God's existence. February dealt with, "Man is a Soul." The month of March was all about, "Reality is, Truth is Objective."

These lessons have inspired the faithful and enlightened the skeptic. In our world today, man has exchanged the Word of Truth for the inventions of humankind. Those things that are evil in our lives are blamed on God, while anything good, credit is given to man.

​​A living Gospel that saves the lost and strengthens the saved is completely logical. The Good News is not fairy tales nor the work of conspirators. The Gospel makes sense out of our crazy lives, and it explains the unexplainable. It gives answers to life's dilemmas and puts a light on the path less traveled by our society. An exhortation of truth speaks to our souls in a way nothing else can.

​By growing our fellowship, you'll benefit like many from knowing a truth that sets man free.

Make plans now to join us every opportunity you must take in this knowledge revealed to us to navigate Reality.

Check our website for scheduled lessons. https://www.brookfieldcoc.com/

Watch lessons on our Vimeo channel. https://vimeo.com/brookfieldcoc

​Make it your Reality to live following God's Word and revelation. Hear and follow His ways will give us all the best possible lives.

Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
​www.bgjsr22.com

​As we finish out this year of 2019, I would like to think we all experienced some personal growth.  Now is a great time to consider and plan how 2020 can be even better.  Our recently delivered sermon entitled “It Is the Fullness of Time” revealed to us a wonderful truth from God’s Word.  That truth stated that we can achieve what God has intended if we align with Him in preparation; purpose and plan.  You can view or listen to that lesson at www.barrygjohnsonsr.com/2019-sermons.html.

God is always prepared; He is never caught off guard.  God always works with a purpose; He is not aimless having no sense of direction.  God has always had a plan; He continues to work it and reveal it through His Son. 

If you desire to make 2020 an even better year than 2019 then align yourself with God’s plan; purpose and preparation.  The Lord’s plan can only be found in the Bible.  God’s purpose is revealed only in His Son.  How you prepare is your choice.  What you do to make 2020 a better year begins now.  Let me suggest you consider adding God to your plans in a significant way. 

Come and visit at your earliest opportunity considering the powerful impact of being a part of a Church community that holds the Bible in high regard.  It’s teaching when followed will transform you in a way that you’ll experience your best year yet.  Not only that but the Bible can secure your eternal destiny unlike anything else available to man.  We look forward to meeting you, helping one another to know God’s Will.  Together this next year we can grow like no other and help others to do the same.  See you soon.