Personal PEACE

What is Personal PEACE?
Actually its not a “what” it’s a “who” and the “who” is YOU!
Personal PEACE is simply living a lifestyle that reflects who God created you to be as one of his followers. It’s a who you ARE, not a what you DO.

Personal PEACE Mission Statement:
Showing and Sharing God’s love to those in YOUR world!
Personal PEACE is not just about sharing God’s message and what he has done in your life, it’s also about actively living out that message for the world to see.

So let’s break it down:
Showing God’s Love-
Simply put….We show God’s love to others by living a lifestyle that reflects a life filled with the Spirit. And what does that look like? Galatians 5:22 says: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control….
Our outward behavior is the response to our inward commitment. Have you ever heard this one? If you were charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Does your life reflect the fruit of the Spirit? If so, you are half way there to living a lifestyle of Personal PEACE!

Sharing God’s Love- 1Peter 3:15 tells us: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. We all have two stories to share; God’s story-the gospel message, and your story- your personal life message. Did you know that the amazing work that God has done in your life was not just for your benefit? It was also for the benefit of others. Every time you share your story it brings God glory. Why? Because God was the one who saved/changed/fixed/renewed you. You are a new creation because of  God’s power, love and grace, not because of anything you did, but because of what Jesus did. See you sharing your story transitions into sharing God’s story. He gets the credit for the new you!

To Those in Your World- Defining the word “world” when it comes to Personal PEACE refers to the relational encounters you have on a daily basis; familiar and unfamiliar.  Familiar meaning friends and acquaintances in places like your neighborhood, your workplace, the gym, at your child’s school, on the athletic field, etc…
Unfamiliar defined as intentionally looking for opportunities/people who you may cross paths with (maybe even only once), that you can share a little kindness, compassion, understanding….a little bit of Jesus with. So are you asking, “How can being kind and compassionate to someone I don’t know, or may never encounter again help bring them to Christ?” Before you ever came along, God had a plan in place. If you are obedient to God by living a lifestyle of Personal PEACE, you will be fortunate enough to be included in GOD’S redemptive plan. Keep in mind that coming into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ is a PROCESS not an EVENT! You are just a part in the process. Maybe you are the first, the fifth, the tenth or the one who actually gets to share in leading them across the line to accepting Christ. Only God knows. Take the burden off yourself and understand that we are meant to care and converse, not to convert. Conversion is God’s job, not yours. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your conversations with people. He’ll direct your steps and conversation.

So I’m sure you have figured out by now….
Personal PEACE equals Evangelism, It’s just a less scary word.
Now that we have defined it, don’t you feel a little more at ease about living it?
Just be yourself:

• Live a life that reflects God’s character and expresses his love for those he created.
• Be willing to share your story; keeping in mind that it’s not only for your benefit, but also for others. Your story shows God’s glory!
• Be ready to share the best story of all; how Jesus has the power to save. And always remember, you aren’t in this alone.

We want to help equip you with ideas, resources and techniques to help you live out a lifestyle of Personal PEACE.

Some great reads:
Becoming a Contagious Christian-Mark Mittleberg
Case for Christ-Lee Strobel
Purpose Driven Life-Rick Warren
Just Walk Across the Room-Bill Hybels
Evangelism without Additives-Jim Henderson
Sharing Jesus Without Fear-Bill Fay
The Unchurched Next Door-Understanding faith stages as keys to sharing your faith-Thom Rainer
Talking About Jesus Without Sounding Religious-Rebecca Manely Pippert

Some great classes:
Examine the Evidence-Saddleback Church
Foundations-Saddleback Church
CLASS 401~Discovering My Life Mission-Saddleback Church

Some great websites:
www.allaboutgod.com
www.str.org
www.biblegateway.com

Some great tools:
How you can Share Through Your SHAPE-Erin Kerr
I C.A.R.E  Card
Steps to Peace with God
What on Earth Am I Here For?
Saddleback Invites
The Invitation-salvation CD music/message (available on the patio)
Salvation Prayer Cards (available on the patio)
New Believers Bible (available on the patio)
Fresh Start Kits
What Does it Mean to Follow Christ-DVD (watch online or available on the patio)
(You can receive any of the tools listed above by contacting Stacey at staceyw@saddleback.net)

So……Who Do You Know Who Needs Jesus?