A new market study suggests automobile dealerships might be able to save money by reducing the amount of advertising they do on television. The study is significant because automotive markets currently rely heavily on television advertising to get their message out.

Management consultants Cap Gemini Ernst and Young, conducted the recent study, found that only 17% of the consumers surveyed said TV ads had influenced their car buying decisions. Respondents said their decisions were influenced by other factors. 26 percent said, ads on Internet search engines influenced them and nearly half said a dealer's direct mail offer influenced their decision to buy. The study found the most influential measure to impact a car buying decision was word-of-mouth. 71 percent of consumers said the testimony of someone else had the largest impact on their decision to purchase an automobile.

Automotive marketing experts claim TV ads provide quality shots of vehicles and demonstrate performance in ways other sources like the internet and magazine ads cannot. They contend TV produces traffic for dealerships, and therefore TV receives a large amount of money from the automotive industry

Mike Wujclak, vice president supervising Cap Gemini's auto practice says, "We think manufacturers and their dealers are wasting money on broad based TV advertising instead of a direct marketing approach. Wujclak adds he does not suggest carmakers get rid of TV advertising altogether, the survey suggests they should reevaluate the media mix to reach consumers.

—www.adage.com/Study: TV ads don't sell cars, October 13, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Our words and actions do have a powerful impact on the people around us. Instead of relying on big media presentations, we need to be witnesses in every circumstance of life.

Philippians 2:14-16 NIV "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

A year before the Columbine shootings, Rachel Scott, a student at Columbine High School, wrote these words in her diary:

"I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me… if I have to sacrifice everything, I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend Jesus, then that's fine with me."

Rachel wrote these words exactly one year before she was slain for confessing her faith at Columbine High School, April 20, 1999.

Rachael attended Orchard Road Christian Church, an Assemblies of God congregation. Lori Anderson, one of the staff members of the church said Scott was "a remarkable, committed Christian girl who had a passion for God and for people. She was fun loving and gifted in drama and public speaking."

The word for "witness" is the word we get our word "martyr" from. What is the difference between a witness and a martyr? Martyrs die for Christ. Witnesses live for Him. Whether we live or die, our passion should be for Christ. Like Rachel's was.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

As David McCasland reached the check-out counter at a local discount store early one morning, a woman with a bright smile and cheerful voice greeting him. He found her attitude unusual, but very welcome. David glanced at her nametag, and then looked again more closely to make sure he had read it correctly. It said, MARY-N-GOD. David asked the woman if she and the Lord were doing this job together.

She beamed and said, “Oh, yes! He works with me and walks with me and talks with me, and we share the most wonderful life together. I couldn’t do it without Him.” David says Mary was an excellent example of Christ in her workplace. Though she was not in the limelight, Mary’s actions and attitude touched hundreds of people every day. David says, “Mary’s pulpit was a checkout counter, and her smile was the opening sentence in a powerful sermon about the difference Christ makes in a life. If someone asked, she was happy to tell them more.” David adds, “ You and I can also be effective witnesses if we know, love, and walk with Jesus the way Mary does.”

—Our Daily Bread, March 17, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

In 1997, Chris' funeral home purchased a funeral home across town due to the death of the owner. One of the two morticians at the new home, Eric actually lives on top of the funeral home and has been there for eighteen years. Eric is 6'3' and weighs about 240 lbs. He is an ex-professional baseball player very loud, obnoxious and arrogant.

Eric was crude, a womanizer. In short, he was a worldly man. He came from an abusive, dysfunctional family and has been an alcoholic since he was a teenager. Chris knew that working with him on a daily basis was going to be difficult.

When Eric noticed the difference in Chris' life, Chris told him he was a Christian. "That's fine for you," Eric said, "but don't go preaching any of that Christian [expletive deleted] to me." "That day," Chris said, "I decided to put him on my prayer list. I thought OK God, let's see what you can do!"

As time went by, Eric had real battles with his alcoholism. It finally got to the point where he went into a clinic to get cleaned up. His job was on the line and he knew he had to do something. He was gone for a month. Upon his return he apologized to everyone, and was ready to work and stay away from the alcohol. The program told him he needed a spiritual focus to help him combat his alcoholism. Chris tried to tell him at that time what a relationship with Christ was and how God could change his life. He still didn't want any part of it and quickly shut Chris down claiming that the spiritual focus could be anything or anyone. "Besides," he would say, "I've done way too many rotten things for Jesus to love me."

Chris ached, wanting Eric to listen to the Gospel. Eric stayed clean for a year. Then he had a relapse. Eric told Chris that he had started drinking again and was not sure what to do. Again, Chris told him where he could start. One again, Chris ended the conversation, not wanting to hear about Jesus.

In May 2001, Chris prayed faithfully every day for at least 6 weeks for some of his friends and family members to be saved. Eric was one of the persons on his list. Chris prayed for Eric faithfully, not missing a single day, for 8 weeks. The praying did not change Eric much, but it did change Chris. He became more sensitive to opportunities to witness to Eric because Eric was specifically on his mind. Chris was on a mission!

On the 8th week, Chris went in to work like normal and was met at the door by his boss, a non-believer. "Chris, you need to get over to Eric's, he is at home not doing good. I think he needs God and I figured you are the one to go visit him."

Chris went to the funeral home, where Eric lives, and knocked on the door. He heard a very feeble, "the door is open." Eric was still in his pajamas and looked very depressed. He would not look at Chris. Instead, he just stared straight ahead. "What's going on?" Chris asked. "I don't know," Eric said, "my life is a mess and I don't know what to do."

"How can I help?" Chris asked. Eric responded, "For the past four years I have watched you and your family and I've noticed that you have a peace and joy that I have never had." Then he said, "I want it."

"The answer is simple," Chris said, "You need Jesus." Finally, Eric said, "Tell me about Jesus." For the next hour he sat and listened, with no sarcasm, jokes, or teasing that Chris had become so accustomed to. When Chris finished giving the plan of Salvation, Eric said, "I want Jesus in my life!"

Today, Eric is a different person. The crudeness is mostly gone and when it does show up, Eric expresses remorse. His language is cleaner. He has read through the entire New Testament and has been faithful at church.

After Chris baptized him, Eric whispered in his ear two simple words— "thank you."

Matthew 28:18-20 NASB "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"

For more information on Transformations, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966177851/fm082-20

In his book, Mission to Oz, Mark Tabb writes, “When the Pope visited Miami in the ‘80s, one local entrepreneur decided to make some money the old fashioned way—selling T-shirts. He had a few hundred shirts printed up, shirts that were supposed to say in Spanish ‘I saw the Pope.’ Unfortunately, he didn’t speak Spanish, and he didn’t check with anyone who did before he sent his design to the printers. Instead of selling ‘I saw the Pope’ shirts, he ended up hawking ‘I saw the potato’ shirts. If he had lived in Idaho, he might have broken even.”

Good communication begins with speaking the other person’s language. This truth not only applies for cross-language communication, but for cross-cultural communication too. Jesus was a master at doing this. To the hungry, He said he was “the bread of life,” and to the thirsty he was “the living water.” To be an effective witness, we must learn to “crawl inside the skin” of the person we’re talking with, and care enough about them to communicate with words and images they can relate to.

1 Cor. 9:22 (NASB) “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.”

In his book, the Heart of Deacon Ministry, Tom Stringfellow tells a wonderful story about watching one of his friends, Gary develop as a witness. They were visitation partners for several months and Gary watched several people come to Christ.

Gary and his wife were cultivating some friends, hoping to see them come to Christ. He invited them over to his home for lunch one Saturday afternoon with the intention of directing the conversation toward spiritual matters. He told Tom that he should casually “drop by” about 2:00 because he would have them ready for him to present the plan of Salvation and pray the sinner’s prayer with them.

“Gary,” Tom said, “that sounds like a fine plan. I’m so glad you’ve worked with this family and are concerned about their souls, but there’s a problem.” “What’s the problem?” Gary asked. “Well, there’s a football game Saturday afternoon and I’ll not be coming by your house.” “You mean you’d miss an opportunity to lead someone to Christ over a football game?”

“You’ve watched me lead numerous people to Christ over the past few months, haven’t you?” “Well … yes.” “You know the plan of Salvation as well as I do, don’t you?” “Well… yes.” “Then you share the gospel and you pray the sinner’s prayer with them. I’ll be by the phone if you need me.”

Tom did get a call that afternoon, but not at 2:00. At 4:00, Gary called him to report that not only did the husband and wife accept Christ that day, but the two teenage children did too. The entire family of four was reborn in Gary’s living room.

—Parakaleo: The Heart of Deacon Ministry, p. 46-48 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

As a Spirit filled man, Gary received the training he needed, then became a witness himself, and according to Dr. Stringfellow, he continues to witness to this day.

For more information on the Heart of Deacon Ministry, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966177835/fm082-20

During a weeklong visit in the war-torn nation of Iraq this May, evangelists delivered more than 100 New Testaments, copies of the gospel of Luke, and booklets to Iraqis and troops. Carl Medearis, one of the trip leaders wrote in an e-mail home, “A young man I gave one to burst into tears and said over and over again, ‘My family will be SO happy when they see this.’” Another man told the group he had searched for a Bible for years but didn’t know anyone who could tell him where one was.

Many faith-based groups are working in Iraq during the relief effort. Not everyone views these missions favorably. Pablo Eisenberg, a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute says, “The role should be providing needed services for Iraqis, not the propagation of faith, particularly in a country like Iraq that has a strong faith.” Rabia Ahmed, spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic relations in Washington says the aid is welcome “as long as they don’t use the humanitarian label as part of their efforts to try to coerce or force people into accepting another religion.”

Wendy Norvelle, spokeswoman for the Southern Baptist International Mission Board says, “The aid that we offer is with no strings attached. We offer the aid—the relief and things—to all people.” Samaritan’s Purse headed by Franklin Graham is working to refurbish a hospital in Baghdad. Though Graham was criticized for remarks about Islam, he wrote a letter to a Los Angeles newspaper in April defending the work of his organization and others. Graham wrote, “We don’t have to preach in order to be a Christian relief organization; sometimes the best preaching we can do is simply being there with a cup of cold water, exhibiting Christ’s spirit of serving others.”

—http://statesman.com (Austin American-Statesman), Evangelists say Iraqis embrace message. Saturday, June 7, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Matthew 10:42 “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Leon's two passions in life were drinking at an "Indian bar" and fighting. He was proficient at both. He stood about six foot, four inches tall, had a rugged build, and a face that carried the scars of some battles he had lost and maybe even some that he had won.

Leon's cousin came into his life while he was as low as a man could be. The cousin, a new Christian, shared with Leon the joy of his salvation and soon Leon found Christ as well. He not only received salvation through the witness of this cousin, he also received a transformed heart. He began to develop a real heart for evangelism.

When Pastor Tom took over Leon's church, Leon was eager to learn more about evangelism from his new pastor. He could not wait to make evangelistic visits with the new leader of his church. Then came their first opportunity to step into the living room of an American-Indian couple they had heard moved near the church. With Bibles, tracts, and prayers at the ready, they knocked on the door of the couple's tiny home. Much to their surprise they invited them in. The young man sat with them in the living room while his wife continued with her clean-up chores in the kitchen.

Pastor Tom began to small talk with Abraham. They talked about everything, except Jesus. After 30 minutes, Leon asked, "Pastor, didn't we come here for you to tell this man about Jesus?" (A subject Tom had clearly avoided.)

The pastor changed the direction of the conversation soon after Leon's interruption. He fumbled and stammered but finally was able to share the plan of salvation to an attentive young man. With a shaking voice and knees to match, Tom asked him if he wanted to pray to receive Jesus as his Savior. He thought about it for a while with his head hanging silently. He lifted his head slowly and said "no, but thank you for stopping by."

In the silence that followed came a heart transforming moment. Mary, Abraham's wife had completed her work in the kitchen and was standing in the doorway listening to the gospel presentation. With a quiet voice she said, "I do." She entered the room and Leon shared his personal testimony and Tom had the privilege of leading Mary in the prayer to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior.

It is the power of the gospel, not the experience of the witness that brings people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The gospel is powerful, even when our presentation isn't.

Romans 1:16 KJV "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

For more information on Transformations, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966177851/fm082-20

One week after he was deported from Saudi Arabia for “Christian proselytizing,” Christian Ambaye confirmed that he had been officially banned from returning to the kingdom for five years. Ambaye left his home in Eritrea 15 years ago to seek employment as a tailor in Saudi Arabia. He was arrested this March for witnessing about his Christian faith.

As he was being deported, Ambaye said his guards at the airport told curious inquirers, including the airline ticket agent, that he was a “preacher of Christianity” who was being deported for violating laws against proselytizing.

While jailed, Ambaye says his detention in a crowded cell provided an opportunity to share his faith with other prisoners awaiting deportation. He estimated he had explained the gospel to 600 of his cellmates during the 20 weeks he was detained. He says 42 of the prisoners indicated they wanted to become Christians.

Ambaye said, “I felt that Jesus Christ was with me in the jail and now I know Him so much better. Everyone knew my crime was being a preacher of Christianity.” Despite strong psychological pressure, Ambaye says he was never beaten or mistreated physically. Ambaye is not sure what he will do next. He said, “I will rest first, and then I will see what the Lord will show me.”

—www.compassdirect.org/, September 1, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Philippians 1:12-13 NIV “Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

The fear of air terrorism has declined since September 11. A recent ABC NEWS survey found that Americans by a two to one margin say they would follow the example of Todd Beamer and his fellow passengers on United Flight 93 by standing and fighting terrorists trying to take over their plane. In the survey, 61% of Americans said they would fight, while 30% said they would leave it to someone better able to handle the situation.

The willingness of air travelers to fight back raises some concerns about an overreaction, but survey results also showed most Americans see inaction as a bigger risk. 51% said the bigger risk was that passengers would not use force when necessary, as opposed to about a third who said the biggest risk was using force when it was not required. Both fighters and non-fighters viewed inaction as the greater risk.

Believers in Jesus have a message the world needs to hear. We need not be afraid or ashamed to proclaim the Gospel. In Jesus' Name, Let's Roll!

Romans 1:16.NIV. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

—abcnews.go.com/sections/us/dailynews, February 26, 2002. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

As Super Bowl Sunday approached in February 2010, abortion advocacy groups were outraged over a television ad set to air during the big game. The Pro-life themed ad features the story of Heisman Trophy award winner, and Florida Gators quarterback, Tim Tebow. Tebow, who displayed Bible verses on his “eye black patches” during football games, has been outspoken about his faith, his desire to save himself for marriage, and his pro-life convictions. The source of the quarterback’s convictions make up the story behind the Super Bowl ad, and the controversy it has generated.

In 1987, Tebow’s mother Pam contracted amoebic dysentery in the Philippines while pregnant with her son. Her doctors recommended an abortion, but Pam Tebow chose to carry her baby to term. Tebow’s story has influenced a number of women to choose to carry their children to term. Abortion advocacy groups fear the impact the spot could have on millions of Super Bowl viewers if it airs. When asked about the controversy, Tebow replied, “I know some people won’t agree with (the ad), but I think they can at least respect that I stand up for what I believe and I’m never shy about that.” He added,” I don’t feel like I’m very preachy about it, but I do stand for what I believe. Unfortunately, in today’s society not many athletes tend to do that. So I’m just standing for something.”

--Tim Tebow Defends Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad under Fire, http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/jan/10012608.html; January 26, 2010, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Colossians 4:5-6 (CEV) “When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. (6) Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.”

After a devastating earthquake rocked the island of Haiti in 2010, many Haitians say they were awed by the power of the quake. They say it is a power greater than anything they see in voodoo. Other survivors are grateful for life, and want to trust their lives to the God who displayed his even more awesome power by saving them. One of native Haitians who is sharing his personal faith in Jesus is Jean Junior Cineas. Cineas, who prefers to be called Junior, is the son of a voodoo priest. He says he has had plenty of opportunity to share his faith since the disaster. Junior believes the influence of voodoo has diminished since the quake and many Haitians are now calling on God.

Junior says it is rare to meet someone who does not want to prayer or to hear about Jesus. He told reporters he heard that his father even called on Jesus during the earthquake, but admits he wasn’t there to see it. He plans to buy Creole-language Bibles and help disciple his new friends. As he walked through the tent city near Port Au prince, Junior said, “It gives me joy to (share Christ). I love to do that. It is my life.”

--Voodoo priest’s son leads Haitians to Christ, http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32195 ; February 2, 2010. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV) “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’"

Author Mark Mittelberg says many believers are afraid to answer the hard questions put to them by people outside the church. To help, Mittelberg has written The Questions Christians Hope No one Will Ask outlining some of the tough questions, and providing answers. He says he hopes Christians will stop hiding and become confident in their faith. He says the biggest reason believers do not want to handle those questions is that they do not feel prepared. He says, “People are addressing these issues whether we want to talk about them or not.”

Mittelberg’s book uses references from both a Christian and secular point of view to help direct readers to the right sections. He says people today need a better answer than just a quoted reference from the Bible. Mittelberg adds, “I’ve seen that questions can lead to life, or death in the spiritual world. When someone has a spiritual doubt, it can become an intellectual roadblock that keeps them from moving forward on their spiritual journey.”

--The Questions Christians Hope No one Will Ask, http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101104/the-questions-christians-hope-no-one-will-ask ; November 4, 2010, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

When he played quarterback for the University of Florida, Tim Tebow was famous for his football skills, and the unusual practice of writing Bible verses on his eye black on game day. Research found that the verses Tebow wore were searched millions of times on the Internet after the games. When Tebow moved to Professional football and took the field for the Denver Broncos, he found NFL rules prohibited players from marking on their uniforms, including their eyeblack.

Since Tebow wants to use his position as a platform for ministry, he had to find a way to get the message across.

Though the NFL prohibits players from marking on their uniform, the league allows quarterbacks to wear armbands to store game plays. During a Christmas time game between the Broncos and the Houston Texans, Tebow put the verse from Luke 2: 10-11 on his armband. The verse proclaims the basis of the Christmas message that a savoir has come. When asked about his ministry, Tebow said” In the national championship game, the verses I wore underneath my eyes, within the next two days, 94 million people had googled that. He added,”When I heard that you’re like ‘wow.’ The impact that you have is incredible. And it’s truly a blessing.”

Tim Tebow Moves Bible Verse from Eye Black to Wrist, http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101227/tim-tebow-moves-bible-verse-from-eye-black-to-wrist/, December 27, 2010. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

The face of Jesus has appeared in many inanimate objects over the years. People believe they have seen the Lord in grilled cheese sandwiches, x-rays, MRIs, and pieces of plaster. The latest image of Jesus has appeared in an old wooden chair in California. Lou Balducci says he was planning to throw out the chair when he noticed an image of Jesus in the paint cracks and lines. Balducci said he didn’t know how the image got there, and though he did not consider himself a religious man, the appearance of the image made him question his beliefs.

Balducci says he showed the image to his housekeeper and his in-laws. All of them said they felt the image was a blessing. Balducci had owned the chair for over ten years and never noticed the image before. He said, “When I first saw the image, I didn’t know what to think. As I thought about it, I was thinking that maybe it was a sign of some kind. But not being overly religious, I was a little confused.” When asked about his plans, Balducci added, “I am not sure what I want to do with it. Right now, I am enjoying having it in my home and showing it to friends and family.”

SoCal Man Finds Jesus in His Chair, February 16, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

The most important place to see the image of Jesus is not on sandwiches, walls or chairs, but in our lives, that is when it has the biggest impact on the world.

Romans 8:29 (CEV) and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children.

Millions of people across the country got a little bit of the Bible during Super Bowl XLV when a commercial produced by a Christian group aired unexpectedly. Fox Sports had originally said they would not air the spot because it contained too much “religious doctrine” and because they felt it was too offensive. The ad pictures a group of friends watching a football game in a living room. While cheering a player for making a tackle, they notice the player is wearing eye black strips with “John 3:16” printed on them. One of the friends asks another, what that means. When he shrugs, the first person offers to look it up on his cell phone. The ad concluded with the website, and the words, “A Message of Hope.”

The website provided a simple explanation of the verse’s meaning. The Alabama based organization, Fixed Point Foundation, says as a result their website drew so much traffic that it was difficult to load the web page. Fixed Point Foundation issued a statement afterward saying, “Few people have the opportunity to say something truly meaningful. And, more often than not, that opportunity is wasted. Even our biggest media and cultural event, the Super bowl, is chock full of million-dollar clutter. Massive amounts of money are spent talking about trivial things, like beer and potato chips.”

-- http://www.christianpost.com/news/john-316-ad-airs-unexpectedly-during-super-bowl-48860 ; Monday, February 7, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NASB) Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, (16) making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (17) So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

In the midst of the excitement of winning Super bowl XLV, two Green Bay Packers players took the opportunity to talk about their faith. Quarterback, and game MVP Aaron Rodgers told reporters, “You know God doesn’t care who wins this game. He only cares who gets the glory and He got the glory tonight. “Rodgers, who completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards during the Packers victory, said being part of the team was God’s plan. He said, “God has always had a plan for my life and I appreciate the platform and the opportunity to be with a great group of men with a great group of character. We can celebrate together.”

Wide receiver Greg Jennings who stepped in for injured starter Donald Driver, made two TD catches in the game, and caught a pass late in the game, which helped the Packers, manage the clock and hold on for the win. Jennings was also open about his faith. He told reporters,” It doesn’t really matter what man say. It only matters what God says. (Faith) is greater than football and we understand that more than most people know. It’s not all about the I, but the we.” Jennings said the big game was probably the largest platform he would ever have to share his faith and he was thankful for the opportunity. He added,”If you honor God, He will raise you up and tonight He raised us up.”

-- http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=34607; February 7, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

John 12:32 (NET) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

Ana Marie Cox was a political writer taking hard left positions. She describes herself as a “progressive, feminist, tattooed, pro-choice, graduate-educated believer.” She wrote left wing commentary for several magazines, and appeared on left-wing talk shows.

Several years ago she seemingly disappeared. She says a separation from her husband led her into a time of anxiety and self-doubt. “At the bottom of her depression, Cox began asking about the source of the apparent serenity and joy” of some of her friends. Like Peter the apostle instructed, the friends were prepared to give an answer for the hope within them. Ana Marie Cox accepted the sacrifice of Jesus for her sins and became a Christian.

As she struggles with her new found faith and her long time political leanings, she has come to understand that she does not have to justify God. Instead, He justifies her through Christ. “I am completely whole and loved by God without doing anything. There is nothing so great I can do to make God love me more.” She is confident that the conflicting beliefs will someday be reconciled.

Ana Marie Cox understands. Jesus accepts us; God forgives us, long before we deserve it. Now it is up to us “try, every day, to give my will and my life over to God. I try to be like Christ. I get down on my knees and pray.” -- Jim L Wilson and Rodger Russell

World, April 18, 2015 p. 26. See the original article at
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/28/why-i-m-coming-out-as-a-christian.html

Romans 3:24 (HCSB) They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Thomas McNally is a 12-year-old boy scout in Long Island, NY. He earned a badge for learning the Heimlich maneuver, the preferred method to help people who are choking. Just a few weeks later, his own mother was choking and Thomas performed his newly learned skill. He saved his mother’s life. The Boy Scout motto is “be prepared,” and Thomas was.. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) (15) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

In The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen writes, "Complaining is self-perpetuating and counterproductive. Whenever I express my complaints in the hope of evoking pity and receiving the satisfaction I so much desire, the result is always the opposite of what I tried to get. A complainer is hard to live with, and very few people know how to respond to the complaints made by a self-rejecting person. The tragedy is that, often, the complaint, once expressed, leads to that which is most feared: further rejection.”

All of us know a complainer or two. And few of us have the desire to be around such a person for a long period of time. They are black holes that suck the life out of others.

May we be deeply humbled by the imagery of the complainer and seek to be a beacon of hope for those around us. —Jim L. Wilson & Scott Gourley

Matthew 5:14–16 (HCSB)“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Jamie Farlee recognized that his friends and neighbors were struggling with the turmoil in the nation and decided to take a unique approach. Rather than complain or protest like many others, Farlee made signs pointing in another direction. Braving chilly January weather, he sat on the tailgate of his truck holding a sign that said, “It’s all good, just praising the Lord.” Occasionally, Farlee showed the back side which reminding people passing by that he was not asking for money because Jesus had already paid the price. He told reporters that if he could reach one person with his message, it would be worth it. He said, “With all the bad that is going on in the world today and all the protesting, I wanted to remind people the love we have in Jesus. There is just too much negative and not enough positive being spread.” –By Jim Sandell

http://newsdemocratleader.com/news/8032/local-man-reminds-of-jesus-in-a-time-of-turmoil, Accessed January 26, 2017.

Ephesians 5:16–17 (CSB)“making the most of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

The motion picture, “Sully,” retells the story of the pilot, who landed US Airways 1549 on the Hudson River after striking a flock of geese and losing both engines. The movie centered on the NTSB interviews and hearings Sully had to attend in the aftermath of the event. His interviews focused on the findings that the left engine was still working and why he did not try to return to LaGuardia Airport. They presented him with information from simulations that suggested he would have been able to make it back to LaGuardia Airport. The second-guessing caused Sully to doubt his decision.

It was his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, who reminded Sully of what he witnessed that day and that he made the right decision. Skiles’s testimony led investigators to know Sully made the right decision. —Jim L. Wilson & Jeff DeGiacomo

- “Sully”, Scene 8: The Investigation Thinks an Engine Was Functional, 18:04-23:17

Acts 1:8 (HCSB)“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Scott Foster, a 36-year-old Chicago accountant, played hockey in a recreational league relying on his college experience as a goalie. Then the amazing began to happen. The Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League lost both of their goalies to injury. With a match against the Winnipeg Jets approaching, the Blackhawks signed a minor league goalie to make the start. Not wanting to go into the game without a backup they also contacted Foster to be ready in an emergency. In the third period, the emergency happened. The starting goalie had to leave the game and Scott Foster went from setting at a desk crunching numbers to crouching before the net on the ice playing goalie in the NHL. He finished the game, blocking all seven shots the Jets sent his way and the Blackhawks won 6-2.

Scott is an example for all of us. We never know when God might call us to stand up for the gospel, to be a witness for Jesus. When it happens, we need to be ready and willing to give an account for the hope that is within us. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

In September of 2015 witnesses of a mass baptism held after school at an Atlanta area high school posted footage online, drawing criticism. These critics claimed, “Holding team baptisms at football practice with coaches participating is a clear Constitutional violation (the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment) and an abuse of the coach’s position.”

The school’s assistant football coach and nearly 20 players requested this public baptism on their football field.

Alan Martinez, head of the local booster club, watched the baptisms and said, “I was so proud for these young men and their example of their new relationship with Christ and what it means in their life and what it means in that school.” —Jim L. Wilson and C. Foster Payne

CBS News 2015 “Mass baptism at Georgia high school spurs controversy.” September 3, 2015. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mass-baptism-georgia-public-high-school-football-field-brews-controversy/.

John 15:18–20 (CSB)“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”

Hubert Davis accepted the Head Coaching position as the North Carolina basketball coach just four days after Roy Williams retired. But he isn’t just returning to the school where he played from 1988-92 to win basketball games—he is on a mission.

In 2014, he explained why he accepted the assistant coaching position there, “The reason why I made this decision No. 1, is this is where I felt like Christ wanted me and my family to go, Wherever He wants us to go, I’m following Him. I’m not going any other direction. … This is not a job, it feels like a mission field, a ministry opportunity.”

in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.

At his first press conference after being named head coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Coach Hubert Davis was asked, “Can you briefly talk about your faith and how that plays into your family and your job now?”

He responded by saying, “Yeah, that's the most important thing to me. You know, my faith and foundation is firmly in my relationship with Jesus. He just is. And my mother was a Christian and she begged me to go to church growing up. And I didn't want to go. I wasn't interested in it. My mom used to always say that Jesus had a plan for me, plans for a hope and a future, plans not to harm you, plans to prosper you, Jeremiah 29:11.

“At the time growing up, I didn't understand it and I didn't listen to it. And when my mom passed away, two days before my junior year of high school, I grew tremendous hate towards God. And for the two years that I was here at Carolina, the same way. And the reason being is, I just couldn't understand all the things that my mom was telling me about. Jesus loving me and having a plan and a purpose for me, and I didn't understand any reason why he would take away my mom. I’m 50 years old and I miss her more now than I did when I was 16. When she passed away, she didn't get to see me run out of that tunnel.

“She didn't get to see me play here. She didn't get to see me drafted. She didn't get to see me play in the NBA. She didn't meet my wife. She wasn't at our wedding. She hasn't seen my kids. She's not physically here today. One of the things that Coach Smith used to do was to make all the freshmen go to church. And then, as I went to church, only because Coach Smith and Coach Guthridge encouraged me to go to church, I started to understand what my mom was talking about.

“I was starting to understand the sacrifice that Jesus has made for me and how much he loves me. And two days before my junior year of college, I became a Christian. And instead of being upset that Jesus has taken away the most beautiful person in my life, my mom, I'm thankful everyday that he gave me the best mom that I could ever have for 16 years. She's here. She’s here. She’s here every day. The way I try to treat my wife, she's here every day. The way I try to treat my children. And so, my faith in Christ is the foundation of who I am. And, when I say that I will walk this path in my own shoes and my personality. My own shoes and my personality is my faith.”

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.