Sitting in the barber chair, I told my barber that our hairs are numbered. “I will have less hairs to number once my hair is cut,” I joked, and then decided to probe a bit deeper. “I didn’t always believe in God…Do you believe in God?”

“I’m not sure, but would like to know for certain,” my barber said.

“Would you like to dialogue about it? Do you have a Bible?” My barber said he didn’t. So by the time my hair was nicely trimmed, we set an appointment at a coffee shop for Sunday afternoon.

Many people are not open like my barber, but how can we use natural opportunities to do our kingdom ministry? Luke 22 offers ways we can prepare ourselves to show Christ’s love to others.

1. Reject deception

While Passover was approaching, religious leaders, fearing the people, sought to put Jesus to death. Satan entered into Judas who gave in to his deception and described to the leaders how he would betray Jesus (Luke 22:1–6). Reject deception by not allowing Satan to betray and put Jesus to death in your life. 

2. Trust in Jesus’ word

Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover by following a man carrying a water pitcher into a house with a furnished, upper room (Luke 22:7–13). They may have thought these were odd instructions, but Jesus knew the eternal plan. Trust in Jesus’ word by obeying Him.  

3. Participate in the Lord’s Table

As the apostles and Jesus sat together for the Passover meal, He said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Jesus took the cup and bread and gave thanks, symbolizing His body and blood poured out in the new covenant. This sets an example and serves as a reminder for us today (Luke 22:14–23). Participate in the Lord’s Table to enter into Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. 

4. Serve others

The apostles disputed who would be greatest among themselves. Jesus said gentile kings lord it over others, but the greatest of His disciples serve one another. Just as the Father granted Jesus a kingdom, He enabled His apostles to eat and drink at His table where they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:24–30). Serve others to experience greatness.

5. Resist temptation

When Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail. Jesus predicted that Peter’s self-confidence would lead to denying Him three times, and He told him to strengthen his brothers after returning to God (Luke 22:31–34). Resist temptation with prayer so your faith can strengthen others. 

6. Trust new provisions

Though Jesus said to carry nothing in their mission to the Jews, He now instructed them to bring a purse and sell their robe to buy a sword. Jesus was numbered with the transgressors and said, “it is enough” after they found two swords” Trust God to meet your needs in the midst of future challenges, hardships and hostilities as you carry out your mission (Luke 22:35–38). Trust new provisions to carry out gospel mission. 

7. Wrestle in prayer

Jesus told His disciples to pray so they may not tempted. Jesus prayed that the Father would remove the cup not according to His own will, but God’s will be done. An angel strengthened Christ in His agony of prayer that was so fervent that He sweat like drops of blood. When Jesus found His disciples sleeping from sorrow, He told them to rise and pray to not enter into temptation (Luke 22:39–46). Wrestle in prayer to not enter into temptation.

8. Trust in God’s sovereign plan

When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Peter cut off a slave’s right ear, which Christ healed. He said that religious leaders came against Him with weapons when formerly they didn’t lay hands on Him because it wasn’t His time (Luke 22:47–53). Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life.

9. Remain close to Jesus

Peter followed at a distance after they arrested Jesus. Peter later denied Him three times and when he remembered Jesus’ words, he wept bitterly (Luke 22:54–62). This resulted not only in a physical distance but also a spiritual distance because of Peter’s fear. Remain close to Jesus to prevent denying Him.

10. Reject world’s mocking of Jesus

While holding Jesus in custody, they mocked and beat Him. They said many things against Him, while blaspheming (Luke 22:63–65). Reject the world’s mocking of Jesus. 

11. Believe Jesus’ authority

Jesus told the religious leaders they wouldn’t believe or answer His questions. He also said that “the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They refused any additional testimony after Jesus said He was the Son of God (Luke 22:66–71). Believe Jesus’ authority seated at the right hand of God.

The evil one seeks to get you to deny God’s sovereign plan for your life by attacking you as you follow Christ at a distance, as you are intimidated by the world’s mocking, as the world speaks against Him to cause you to disbelieve Christ’s authority and power. But by trust, obedience, and prayer you will share in Jesus’ victory.

Final Thought: Use natural opportunities to do your kingdom mission, rejecting deception by the evil one.

My evangelism team consisting of myself, a nine-year-old boy, a PhD student, and a former gang member who spent 15 years in prison. We approached a young lady trying to get her wiggly 2-year-old into the car. After small talk, bending down and introducing myself to Carter, I asked, “How can I pray for you?” She mentioned a friend. We prayed. I shared my testimony in 90 seconds. She listened. Noticing she was in a rush, I asked, “Do you have a Bible?” She said, “No!” “Would you like a Bible?” “Yes!” After mentioning someone from the church could deliver a Bible, she gave me her address and phone number. During this time, my other team members prayed for two people. 

My team was part of an effort to help a church 50 miles away to move outside the four walls. Two months ago, we spent two Wed. nights training in basic gospel conversations, including role play. Three weeks ago, five teams took to the streets. Three weeks later on a Sat. morning, we trained them in the priority of prayer. Two people at a time paired up to role play the gospel before we hit the streets to pray and share the gospel.

In one hour of time, a person trusted Christ as Savior in a park. The pastor’s wife prayed with a formerly homeless, young mother whose 8-year-old child has cancer. She lives next to the pastor’s wife’s sister. This lady wants to visit the church. The various teams prayed with three people who had or knew people with cancer.

The pastor’s wife shared with me that formerly uninvolved church members joined us in praying and sharing the gospel in the streets these past two times.      

In contrast, people spend much time and energy preparing and earning a living. The rich man went to the finest schools and found success. He had a fine house, servants and enjoyed life. He reached the pinnacle in making a living, but did he learn how to live? What’s your investment strategy for maximum reward?   

1. Discern most strategic kingdom opportunities

Jesus told a parable about a rich man who asked his steward to give an account after squandering his master's possessions. The steward made each of his master's debtors pay off a fraction of the oil and wheat owed. The master praised the unrighteous steward because he acted shrewdly.  “The sons of this age are shrewder in relation to their own kind than the sons of light." (Luke 16:1-8). Discern most strategic kingdom opportunities.

2. Invest resources to make friends in heaven

Christ said to make friends using riches. When it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings. He who’s faithful in a little is faithful in much. He who’s unrighteous in a little thing is unrighteous in much. God won't entrust spiritual riches unless you've been faithful with money. No servant can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or hold to one and despise the other. No one can serve God and money
(Luke 16:9-13). Invest your time, talent and treasure to make friends in heaven.

3. Seek the application of God's word

The Pharisees who loved money scoffed at Jesus since they justified themselves before men. God knows your heart for what’s highly esteemed among men is detestable in His sight. The Law and Prophets were proclaimed until John. The preached word brings people into the kingdom of God. Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. He who marries a divorcee commits adultery
(Luke 16:14-18). Seek the application of God's word more than recognition from men.

4. Help people avoid eternal punishment

A rich man lived in splendor every day. Lazarus, a poor man covered with sores, longed to be fed with crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. The poor man died and went to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and went to Hades with agony in flames. He cried for mercy so Lazarus could dip the tip of this finger in water to cool off his tongue. Abraham said he received the good things of life and Lazarus the bad things. The latter is being comforted but not the rich man. A great chasm prevents anyone from crossing over. The rich man asked Father Abraham to warn his five brothers about torment in Hades. Abraham said if they don't listen to Moses and the Prophets, someone rising from the dead won’t persuade them either (Luke 16:19-31). 
Help people avoid eternal punishment by sharing God’s word on how to reach heaven.

Action Step:

Invest my time, talents and treasure for eternal reward to help people enter heaven and grow spiritually.

Larry (not his real name) lived across the street during high school. We played on the golf team together, but Larry was a much better golfer. After I trusted Christ, I share the good news with Larry. He called me soon afterward and said, “Mark, I placed my faith in Christ and am so excited. Can I see you?”

I couldn’t wait to see Larry. I lived off campus. Larry knocked on my door, and we talked awhile. “Let’s go to a park and share our faith,” Larry said. “Sounds like a great idea,” I said.

Larry and his father were very close. A few weeks later, Larry called me. “I shared the gospel with my father and he said I’m too fanatical about my faith. Our family doesn’t believe like that. I don’t want my father mad at me!” That’s the last time I heard from Larry. 

Sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton wrote in their book, Soul Searching, that many people live what they call, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. Faith is reduced to rules for a happy life, religion is a self-help tool, and God is a removed and distant being. This religion won’t offend anyone.  

How can we live a life of distinction so we stay consistent in the midst of persecution while drawing non-believers to Christ?

1. Exploit God-provided situations

One of the Pharisee leaders watched Jesus closely when He asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Jesus healed a man suffering from dropsy. He reasoned that you would pull a son or ox out of a well on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6). Minister to needs that come across your path.

2. Humble yourself

Jesus spoke a parable to invited guests after noticing they picked places of honor at the table. Instead, He told them to sit in the last place so the master may say, 'Friend, move up higher', resulting in honor instead of disgrace. "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:7-11). Humble yourself to be exalted.  

3. Spend time with the needy

Jesus told the host not to invite his friends, brothers, relatives or rich neighbors, lest they invite him in return. When giving a reception, invite the poor, crippled, lame and blind to be blessed since they can’t repay. Wait for payment at the resurrection of the righteous (Luke 14:12-14). Spend time with the poor, crippled, lame and blind.

4. Leave your comfort zone

Jesus shared another parable about a man who invited many to a big dinner. They made various excuses why they couldn't come: oversaw a piece of land, tried out five yoke of oxen, and married a wife. The master told his slave to go immediately into the streets and bring in the poor, crippled, blind and lame. After finding there was still room, the master said to "go out into the highways and along the hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." None invited shall taste of His dinner (Luke 14:15-24). Leave your comfort zone so the poor, crippled, blind and lame can experience a personal relationship with Christ. 

5. Make Christ your first love

To be a disciple, one’s love for Christ is like hate for family and his own life. Being a disciple involves carrying a cross. Count the cost to become a disciple like building a tower or being strong enough to win in battle. Put possessions in proper perspective. Not paying the price of discipleship results in being tasteless and ineffective (Luke 14:25-35). Make Christ your first love in order to influence others.

Action Steps:

1. Do I minister to needs that come across my path or walk on the other side to avoid them? 
2. Am I humble not expecting attention or exalt myself to feel important?
3. Do I spend time with the poor, crippled, blind and lame (either physically or spiritually) or only hang out with important and beautiful people?
4. Do I leave my comfort zone to help the poor, crippled, blind and lame experience a personal relationship with God or hide away at home, in my office or church building?
5. Do I pay the price in loving Christ more than other things or love other things more than Christ?

I will repent of my sin, ask God to change my heart, and obey Him doing what’s listed first in each question. 

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Joe and Mary enter the church and talk to long-term friends. They get a cup of coffee and ask how Sarah how she’s enjoying their new house. Joe and Mary sit down in their familiar seats by the center aisle so they can leave quickly. They sing some songs, hear a message, and then go home.

A church culture has dominated a mission culture in many of our churches. Too many "Christians" are busy playing church instead of seeking the heart of Jesus. As a result, the church is declining in the US.  Jesus’ example and teaching
in Luke 5 helps us change a church culture to a mission culture.

1. Obey Jesus’ word

After not catching any fish, Jesus asked Simon to let down his nets in deep water for a catch. By obeying His word, their nets broke with so many fish.  Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' feet saying he was sinful. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." They left everything and followed Him (Luke 5:1-11).  Obey  Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism.

2. Pray for spiritual power

A leper was cured immediately when he saw Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus ordered him to see a priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded and as a testimony. News spread as great multitudes gathered to hear Jesus and be healed of their sicknesses.  Often times, Jesus would slip away to pray alone (Luke 5:12-16).  Pray to provide power for physical and spiritual healing. 

3. Show compassion for sinners

Because of the crowd, some men carrying a paralyzed man went up on the roof and let him down through tiles to set him in front of Jesus. So skeptical and condemning Pharisees would "know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," the paralyzed man rose from his stretcher where he had been lying and went home, giving glory to God (Luke 5:17-26). Show compassion instead of condemning sinners.  

4. Share a clear verbal witness

Jesus told a tax-gatherer named Levi to follow Him. He left everything behind and followed Him (Luke 5:27-28). Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent.

5. Socialize with those who need to know Jesus

After Levi invited other tax-gatherers and gave a big reception for Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus answered that since the sick need a physician, He was calling sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Luke 5:29-32). Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships. 

6. Delight in God's presence

The religious leaders said John's and Pharisees' disciples fast and offer prayers, but "Yours eat and drink." Jesus answered that it was appropriate for his disciples not to fast since He, as the bridegroom, was present with them now and not later (Luke 5:33-35). Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others. 

7. Use new methods

One doesn't tear a piece from a new garment and put it on an old garment since it won't match the old. You also don't "put new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'" (Luke 5:36-39). Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples.

 To move from a church culture to a mission culture, I will do the following:

1. Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism  
2. Pray for physical and spiritual healing
3. Show compassion instead of condemning sinners
4. Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent
5. Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships
6. Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others
7. Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples

For more posts, go to www.markpomeroy.com

Joe and Mary enter the church and talk to long-term friends. They get a cup of coffee and ask how Sarah how she’s enjoying their new house. Joe and Mary sit down in their familiar seats by the center aisle so they can leave quickly. They sing some songs, hear a message, and then go home.

A church culture has dominated a mission culture in many of our churches. Too many "Christians" are busy playing church instead of seeking the heart of Jesus. As a result, the church is declining in the US.  Jesus’ example and teaching in Luke 5 helps us change a church culture to a mission culture.

1. Obey Jesus’ word
After not catching any fish, Jesus asked Simon to let down his nets in deep water for a catch. By obeying His word, their nets broke with so many fish.  Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' feet saying he was sinful. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." They left everything and followed Him (Luke 5:1-11).  Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism.

2. Pray for spiritual power
A leper was cured immediately when he saw Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus ordered him to see a priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded and as a testimony. News spread as great multitudes gathered to hear Jesus and be healed of their sicknesses.  Often times, Jesus would slip away to pray alone (Luke 5:12-16).  Pray to provide power for physical and spiritual healing. 

3. Show compassion for sinners
Because of the crowd, some men carrying a paralyzed man went up on the roof and let him down through tiles to set him in front of Jesus. So skeptical and condemning Pharisees would "know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," the paralyzed man rose from his stretcher where he had been lying and went home, giving glory to God (Luke 5:17-26). Show compassion instead of condemning sinners.  

4. Share a clear verbal witness
Jesus told a tax-gatherer named Levi to follow Him. He left everything behind and followed Him (Luke 5:27-28). Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent.

5. Socialize with those who need to know Jesus
After Levi invited other tax-gatherers and gave a big reception for Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus answered that since the sick need a physician, He was calling sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Luke 5:29-32). Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships. 

6. Delight in God's presence
The religious leaders said John's and Pharisees' disciples fast and offer prayers, but "Yours eat and drink." Jesus answered that it was appropriate for his disciples not to fast since He, as the bridegroom, was present with them now and not later (Luke 5:33-35). Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others. 

7. Use new methods
One doesn't tear a piece from a new garment and put it on an old garment since it won't match the old. You also don't "put new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'" (Luke 5:36-39). Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples.

To move from a church culture to a mission culture, I will do the following:
1.  Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism
2. Pray for physical and spiritual healing
3. Show compassion instead of condemning sinners
4. Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent
5. Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships
6. Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others
​7. Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples

For more posts, go to www.markpomeroy.com ;