How to Help People
by Pastor Jay Pankratz

From time to time I like to review and reflect on the message from the weekend that was delivered by my pastor. I think this is one of those days that deserve a reflection and review. This past weekend Pastor Jay uses Acts 13:15-52 to exemplify how we can help people.
All of us have friends and family in our lives that rely on us for advice and assistance. What do we do when they come to us for help? Often times we try to give them our own advice or what we think they should do. Instead this brief lesson will show you how you can help others in need:
Let's begin.
1. Utilize the word of God as your solid foundation. Fully embrace the Word of God tohelp people. Repeeatedly quote the Word of God to help people. Instead of interjecting our own opinions and advice, use the Word of God. Acts 13:1-52, 2Timothy 3:16-17,Acts 20:35, Psalm 119:50,Psalm 119: 105

2.Focus on the Son of God as your central messsage. Focus on the death and resurection of Jesus to help people. Focus on forgiveness and justification for repentence to help people.
To forgive means to release a debt and is a change of a condition. Justification means to be judged as righteous and is a change of position. Let them know that God doesn't see your sins when you accept Jesus into into your life. And only Jesus can remove the guilt that you feel in your life. Let them know that no religion or good works cansave you from your sin, only Jesus.Acts13:26-41, 1Corinthians 15:3-6, 11 Peter 3:18, Psalm 51:3-4

3.Trust the Spirit of God to make a mighty impact in the lives of others. Trust that the Spirit of God can empower the word of God to bring people to God. Trust that the Spirit of God can give you the strength of God to overcome the opposition of the world. Relay these messages and thoughts to those that you are helping. Acts 13:42-52, Isaiah 55:11, Jeremiah 23:29

Now what step do you need totake to make Jesus and the Word of God a Central Focus in your Life?

I need to memorize Bible verses. I want to do this not to impress people or just for the sake of memorization, but instead for the sake of helping others. If I can recall a verse or passage from the Bible that relates to a person's situation when they come to me for help then I can really start to impact their life with the Word of God.

What about you, what are you going to do the next time someone comes to you for help? Are you going to rely on your own thoughts and ideas or are you going to refer to the Word of God?