2/16/15

Where does the phrase “Come to Jesus meeting” come from?

I’ve heard this phrase at work, generally used when things aren’t going well. We’ve missed a deadline, someone is aloof and change is required. It’s a crucial conversation that someone instigates with an individual or a group. I think they use the term “come to Jesus” because before the instigator wants to hear from the others they need to outline a few key points:
1.      What’s the expectation
2.       How were the expectations violated
3.       What changes are needed and why


When Christians “share the gospel” they similarly will talk about “four spiritual laws”  with people whom God has humbled through life circumstances. That correlates with what changes are needed and why.

Familiar but Lost
Our culture is so familiar with the “story of Jesus” that it has become a kind of tongue and cheek joke, “let’s have a come to Jesus meeting”. We see Jesus at least twice a year Christmas (his birth) and Easter (his death & resurrection). We may be invited to a worship time at church or to hear a special guest by family or work friends. But why does anyone “care to share” Jesus? We’ve all already heard it right?

Refusing to Change?
The big idea is that even though we’ve heard the gospel and on some level understood the implications, we refuse to change. We’ve all faced life changing events that have humbled us but has anyone come along side you to have a “come to Jesus” meeting? If you are Christian and know of a person who is struggling with life changes, will you see this as a divine appointment set by God to share the good news of Jesus Christ? Pray this person’s name and commit yourself to talk with them in the next 3 days.

Only God changes Hearts
Only God can soften your heart and the heart of your friend. Remember as you show the light and love God in the world these wise words; “The same sun that hardens clay, softens wax”. Keep your skin thick (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-20&version=NIV ) and your heart soft (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A13-18&version=NIV).