CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION

· A powerful means of growth - Christian conversation – talking together about the Lord and His Kingdom – can be a powerful impetus and means to real spiritual growth. We should add this to our regimen of spiritual disciplines and seek out opportunities to practice Christian conversation as often as we can.

· ground rules:

o the purpose to glorify God - not ourselves. No place for competition. Avoid a critical spirit and trying to make the other person into our image.

o encourage everyone to participate - if more than 2, avoid dialog and monologue. Maybe all prepare beforehand on a text.

o Measure everything by what the Scriptures say. Let the Spirit shape and mold you as He compares scriptures.

o let prayer, praise & singing slip out as if Jesus were the primary participant.

o Let the conversation move toward and culminate in a celebration of the greatness of God and the wonder of His salvation.

· The art of Christian conversation is an innovative and inspiring way for Christians, (and those exploring) to get to know themselves - and God - better.

· helps people of all ages discover aspects of their faith, and share knowledge and understanding in ways that educate, entertain and enlighten. 

· don't have a mouth like a river that flows into the Arctic Ocean — frozen over at the mouth - that indicates coldness.

· Christian conversation PLEASES GOD. It is plainly indicated that God is pleased when His people talk to each other tenderly about Him; that He listens.

· Why are Christians to-day so dumb? Love is not a dumb or silent thing. Love speaks. Why this hesitation when we speak of religion? Does it not seem strangely inconsistent in us?

· Mal_3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

· "The Lord hearkened and heard it." He listened while His children fondly talked of Him. Does it not please you to overhear some kind word spoken of yourself? Do not think your Heavenly Father indifferent to praise. He loves to see gratitude in our hearts; it greatly pleases Him to hear us talking one to another about His goodness.

· Christian conversation BLESSES US. Nothing does one's own heart so much good as speaking kindly of another. Expressing love ever increases it.

· Christian conversation BLESSES OTHERS. There are too many dumb Christians; for there is a vast power in our tongues if we will but use them aright. Who can estimate the power of kindly words to touch the heart and mould the life?

· Did the disciples talk among themeselves?