This week we're looking at what it means to P.A.R.T.N.E.R. with one another to reach out to those in our community and spheres of influence who have not yet trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Yesterday, we saw that the "P" in P.A.R.T.N.E.R. stands for Pray Together.  Today, we turn to "A".  "A" is for Appeal to Common Interests.  This is one of my favorites, and apparently one of the Apostle Paul's favorites, too, because look what he wrote, "Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.  I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I receive when I see them come to Christ."   1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (LB)

 "Whatever a person is like..." that's one of the coolest things about Jesus---He's for everyone.  You don't have to be a jock, or a scientist, or a blue collar person for Jesus to appeal to you.  He appeals across the spectrums of life.  Notice that Paul's purpose in finding common ground in others was so He could tell them about Jesus.  Some say, "Don't you have an ulterior motive in making friends with other people when you just want them to become followers of Jesus?"  My answer is, "No.  I never have an ulterior motive in making friends with other people, because they all know I want them to know Jesus."  As I said in worship yesterday, "We have the best news ever.  Why wouldn't we share it with others?"  if we had the cure for cancer we'd tell everyone.   For that matter, if our favorite team won their game yesterday, we tell a lot of people!  (Go, Steelers!)  So, why wouldn't we tell people up front that we want them to know the greatest news in all of human history?  I believe EVERYONE is better off with Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  I respect everyone's right to decide that for themselves, but I at least want them to make an informed decision, don't you?

Take a moment right now and think about someone you know, who doesn't yet know Jesus.  It could be a relative, a friend, someone at school or work, someone on a sports team or in a local drama group.  Are you thinking of the person?  Now, think of something you have in common with that person.  Better yet, think of someone else who's a believer who has that in common with you and the person who isn't a believer, and consider how you could get together and enjoy your common interest.  In that setting, if the opportunity comes up to share your faith in Jesus, do it.  If it doesn't you've had an enjoyable time and laid a foundation for you or someone else to move forward in helping the person take Jesus seriously.  At the end of the day, each person must decide for himself or herself whether to follow Jesus.  Our task is to find ways to get Jesus and the other person "in the room together."  Appealing to common interests is a great way to do that!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your written word, which shows us how we can fulfill Your Great Commission.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may consider the interests of others and not only our own today.  Show us how we can be strategic in all our relationships, to build bridges of relationship that will ultimately lead to You!  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.