With the warm weather comes much excitement! One of the most exciting things to me is the increase in our members availability to attend services and events! As many of us are unable to come at times in the winter due to snow (especially on Sunday and Wednesday nights), spring and summer bring longer days and no more snow! I truly am looking forward to seeing more of our membership now that the harsh winter has lifted. Currently, we are studying the Thematic Approach [to evangelism] on Sunday nights and on Wednesday nights we are in the book of Daniel.
Although in class this morning we will be discussing what Christ has done in our lives and what our story is, we must never forget that the most important story is what Christ has done for all people. We must learn how to tell HIS story also. Could you communicate the main message of the Christian faith in a concise fashion in a short amount of time? If somebody asked you what it means to be Christian could you answer without “losing attention” due to drawn out stories?
The gospel message can be broken down into four parts: GOD, US, CHRIST, YOU.
GOD—God is loving (1 John 4:16b), holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and just (2 Thessalonians 1:6). When discussing the central theme of the gospel, this is the first step one should take. These three understandings about God are key in ones understanding about salvation.
US—We need to understand that we have rebelled against the loving God. We were created good, but became sinful (Romans 3:23), we deserve death (Romans 6:23), and we are spiritually helpless (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). This puts into perspective that because of our rebellion against God, we are sinful, deserving of death, and unable to rectify the situation ourselves.
CHRIST—We must realize that Christ is the only one who can solve this dilemma. Christ is God who became man (John 1:1,14; 8:24), Christ died in our place as our substitute (1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21), and finally, Christ offers forgiveness as a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23).
YOU—This final point relates to you, me, and our friends. Individually, each one of us decides the outcome of our own story. We must respond (John 1:12; Romans 10:13), we must ask for forgiveness and be baptized (1 John 1:9; Acts 2:38) and we must understand the result is a spiritual transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
In short, this sums up the story of God and his people (you, me, and the world). If we can learn to be able to share this message in a timely manner, we can get to the heart of the gospel quickly and confidently. Pray that God sends somebody your way this week who is searching for truth!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Why We C.A.R.E.
Our current study over evangelism is truly a wonderful topic of discussion. As the world changes, evangelism does also. Different people learn and respond to different things. This is what makes our current study so important when considering reaching this world. However, we must all keep in mind that it is not something that happens over night. It takes months and even years sometimes to see growth from a planted seed.
There are four characteristics a community of believers must have in order to grow. These four characteristics must also be passed down to every believer and “new comer.” These characteristics can easily be remembered as the C.A.R.E. principle (communal, accountable, respectful, and evangelical).
Communal—Community is HUGE when it comes to today’s culture. Note that even in the book of Acts followers of Christ spent a lot of time with each other. We must not be any different today. If we claim to be a family, we must truly function as one. I’m not sure about you, but my family was always with each other and helping each other. The building of community also encompasses the building of relationships. We must build relationships with both those inside and those who are outside.
Accountable—Accountability is another priority. This does not mean shun somebody who has slipped up and fallen. It does not even mean to lecture that person. However, it does mean that we need to watch out for each other and help each other achieve the standard set before us. We need to help each other stay on track in our prayer life, our struggles, our attitudes, and every other aspect of our walk with Christ.
Respectful—A growing body of Christ is respectful to all of its members. It does not talk behind anyone’s back and it does not disrespect somebody intentionally. If we are to grow, we must constantly respect each other and those who are outside of our congregation. It’s true, our respect should extend to everyone. We can disagree and still be respectful...whether its within our family or if its with someone who is outside of the family.
Evangelical—Evangelism is the lifeline of the body of Christ. Just like milk helps our physical bodies grow strong and be nurtured, evangelism helps grow and nurture the body of Christ. We are commanded to go and share the Good News of Christ. We are not commanded to share doctrines, theologies, or even opinions, but the good news. Everything else comes later. If we are not evangelizing in our daily lives (not only on Sundays) we are not living a right life with Jesus Christ. Even more, if we are not evangelizing daily, we are out right disobeying Jesus.
If we hold to these four characteristics, we will see a harvest and growth both spiritually and numerically. Where do you need improvement?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
There are four characteristics a community of believers must have in order to grow. These four characteristics must also be passed down to every believer and “new comer.” These characteristics can easily be remembered as the C.A.R.E. principle (communal, accountable, respectful, and evangelical).
Communal—Community is HUGE when it comes to today’s culture. Note that even in the book of Acts followers of Christ spent a lot of time with each other. We must not be any different today. If we claim to be a family, we must truly function as one. I’m not sure about you, but my family was always with each other and helping each other. The building of community also encompasses the building of relationships. We must build relationships with both those inside and those who are outside.
Accountable—Accountability is another priority. This does not mean shun somebody who has slipped up and fallen. It does not even mean to lecture that person. However, it does mean that we need to watch out for each other and help each other achieve the standard set before us. We need to help each other stay on track in our prayer life, our struggles, our attitudes, and every other aspect of our walk with Christ.
Respectful—A growing body of Christ is respectful to all of its members. It does not talk behind anyone’s back and it does not disrespect somebody intentionally. If we are to grow, we must constantly respect each other and those who are outside of our congregation. It’s true, our respect should extend to everyone. We can disagree and still be respectful...whether its within our family or if its with someone who is outside of the family.
Evangelical—Evangelism is the lifeline of the body of Christ. Just like milk helps our physical bodies grow strong and be nurtured, evangelism helps grow and nurture the body of Christ. We are commanded to go and share the Good News of Christ. We are not commanded to share doctrines, theologies, or even opinions, but the good news. Everything else comes later. If we are not evangelizing in our daily lives (not only on Sundays) we are not living a right life with Jesus Christ. Even more, if we are not evangelizing daily, we are out right disobeying Jesus.
If we hold to these four characteristics, we will see a harvest and growth both spiritually and numerically. Where do you need improvement?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, April 11, 2009
EVANGELISM 2
This morning, many gather together in order to worship God, remember Christ, and celebrate the resurrection. What a wonderful day to begin a study on evangelism! Sunday mornings remind me of why we go out proclaiming the good news. After all, there would be no good news if it wasn’t for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The death of Jesus truly is a testimony but what would it amount too if Jesus had stayed in the grave all these years? Evangelism comes from the excitement of ones conviction that Jesus does live and that He continues to change lives! Throughout this study, we will learn tools to help us become more comfortable and equipped to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Today, we live in a “post-modern” culture. It is truly a unique culture that requires a little bit of creativity and understanding if you wish to reach it. It is a culture who would rather have a friend then a stranger share the good news. It is a culture that desires authenticity and relationship before the exchanging of ideas and “truth.” It’s not that the “post-moderns” don’t believe in anything, it’s that they believe anything that comes their way. The movement comes from the scrutiny of modernism and its tight reigns. The post-modern movement is an outcry for an actual relationship and meaning in life rather than statistics and facts. Our advantage is while all of these “seekers” are searching for meaning and purpose, we have that to offer them. Our challenge is that there are many false shepherds out there claiming to offer a better alternative (i.e. Wicca, Baha'i, etc.).
If one wishes to reach this culture of “post-modernists,” there are a few rules to follow:
1. Learn to speak their language. When the KJV was translated, it was written in the vulgar (or common) language. Although this is not a horrible translation, if you are witnessing to someone under the age of 30 who did not grow up in church, you are better off using a translation that speaks their language (as the KJV is no longer fulfilling its intention...i.e. it is no longer in the common language). I typically use the NIV. Other good suggestions are the ESV and the NKJV. Whatever you use, make sure it is not hard for someone to read and understand.This rule also means use down to earth terms. Canonical, eschatological, and temporal are a few examples of words that would only detract from the goal.
2. Feed the masses. I am not literally talking about feeding people (although it is a good example). Most people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. Finding a few non-threatening events to invite someone two will open up lines of communication. For example: inviting someone to bowling and other events are good ways for you to get to know each other. A conversion is not likely to take place within the first three meetings with someone you just met. Use the time to get to know them. Find ways to interest people in you and your life. Notice that those who came to Jesus typically came for their own needs (i.e. food, healing, answers, overthrowing of the government). Jesus used these as ways into their life. We find those who came for selfish reasons be changed and begin following Christ.
3. Be genuine. People don’t need another gimmick. They don’t need another person to befriend them in order to win them to their side only to be dropped if they fail to comply. People today (just like long ago) need a real friend, that means a friend who is still a friend even if they don’t accept the gospel.
Following these three simple rules will get you off on the right foot in evangelism. Only by studying the culture and our surroundings will we know how to present the Gospel in a relevant way without changing the message of the Gospel. Teaching methods can change as long as the Gospel stays the same.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Today, we live in a “post-modern” culture. It is truly a unique culture that requires a little bit of creativity and understanding if you wish to reach it. It is a culture who would rather have a friend then a stranger share the good news. It is a culture that desires authenticity and relationship before the exchanging of ideas and “truth.” It’s not that the “post-moderns” don’t believe in anything, it’s that they believe anything that comes their way. The movement comes from the scrutiny of modernism and its tight reigns. The post-modern movement is an outcry for an actual relationship and meaning in life rather than statistics and facts. Our advantage is while all of these “seekers” are searching for meaning and purpose, we have that to offer them. Our challenge is that there are many false shepherds out there claiming to offer a better alternative (i.e. Wicca, Baha'i, etc.).
If one wishes to reach this culture of “post-modernists,” there are a few rules to follow:
1. Learn to speak their language. When the KJV was translated, it was written in the vulgar (or common) language. Although this is not a horrible translation, if you are witnessing to someone under the age of 30 who did not grow up in church, you are better off using a translation that speaks their language (as the KJV is no longer fulfilling its intention...i.e. it is no longer in the common language). I typically use the NIV. Other good suggestions are the ESV and the NKJV. Whatever you use, make sure it is not hard for someone to read and understand.This rule also means use down to earth terms. Canonical, eschatological, and temporal are a few examples of words that would only detract from the goal.
2. Feed the masses. I am not literally talking about feeding people (although it is a good example). Most people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. Finding a few non-threatening events to invite someone two will open up lines of communication. For example: inviting someone to bowling and other events are good ways for you to get to know each other. A conversion is not likely to take place within the first three meetings with someone you just met. Use the time to get to know them. Find ways to interest people in you and your life. Notice that those who came to Jesus typically came for their own needs (i.e. food, healing, answers, overthrowing of the government). Jesus used these as ways into their life. We find those who came for selfish reasons be changed and begin following Christ.
3. Be genuine. People don’t need another gimmick. They don’t need another person to befriend them in order to win them to their side only to be dropped if they fail to comply. People today (just like long ago) need a real friend, that means a friend who is still a friend even if they don’t accept the gospel.
Following these three simple rules will get you off on the right foot in evangelism. Only by studying the culture and our surroundings will we know how to present the Gospel in a relevant way without changing the message of the Gospel. Teaching methods can change as long as the Gospel stays the same.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Monday, April 6, 2009
EVANGELISM
Today is our final day studying the book of Mark. It has truly been a wonderful experience and I am certain we have all learned much more about the depths of Mark’s Gospel. Looking forward, we now prepare to move into our six week study of evangelism. This will be an exciting study that will challenge the way each of us thinks about evangelism and will give practical tools and tips concerning your personal outreach.
If you think about it, evangelism is a lot like a worship service. Just like there are appropriate things to do and not to do in worship service, there are appropriate and inappropriate things to do in evangelism. When you are intentionally seeking out a person in order to share the Gospel, this must be kept in mind. I want to share with you a few practical tips to remember concerning evangelism:
1) There is a time and a place for that. One must constantly remember that there is a time and place to discuss ones opinions about something that could potentially look negative. Sharing the gospel is not the time to vent frustration or pursue any certain “agenda.” Most of us struggle with this sometimes.
2) Perception is reality. Whether it is true or not, how your friend sees you is their reality. How they perceive you as a follower of Christ becomes their reality. We must watch our tones, body language, etc. when sharing the Gospel (Col. 4:5).
3) Each person is not a project. Too often people we witness to feel as though we are using them as a “project.” Whether they accept the gospel or not, prepare to invest in this person for the long haul.
4) Be a friend first! In today’s culture, nobody cares about your convictions until they see a genuine care for their current situation. Make sure you aren’t just starting a project, but that you are beginning a long term friendship.
5) Ask questions. The worst thing you can do is preach at somebody for 45 minutes or so. Try asking questions! Questions are magical...they can lead somebody to a conviction and give you insight into their world.
6) Don’t chase every rabbit. Not everything that comes up has to be looked into at the moment. You will run into a lot of scenarios and interesting questions/comments. Keep the focus of the conversation in mind and don’t preach about every issue that comes up. It’s okay to say “let me get back to you on that.”
7) Don’t leave without setting a time and a place for the next “get together.” Before you close with a prayer, discuss a time and place to meet together again and exchange contact information.
8) Have some fun! Get together sometimes just to hang out or watch a ball game! Show that you are interested in them and not just their response! Nobody likes to feel used.
9) Ask them to pray. If you are comfortable with this, try asking them to start the prayer after a few meetings...let them know that it’s okay if they wish not too. If they do, be patient...it may be their first time. If they do pray, listen carefully...prayers often reveal a lot about an individual.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
If you think about it, evangelism is a lot like a worship service. Just like there are appropriate things to do and not to do in worship service, there are appropriate and inappropriate things to do in evangelism. When you are intentionally seeking out a person in order to share the Gospel, this must be kept in mind. I want to share with you a few practical tips to remember concerning evangelism:
1) There is a time and a place for that. One must constantly remember that there is a time and place to discuss ones opinions about something that could potentially look negative. Sharing the gospel is not the time to vent frustration or pursue any certain “agenda.” Most of us struggle with this sometimes.
2) Perception is reality. Whether it is true or not, how your friend sees you is their reality. How they perceive you as a follower of Christ becomes their reality. We must watch our tones, body language, etc. when sharing the Gospel (Col. 4:5).
3) Each person is not a project. Too often people we witness to feel as though we are using them as a “project.” Whether they accept the gospel or not, prepare to invest in this person for the long haul.
4) Be a friend first! In today’s culture, nobody cares about your convictions until they see a genuine care for their current situation. Make sure you aren’t just starting a project, but that you are beginning a long term friendship.
5) Ask questions. The worst thing you can do is preach at somebody for 45 minutes or so. Try asking questions! Questions are magical...they can lead somebody to a conviction and give you insight into their world.
6) Don’t chase every rabbit. Not everything that comes up has to be looked into at the moment. You will run into a lot of scenarios and interesting questions/comments. Keep the focus of the conversation in mind and don’t preach about every issue that comes up. It’s okay to say “let me get back to you on that.”
7) Don’t leave without setting a time and a place for the next “get together.” Before you close with a prayer, discuss a time and place to meet together again and exchange contact information.
8) Have some fun! Get together sometimes just to hang out or watch a ball game! Show that you are interested in them and not just their response! Nobody likes to feel used.
9) Ask them to pray. If you are comfortable with this, try asking them to start the prayer after a few meetings...let them know that it’s okay if they wish not too. If they do, be patient...it may be their first time. If they do pray, listen carefully...prayers often reveal a lot about an individual.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
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