Following the Jesus Method Mingling
Following the Jesus method • Sermon • Submitted
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· 136 viewsJesus ministry was simple the first was to mingle
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Mingling
Mingling
Today we start a new series called “following the Jesus method” we will be looking at over the next few weeks what is the Jesus method. How are we doing in that space.
Today is a high day as we have completed the 1o days of prayer. It has been a blessing and I know that many of you that came were blessed. If you didn’t make it feel free to join us on Wednesday nights we will continue to meet in prayer on a weekly bases.
I want to share a story.
To get us
A deacon in a local church drove a van that took the youth to an old-age home to hold a worship service every month. In the first week, while the youth were leading out, an old man in a wheelchair grabbed the deacon’s hand and held it during the service. This happened month after month.
A deacon in a local church drove a van that took the youth to an old-age home to hold a worship service every month. In the first week, while the youth were leading out, an old man in a wheelchair grabbed the deacon’s hand and held it during the service. This happened month after month. One time, when the youth group came, the man in the wheelchair was not there. The staff said that he would not likely live through the night. The deacon went to his room, and he was lying there, obviously unconscious. Taking the old man’s hand, the deacon prayed that the Lord would grant him eternal life. The seemingly unconscious man squeezed the deacon’s hand tightly, and the deacon knew that his prayer had been heard. With tears in his eyes, he stumbled out of the room, bumping into a woman who said, “I’m his daughter. He’s been waiting for you. My father said, 'Once a month Jesus comes and holds my hand. And I don’t want to die until I have a chance to hold the hand of Jesus one more time.’”
One time, when the youth group came, the man in the wheelchair was not there. The staff said that he would not likely live through the night. The deacon went to his room, and he was lying there, obviously unconscious. Taking the old man’s hand, the deacon prayed that the Lord would grant him eternal life. The seemingly unconscious man squeezed the deacon’s hand tightly, and the deacon knew that his prayer had been heard. With tears in his eyes, he stumbled out of the room, bumping into a woman who said, “I’m his daughter. He’s been waiting for you. My father said, 'Once a month Jesus comes and holds my hand. And I don’t want to die until I have a chance to hold the hand of Jesus one more time.’”
Christianity is about becoming “Jesus” for somebody.
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me.’” - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.
Let’s analyse this a bit.
Jesus mingled with people as One who desired their good. (He opened networks.)
Jesus sympathised with people. (He formed attachments.)
Jesus sympathised with people. (He formed attachments.)
Jesus sympathised with people. (He formed attachments.)
Jesus ministered to their needs. (This also formed attachments.)
Jesus sympathized with people. (He formed attachments.)
When He combined the first, second, and third elements, He won people’s confidence.
“Then He bade them, 'Follow Me’” (to become disciples).
Jesus ministered to their needs. (This also formed attachments.)When He combined the first, second, and third elements, He won people’s confidence.
Jesus mingled
When He combined the first, second, and third elements, He won people’s confidence.
“Then He bade them, 'Follow Me’” (to become disciples).
What we see here is a wholistic model of the gospel. This ministry method will guide us in proclaiming the gospel more fully. Jesus did not separate the social aspects (numbers 1-4) from giving the invitation to follow Him (number 5), and so neither should we. All of the steps working together will give “ true success.” This lesson will focus on the first step of Jesus’ method. Lessons 7-11 will focus on the others.
Jesus sympathised
Jesus ministered
He won people’s confidence
Then He bid them, 'Follow Me!
What we see here is a wholistic model of the gospel. This ministry method will guide us in proclaiming the gospel more fully. Jesus did not separate the social aspects (numbers 1-4) from giving the invitation to follow Him (number 5), and so neither should we. All of the steps working together will give “ true success.” This lesson will focus on the first step of Jesus’ method. Lessons 7-11 will focus on the others.
What we see here is a wholistic model of the gospel. This ministry method will guide us in proclaiming the gospel more fully. Jesus did not separate the social aspects (numbers 1-4) from giving the invitation to follow Him (number 5), and so neither should we. All of the steps working together will give “ true success.”
We will be looking at these steps over the next few weeks. Today we are going to look at the first one Jesus mingled.
Jesus mingled with people.
Jesus mingled with people.
We will look at these over the next few weeks. Today we are going to look at the first one Jesus mingled.
Who did Jesus mingle with? Ok
Lets check this out.
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
When I was young, I was taught (or at least I understood) that if I was involved in sin, God would avoid me. What do these verses suggest about that idea? (God does not run away from sinners.)
For me these verse tell me that God is there for everyone. No matter who we are or how bad a sinner we are. This is something that we need to fully understand.
Lets have a look at another passage and yes we have all read this at sometime and probably many times but lets look at it differently.
So he told them this parable:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
luk 15
What does this teach about God's relationship to sinners? (He not only runs after them, He carries them home!)
I am going to read this passage to you again from the message.
Their grumbling triggered this story.
“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?
When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing,
and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’
In this story, who had the closer relationship with Jesus, the saved sheep or the lost sheep? (Jesus spent more time finding the lost sheep. It was the focus of His attention. The goal, however, was to make the lost sheep like one of the righteous sheep.)
In this story, who had the closer relationship with Jesus, the saved sheep or the lost sheep? (Jesus spent more time finding the lost sheep. It was the focus of His attention. The goal, however, was to make the lost sheep like one of the righteous sheep.)
In this story, who had the closer relationship with Jesus, the saved sheep or the lost sheep? (Jesus spent more time finding the lost sheep. It was the focus of His attention. The goal, however, was to make the lost sheep like one of the righteous sheep.)
Question what groups of people would Jesus be likely to mingle with today? This question can be confronting as many of us are comfortable where we are at. But it is a very real question.
What group or groups of people would Jesus likely hang out with today? What class of people would Jesus hang out with?
We have many groups and clubs around here there is the Rooty Hill RSL there is West Tradies. You have the PCYC.
Mount Druitt Lions Club
Mount Druitt Rotary Club
Craft group here at church each week
Other community groups
Wash House which is for women in the community
We have created opportunities for each one to be able to mingle with others in the community. That is what the food pantry is for to create opportunity to meet peoples needs but to mingle.
What is stopping us from having a street BBQ, or having games here on the ground of an afternoon.
I want to be clear it is important that when we mingle we do so wisely.
It is important that when we mingle we do so wisely.
While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.
MINGLING WISELY
MINGLING WISELY
With a mandate to mingle with others, God has always spoken words that warn us of potential dangers we most definitely encounter along the way.
A speaker asked a group to tell how many “non-Adventist friends” they had. One man in the back of the room stood up and triumphantly proclaimed, “I’m proud to say none!” That man might have meant well, but his words said a lot about what kind of light to the world he was.
The story of Lot, almost being destroyed with the sinful city of Sodom, where he chose to move his family, proves this point. It is not wise to so closely entwine our existence with those who have totally lost their way in the world. Lot may have been saved, through Abraham’s intervention, but most of his family were not.
Lot teaches us that it is dangerous to our property and our salvation to move in with sinners. Jesus teaches us to be available to sinners and be willing to interact with them.
There are other things to avoid.
While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.
Numbers 25
There are other things to avoid.
is very helpful in identifying the things we must avoid when undertaking our witnessing ventures.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
That which is not from our father is from the world.
In order to avoid these evils, Paul wrote to the Ephesians about putting on the armour of God. We must arm ourselves diligently when doing battle, especially on Satan’s battleground. To do less, is to invite spiritual disaster to ourselves and possibly our families.
. How can we be in the world, but not of the world, as Jesus talked about in this prayer?
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Read . How does Paul advise us to be in the world, but not of the world? Why is it such a struggle?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
This is part of what we have been talking about over the last 10 days of prayer. To put on the armour of God.
As we mingle we need to have the armour of God and have a constant connection to God. We need to be the salt of the earth and Jesus call us that we are the salt of the earth.
Read . How does salt lose its flavour? Does too much world and not enough salt affect the taste results? What is meant by salt? How do we become like salt? And finally, how do we keep our flavour?
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
Jesus’ imperative to reach out to our communities creates a particularly difficult endeavour for God’s church in our sin-saturated world. These last days of earth’s history makes us want to cleave to each other and exclude the world at a time like no other.
But we must venture forth with the gospel message, and it must be given in a way that attracts followers, not just promotes fear and anguish. For we are called to promote peace, not chaos; and love, not hatred.
We must win the trust of our listeners. Before they will accept the Prince of Peace through the love of God, they must see that love in action for them. God’s love can only shine through those whose hearts reflect that love.
When this happens, we truly become the light of the world, as Jesus called us to be ().
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
In a book called Empowering the Poor, by Robert Linthicum, we find a distinction between churches and how they interact with their communities. This author observes…
a church IN the city (or community)–this church focuses on serving its own members exclusively a church TO the city (or community)–
a church IN the city (or community)–this church focuses on serving its own members exclusively a church TO the city (or community)–
this church reaches out by presenting some programs, without community ownership to determine true needs; risks being ineffective for meeting supposed needs a church WITH the city (or community)–
this church reaches out by presenting some programs, without community ownership to determine true needs; risks being ineffective for meeting supposed needs a church WITH the city (or community)–
this church provides relevant and thriving ministries, by conducting careful analysis and inquiries to target local gaps in service, and continues to build trust by embracing people and meeting actual needs
this church provides relevant and thriving ministries, by conducting careful analysis and inquiries to target local gaps in service, and continues to build trust by embracing people and meeting actual needs
Most desired, of course, is the growing, thriving church that works with the community to fulfil needs, both physical and spiritual.
Most desired, of course, is the growing, thriving church that works with the community to fulfil needs, both physical and spiritual.
Instead of isolating ourselves, Jesus’ example encourages us to mingle with unbelievers, even to befriend them.This was His first step in winning converts. Simply to be their friend.
We must… recognise Christ’s model of ministry use it to seek and save the lost in this world practice forming close bonds with sinners, so they trust us, and the gospel we share with them mingle wisely, not becoming contaminated with the bad things in the world, but striving to live pure lives in the midst of chaos use Jesus’ service model, even during these final days of earth’s history.
recognize Christ’s model of ministry (Sunday)use it to seek and save the lost in this world (Monday)practice forming close bonds with sinners, so they trust us, and the gospel we share with them (Tuesday)mingle wisely, not becoming contaminated with the bad things in the world, but striving to live pure lives in the midst of chaos (Wednesday)use Jesus’ service model, even during these final days of earth’s history (Thursday)
We must leave our spiritual bubbles. Our churches must not become exclusive social clubs (a church in the city), but rather beacons for a dying world. We must do more than reach out to our communities (a church to the community), but rather take the next step and embrace them (a church with the community).
In order to do this effectively, we must first have mercy and compassion. But the path to that is to develop humility. Christ humbled Himself to come to our world. And we must do the same.
If our service is to accomplish what God designed, we must do all we can to foster humility, and denounce pride in our own individual hearts.
If our service is to accomplish what God designed, we must do all we can to foster humility, and denounce pride in our own individual hearts.
With humility, comes compassion.
What do you need to change to mingle with others?
What do you need to change to mingle with others?
My challenge for you today is what do you need to change today to be the light and to mingle with others.
Mount Druitt Lions Club
Mount Druitt Rotary Club
Craft group here at church each week
Other community groups
Wash House which is for women in the community