Evangelism Dialogue with MALC and Leaders

 CHAPTER ONE Living Epistles Unashamed Known and Read of All Men We want to understand how and why we may share witness of our faith in Christ as a living testimony day-by-day. We will look at how a Christian congregation serves as a basic or base community from which to bear witness outward. We will look at ten things not to be ashamed of in our witness to others. A. We Are to Be Living Epistles 2 Cor 3:1-3 – “1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.“ Each believer is an individual with a personal testimony of God’s love and redemption in his or her life. Believers gather together as an assembly of saints on the weekends, but believers during the week are scattered many places throughout the region and carry a “salt and light” influence as each touches others through relationship and influence. For good or bad, others “read” believers on a daily basis as to the difference Christ has made in the believer’s life. 2 Cor 2:14-16 – “14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.” Paul goes on to say that he was communicating the gospel in “sincerity” as from God, speaking in the sight of God in Christ (v. 17). B. The Biblical Mandate of Evangelism Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply after your own kind” – God’s original command to man-kind. Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel (good news) to all creation.” Luke 24:46-48 – “The Christ will suffer and ruse from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” John 21:19 – “Follow me!” Earlier, Jesus had said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Romans 10:14, 15 – “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” C. A Basic Issue for Evangelism: Do Not Be Ashamed 2 Timothy 1:8 – “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” One dimension critical to the success and effective functioning of a local congregation is that of evangelism and outreach. Without evangelism, a church will plateau and eventually die. With loving, kind, spirit-filled overflow of lives that testify to Christ’s reality, evangelism occurs. Our goal in this section is to kindle excitement and courage for the daily privilege to be unashamedly identified with the person and work of Christ and with the message and cause of the gospel. Three times in II Timothy chapter one, Paul used the words and emphasizes “do not be ashamed.” TIMOTHY “Do not be ashamed” verse 8 PAUL “I am not ashamed” verse 12 ONESIPHORUS “He is not ashamed” verse 16 Paul goes on to speak about not being ashamed of the word of God. 2 Tim 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The Greek work epaiskunomai means, “do not be ashamed.” In the New Testament, this word is always used in the middle voice, and means, “to shame one’s self” upon, in or at something. Shame is a feeling that attends circumstances of being dis-honored, or when having done a dishonorable deed. On the other hand, shame is also the inner sensation that deters, (e.g. through the fear of shame or being shamed) a person from bad conduct or yielding to the temptation of sin. Mark 8:38 (Luke 9:26) – “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Rom 1:16-17 – “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."” Heb 2:10-12 – “10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." Heb 11:16 – “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” D. Developing an Unashamed Lifestyle – 2 Tim 1:1-18 The key to maintaining evangelistic outreach and personal witness is to take on an unashamed identity with Jesus Christ, his church and with God’s people and leaders. The local church is a base of community from which its members reach out with witness of Christ. 2 Timothy, chapter one, speaks of ten important ingredients essential to a bold testimony and witness, or in other words, ten things for which we ought not to be ashamed. 1. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Pastoral Inheritance (1:1-2a) 2 Tim 1:1-2a - “Paul, an apostle by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy my dear son.” One’s godly inheritance includes the input, discipleship, and love of your pastor and pastoral staff whether that is full-time or spare-time pastors. Pastors are servants of the congregational body-life of the local church and meant to help the family of God reproduce new believers and then help the new believers grow up in Christ to be mature saints. a. Timothy was spiritually discipled - Acts 16:1: “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.” b. Timothy was apostolically equipped – Acts 16:3: “Paul wanted to have him go on with him.” Compare Eph 4:11. c. Timothy was pastorally fathered - 1 Cor 4:17: “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” 2. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Spiritual Forefathers (1:2-3) 2 Tim 1:2b, 3 - “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day, I constantly remember you in my prayers.” Paul writes to Timothy: a. Ministerally trained by Paul – v. 2b – “grace, mercy and peace” b. Historically educated by Paul – v. 3a - “a clear conscience” c. Prayerfully supported by Paul – v. 3b – “remember you” 3. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Relational Connections (1:4) - 2 Tim 1:4 - “Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.” Paul and Timothy were connected: a. Relational love: “recalling your tears” b. Affectionately connected: “I long to see you” c. Mutual inheritance: “that I may be filled with joy” 4. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Family Heritage (1:5) 2 Tim 1:5 - “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim 3: 15). a. Living faith modeled to him: “your sincere faith which lived first” b. Parentally trained: “in your grandmother Lois and mother Eunice” c. Experientially alive in Christ: “now lives in you also” 5. Do Not Be Ashamed Of Your Personal Testimony (1:6-8a) 2 Tim 1:6-8a - “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” a. Rekindle your gifting in God (vs. 6) – “fan into flame” b. Reject timidity (vs. 7) – “God did not give a spirit of timidity” c. Release your true inner spirit (vs. 7) – “God gave us the spirit of power, love, self-discipline.” 1) Spirit - “pneuma” - the opposite of timidity 2) Power - “dunamis” - spiritual dynamic 3) Love - “agape” - selfless love 4) Wisdom - “sopher” - self discipline 6. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Holy Calling (1:8b-9) 2 Tim 1:8-10 – “8 Share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” a. Suffering (I Tim 1:8) - People in the world are suffering and we reach out to them, from the stance of our own suffering. Rom 8:18-21: “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility… 21…because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” b. Holiness (I Tim 1:9) - Holiness is part of our witness for Christ and usually runs in opposition to the popular culture. 1 Thess 3:13: “So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father.” 1 Thess 4:7: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” c. Purpose (I Tim 1:9) - We should pursue the prize of the upward call and demonstrate a truly Christian life before the world. Phil 3:12, 14, 15 – “12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 …as many as are mature, have this mind.” (cf. 2 Thess 1:11) d. Grace (I Tim 1:9) – Grace is the basis of salvation and people in the world need grace; there is a need for that message to be presented graciously. 1 Cor 1:2: “To the church of God which is at Corinth… 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.” 7. Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel Of Grace (1:9b-11) 2 Tim 1:9b-11 - “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has not been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.” Four elements are included in the gospel of grace. a. Grace found in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. b. Grace revealed through the appearing of Christ Jesus. c. Grace that has power to destroy death. d. Grace that brings life and immortality to light. 8. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Personal Confidence (1:12) 2 Tim 1:12 - “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” a. I know whom I have believed. b. I am convinced (KJV: persuaded) he is able to guard. c. I have entrusted to him for that day. 9. Do Not Be Ashamed of the Pattern of Sound Words (1:13-14) 2 Tim 1:13-14 - “What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” a. Sound teaching b. Faith and love c. Good deposit d. Help of the Holy Spirit 10. Do Not Be Ashamed of Your Ministry Failures (1:15-18) 2 Tim 1:15-18 - “You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.” a. Some people desert leaders – vs. 15 b. Some people refresh their leaders – vs. 16 c. Some people pursue their leaders – vs. 17 d. Some people help their leaders – vs. 18 cf. Heb. 13:7, 17; I Thess. 5:12-14 Chapter Two Axiomatic Principles for Evangelism Are there certain principles that are axiomatic for effective life-style testimony, especially when we look at the example and model of Jesus. How may we share witness of our faith in Christ as a living testimony day-by-day. A. Ten Axiomatic Principles for Being a Living Witness Principle 1: Our Mandate: Evangelism is proclaiming the Kingdom of God. We believe in the need for a passion of reaching people, ministering to their genuine needs, and leading them into the Kingdom of God. We recognize that evangelism is unnatural and requires supernatural enablement. There must be a focused strategy and a plan to equip people for witness and strategic outreach. We see “relationship” as key to touching, knowing and serving people in order that we may “wash their feet.” Principle 2: Our Task: We are Christ’s Ambassadors (II Cor. 5:20) 2 Cor 5:20 – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.” • His body • His hands • His feet • His tongue Principle 3: Our Target: • Unsaved people  that they might follow Christ • Undiscipled people  that they enjoy a full heritage in Christ • Unchurched people  that they become part of Christ’s Church Principle 4: Our Goal: To help unbelievers embrace the will, faith, life and mission of God – Christian discipleship. Principle 5: Our Role: To represent to all people that this new life of following Christ is a live option for all persons around us. Principle 6: Our Resources: To allow Jesus Christ through His spirit to work freely through us His church. • Through the Church’s Message (Greek: kergyma) • Faith is taught • Through the Church’s Fellowship (Greek: koinonia) • Faith is caught • Through the Church’s Service (Greek: diakonia) • Faith is wrought Principle 7: Our Work: To set people free, free from sin, fears, hang-ups, oppression, demons, tyrannies, frustrations, sins, bondage, habits, and from everything that prevents people from becoming the people they were born to be and, deep within themselves, they want to be. The goal is freedom for faith, hope, love, justice, reconciliation, peacemaking, self-fulfillment and a unique sense of destiny. Principle 8: Our Standard: Evangelism has happened when the RECEIVER (receptor, respondent) has truly converted by turning to Christ Jesus. • To Christ • To the Christian ethic • To the Christian congregation • To be part of the Christian mission to reach the world with the message of God’s love and redemptive mercy. Principle 9: Our Power: We believe that Christ sent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost to provide empowerment to believers for the mission and ministry of bearing witness to Christ. Principle 10: Our Strategy: Our basic strategy is giving forth personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8). Witnessing is our relational strategy. Evangelism is an overflow of our relationship with God and with people. We see it essential to help people get over the initial fear of “witnessing,” to help the congregation get beyond the four walls of the church and to touch people where they are. Our general strategy is loving people. Prayer prepares the ground. We must earn the right to be heard. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We must love people until they ask “why?” When people ask why we love, we are prepared to give a reason for the hope that lies in us (I Pet 3:15). B. The Example of Jesus is Our Living Message In the classical work, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, he writes: “He that follows Me, walks not in darkness,” says the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught, how we ought to imitate His life and manners, if we will be truly enlightened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavor be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.” 1. Jesus was a whole person. The word tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Healthy followers of Christ Jesus seek for full human development as designed and intended in the original creation. Jesus grew up in four dimensions: Wisdom = Intellectually Physically = Physically Favor with God = Spiritually Favor with men = Socially/Emotionally 2. Jesus lived a Spirit-empowered life. The power for Jesus’ earthly life came from the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22; 10:38). He promised the comfort and the power of the Spirit after His departure (Mark 1:8, 9, 12; John 14:12-17). 3. Jesus manifested the simple virtues of the Spirit. These are delineated by the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” 4. Jesus life was always lived in tune with the Father. Whenever you read the gospels, reflect on how your own life might reflect his life. John 5:19-20a, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself does.’” 5. Jesus’ life reflected a living testimony of the heart of God. Consider the following qualities of Jesus’ life. The spiritual qualities of Jesus’ life are character traits that the Holy Spirit can form in us. • Service (Mark 10:45 • Patience and endurance (Heb 12:1-2) • Suffering (Luke 9:22-23; I Thess 1:6) • Gentleness (Matt 21:5) • Humility (Matt 11:29) • Obedience (Luke 2:51, John 4:34) • Love (John 13:34-35, 11:5) C. The Living Lifestyle of the Early Church - Acts 2:41-47 Acts 2:41-47. This passage suggests five basic experiences that provide a New Testament evangelistic pattern for a local congregation. A corporate, gathered community of believers must aim to be a mature reflection of growing love, unity of faith and steadfast hope (I Thess. 1:3). The five basic New Testament experiences are as follows: 1. Worship, Praise, Prayer and Thanksgiving a. “Repent and be baptized . . . and call upon the name of God, so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the Holy Spirit” (vs. 38). b. “They devoted themselves to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done” (vs. 42, 43). c. “They raised their voices together (“in one accord” – KJV) in prayer to God. Now Lord…enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:24, 29-31). 2. Growth through Personal Devotions and Group Bible Study a. “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching.” (vs. 46) b. Bible study and learning is important to personal growth. c. Hosea: “My people are being destroyed for lack of knowledge.” 3. Friendship, Love, Outreach and Care “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s fellowship” (vs. 41). Community life and sharing is so important. They gave themselves ...to fellowship. They gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. All the believers were together and had everything in common. lso, Acts 4:32 states, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” 4. Outreach, Overflow, Testimony “Those who accepted the message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (vs. 40). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (vs. 47). Evangelism and daily witness is so crucial. It must happen out of the overflow of joy and testimony in each of our lives. The NT Church was seen as one praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people, (with) the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved. 5. Servanthood, Ministry, Helping, Sharing “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything that they had.“ (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32) 6. The Result of New Testament Evangelism • “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). • “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). • “But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). • “Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (Acts 5:12-14). • “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). • “At this time . . . the number of disciples were increasing” (6:1). • “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples . . . increased rapidly. A large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). • “So the church . . . was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and grew in numbers, living in the fear of God” (Acts 9:31). • “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). Chapter Three Kingdom Evangelism God’s Rule and Reign “Thy Kingdom Come” “The time is fulfilled; the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk. 1:15) 2 Cor 3:2-3 – “2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ.” Each believer is an individual with a personal testimony of experiencing God’s love and redemption. Evangelism is the proclamation of the Kingdom of God in the fullness of its blessings and promise. (John Wimber) A. The Kingdom is God’s Rule and Reign Matt 4:17 – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Luke 4:43 – “I must preach the kingdom of God.” John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world…not from here.” Since God is King and his kingdom is here and now for us, we no longer have to be blind subjects of deep-rooted unbelief, carrying guilt for our sensual misadventures, trying to control our lives, other people, our possessions, afraid to let go, thereby facing loneliness in an empty universe. Evangelism is reaching out God’s way and with His message: the message of God’s rule and reign in the hearts of humankind. Where the church is growing dramatically, the presence of the God is manifested by the direct action of the Holy Spirit, signified by the healings, deliverance from demons and other miraculous works of God, among other dynamics. B. Key Message: The Kingdom of God 1. The Kingdom of God is God’s Rule and Reign a. The King who rules in this kingdom, called the Kingdom of God, decisively and irrevocably has invaded the earth through his incarnation of his Son who was a dynamic manifestation of his Spirit. b. God is releasing his Holy Spirit in power, opening hearts to his lively presence, healing wounds past and present, breaking compulsive, addictive behavior, and elevating the poor into his presence by expelling our present darkness and recreating our fallen humanity. c. Since God is King and his kingdom is here and now for us, we no longer have to be blind subjects of deep-rooted unbelief, carrying guilt for our sensual misadventures, trying to control our lives, other people, our possessions, afraid to let go, thereby facing loneliness in an empty universe. 2. The Kingdom is the Reflection of the Father, Son and Spirit The King who rules the Kingdom of God decisively and irrevocably has invaded the earth through his incarnation of his Son who was a dynamic manifestation of his Spirit. The Kingdom of God is the reigning of God as Father, Son and Spirit. The Triune God reigns sovereignly as King of the universe throughout all time, both before, concurrent with, and after the incarnation. God’s rule continues to reign in the hearts of individuals and He will continue to reign eternally. God’s purpose for humanity is fulfilled by a multidimensional puzzle in which the Father is joined through the work of Jesus by the Holy Spirit to masses of individuals who are themselves joined together as Church by that same Spirit. a) The Work of the Father: In CREATION, God made humans in His image designed for fellowship and to enjoy God’s love for every individual. Kingdom means Divine Order. In the Lord’s Prayer it says: “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Mt 6:10). b) The Work of the Son: In INCARNATION, He made salvation possible and opened the doors of reconciliation and restored fellowship for humankind with their creator. Kingdom means Divine Message. Jesus heralded the Kingdom of God in his message (Mt 4:17; 4:28; Lk 4:43). c) The Work of the Spirit: In REGENERATION, He makes repentance and faith a life-transforming experience of real empowerment for victorious Christian living. Kingdom is Divine Birth, the new birth, becoming new creatures in Christ. Jesus was heralded as a King at birth (Mt 2:2). He becomes our king at our spiritual new birth (John 3:3,5). God is releasing his Holy Spirit in power, opening hearts to his lively presence, healing wounds past and present, breaking compulsive, addictive behavior, and elevating the poor into his presence by expelling our present darkness and recreating our fallen humanity. Jesus came announcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God and requiring “repentance” of heart and mind to accept a new way of life (Mark 1:15). Because Jesus has come, the Kingdom must be preached to all, especially to the poor (Luke 4:17-19; 7:22). The following analysis of Luke 4:17-21 shows the extent and character of Jesus’ ministry. a) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” – Jesus is claiming the anointing of the Spirit for His mission. b) “He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor” - Jesus came preaching the good news to the poor, the spiritually dispossessed of the land. c) “He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives” - Jesus came to preach release to the captives, seeking to set free the demonized. d) “And recovery of sight to the blind” - Jesus offers recovery of sight to the blind, physically and metaphorically. e) “To set free those who are downtrodden” – Jesus comes as the liberating warrior to set free the downtrodden, to set free those in bondage, economically, politically, socially, and religiously, those controlled by evil principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness. f) “To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord” – Jesus came to proclaim the year of Jubilee of salvation and release. g) “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” - Jesus claimed the Spirit of the Lord upon His life and proclaimed his destiny in God’s purposes, quoting Isaiah 61. C. Signs of the Kingdom Jesus did more than preach the Kingdom. He demonstrated its reality with “signs of the Kingdom”, public evidence that the Kingdom he was talking about had come. The following are an effort to identify authentic signs of the Kingdom of God. 1. Jesus Himself. The first sign of the Kingdom is Jesus Himself in the midst of his people (Luke 17:21; Matthew 18:20), whose presence brings joy, peace, and a sense of celebration (John 5:11; 16:33; Mark 2:18-20). 2. Preaching the Gospel. The second sign of the kingdom is shown by those who obey Christ’s command to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God. Jesus declared: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world” (Matt 24:14). There was no gospel of the Kingdom to proclaim until Christ arrived. Now, however, that he has come, the Good News of the Kingdom must be preached to all, especially to the poor (Luke 4:18-19; 7:22). The preaching of the Kingdom points people to the Kingdom itself. 3. The Church of Christ. The third sign of the kingdom is the church of Christ, the church that is a living expression of the Kingdom of God. Comprised of people born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit the church is able to reflect the Kingdom of God’s rule and reign to the world. God’s kingdom involves Jesus’ church. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Mt 16:16) and “the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The church was designed to be a reflection of the Kingdom of God, only within the context of community. The Church-at-large extends God’s rule by its local expressions exercising corporate authority throughout the earth. C. Norman Krause: “The Christian church was born as a mission to the world. This outward directedness makes Christianity a movement to reach the world, not to escape from it, or set up some island of security in it.” (The Community of the Spirit, p. 27). George E. Ladd: “What Jesus meant is this. Yes the Kingdom of God is here. But there is a mystery—a new revelation about the kingdom. The Kingdom of God is here, but instead of destroying human sovereignty, it is attacking the sovereignty of Satan. The Kingdom of God is here; but instead of making changes in the eternal, political order of things, it is making changes in the lives of men and women.” (The Gospel of the Kingdom, p. 55). 3. Deliverance. The fourth sign of the Kingdom is what is often called exorcism or deliverance from powers of darkness. Deliverance is the expelling of evil power and forces of darkness. The biblical reference to “principalities and powers” on the one hand has reference to demonic ideologies and structures that control society, both good forces and bad. On the other hand, “principalities and powers” has reference to dark, evil, personal intelligences under the command of the devil. Demon possession and influence is a real and terrible condition. God’s reign is aggressively operating through Jesus. He is reclaiming those lost to the enemy, who have been bound by Satan’s power, but whose house is now being plundered (Mk. 3:27). Deliverance is possible only in a power encounter in which we invoke the name of Jesus and His power allowed to prevail. Therefore, the Kingdom of God is representative of dramatic events and actions that occur when the presence of God is being manifested by the direct action of the Holy Spirit, and signified in manifest ways by healings, deliverance from demons and other miraculous works of God. 4. Healing and Miracles. The fifth sign of the Kingdom actively believes for healing and miracles. Luke 7:22-23 – “Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” In the New Testament, signs not only pointed to the reality of the Kingdom’s arrival in Jesus the Messiah, but also anticipated the final Kingdom from which all disease, hunger, disorder, and death will be banished forever. God is still free and powerful and performs miracles today, especially in pioneer situations where the Kingdom is advancing into enemy-held territory. We should expect miracles as commonly as in the ministry of Jesus and his apostles (e.g. John 14:12) and seek to exercise believing prayer for such. 5. Conversion and the New Birth. A sixth sign of the Kingdom is leading people to conversion and the new birth. Whenever people “turn to God from idols, to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess 1:9, 10), a power encounter has taken place in which the spell of idols, whether traditional or modern, and of the power of spirits now broken. God’s power for salvation is displayed in the gospel (Rom 1:16), and converts who have been rescued from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18) are said to have ‘tasted the the powers of the age to come’ (Heb 6:5). 6. Kingdom People Manifest Fruit of the Spirit. A seventh sign of the Kingdom is people in whom is manifested the Christlike qualities which Paul called “the fruit of the Spirit”. The gift of the Spirit is the supreme blessing of the Kingdom of God. Where he rules, love, joy, peace, and righteousness rule with him (Gal 5:22-23; Rom 14:17). Moreover, love issues in good works. On the one hand, the gospel is Good News of the Kingdom, and on the other hand, good works are the signs of the Kingdom. Good news and good works, the work of redemption and works of mercy, a two sides of the same coin, indissolubly united. 7. Enduring Suffering and Trials. The eighth sign of the Kingdom is people who have learned to endure suffering and trials. It was necessary for the Jesus to suffer in order to enter into his kingly glory. He suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). To suffer for the sake of righteousness or for our testimony to Jesus, and to bear such suffering courageously, is a clear sign to all beholders that we have received God’s salvation or Kingdom (Phil 1:28-29; cf. 2 Thess 1:5). 8. Overcoming the Devil. The ninth sign of the Kingdom is overcoming the devil, the enemy of our soul is the kingdom of God. Jesus, the Son of Man inevitably came into collision with the prince of darkness. 1 John 3:8 – “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” The signs of the Kingdom were evidences that the devil was retreating before the advance of the King. As Jesus put it, once the strong man has been overpowered by the Stronger One, his possessions can be taken from him. Matt 12:28-30 – “28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Luke 11:19-22 – “19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.” 9. Signs Following the Preaching of the Gospel. Signs” still validate evangelism today. In fact, he instructed his disciples that they should expect signs to follow when the preached the gospel. Mark 16:15-18 – “15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Chapter Four Prepared to Give Testimony 2 Tim 1:8 – “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” Every Christian should write out their testimony and be prepared to share it testimony when called upon to do so. A. Verses About “Testimony” Matthew 10:18 – “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. cf. Mark 13:9 Luke 21:13 – “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.” John 3:32-33 – “32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.” John 19:35 – “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.” John 21:24 – “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” Acts 22:18 – “And saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' 1 Cor 1:6 – “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.” 1 Cor 2:1 – “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.” 2 Cor 1:12 – “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Thess 1:10 – “When He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” 1 Tim 3:7 – “Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Hebrews 11:2, 5 – “2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:39 – “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” 1 John 5:10, 11 – “10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 3 John 12 – “Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” Rev 1:9 – “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev 6:9 – “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” Rev 12:11, 17 – “12 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev 19:10 – “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." B. Preparing Your Testimony 1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense (KJ: an answer) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He didn't say, "I want to talk to you about God. You are living in adultery." That was His agenda, but such an abrupt approach may have meant a closed door. Instead, Jesus spoke to her about water, something she could relate to, and then He gently swung to the subject of the things of God. The result was that the woman became a believer in Jesus, and she immediately gave her testimony to the unsaved in her village. She simply said, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that I ever did: is not this the Christ?" (John 4:29). It is wise to have our testimony on hand in our mind. We should know the reason we became Christians, and how we came to Christ. It is important that we learn how to share our testimony in a way that is effective. Our salvation is all about how the Cross evidenced God’s love for humanity, and how it touched my life in particular. Three times in Scripture, Paul gave his testimony (21:37-22:21; 24:10-16, 24; 26:2-29). That speaks for itself. Notice how Paul organized his testimony in Acts 22:1-29. 1. Acts 22:1-5 – His life BEFORE accepting Christ 2. Acts 22:6-11 – HOW he became a believer 3. Acts 22:12-22 – His life AFTER accepting Christ Can you find a similar order in Acts 26:2-29? Like Paul, you and I were on the Road of Sin. We saw the light. God opened your blinded eyes. We came to know Him whom to know is life eternal. We had a road to the Cross experience. Why do we need to be able to share the experience of coming to Christ? Because, a person with an experience is not at the mercy of a man with an argument. A skeptic may disagree with what we say, but he cannot truly deny the experience of another person. The Christian knows the Lord. The question that may come to mind is "How do I know that I know the Lord?" John put it this way: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (I John 2:3). This is the thrust of our testimony. God gave us a new heart with prompts new desires. We are mad new creatures in Christ. We have been born again. We had no interest in the things of God, now we love Him and hanker to please Him. We want to keep His commandments. 2 Cor 5:17-18 – “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” In order for our testimony to be effective, it must be motivated out of relationship with Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit; but in order for the Holy Spirit to be able to work through our lives effectively, normally He is limited by what we have and by what we know. Jesus said in the Gospel of John, John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." Successful testimony entails communicating to a person what it means to be a Christian and how to become one themselves. If you have communicated this in a way that the person understands, you have successfully evangelized them whether they make a decision at that moment or not. Often the person will begin to think about what you have said. Sometime later, they may pray and receive Jesus into their life. It is really important that you do not start writing your personal three minute testimony until you are sure you have received from Jesus and the Holy Spirit how express it. This is because Jesus said, it is the Spirit who creates life; the flesh profits nothing. (John 6:63). C. You Are Telling Your Story Remember you are writing YOUR story, not someone else’s. Testimonies communicate. Write so people can visualize your story. When Jesus became human, he made abstract truth about God visible. Jim Watkins writes in The Persuasive Person… • We cannot see God’s balance of mercy and judgment, but we can see Jesus saving an adulterous woman from stoning. • We cannot see humanity’s lack of purpose without God, but we can see lost sheep who need a shepherd. • We cannot see a transcendent, loving, caring God, but we can see Christ crucified on the cross. Testimonies given in a church service to a friendly crowd are different than those that will be spontaneous on a day-to-day basis as you meet people. Your religious background is not important to non-Christians, but how God has changed you life may be important. Avoid “triumphal” language. If you really were completely set free from drugs, fear, depression, whatever, just say so, but avoid exaggeration. Most of us still have bad times and difficulties. Don’t be evangelastic, overstating or exaggerating. What you must make clear is that you have found real help for those issues. You have not yet entered paradise, so don’t suggest you have. Be real, but honest. If you belonged to a different religion before becoming a Christian, try to explain how that religion did not satisfy you, while at the same time showing respect for those who still hold to that faith, nor speak in a critical way of that religion. Keep the focus on Christ and on how your life is changed. If you had a Christian background before truly coming to Christ try to explain how your previous outward observance is different from what you have now, without seeming to write off your former church. Use direct speech like: “My friend Jim came round and said, ‘I have a book for you that I think you would enjoy.” Indirect speech has less impact: “My friend Jim came round and said he had a book for me that he thought I would enjoy.” It is not necessarily always best to tell your story following the chronological order of events. Reader's Digest and Guideposts usually structure a personal story like this: a. Lead anecdote: humorous or key incident in life b. Present status: what person is doing now c. Big flashback - the newsworthy situation (e.g. finding Jesus) d. Closing anecdote relating to person's present attitude to past events D. Preparing a Three-Minute Personal Testimony Carefully organize your material so you may present your testimony effectively, at a moment’s notice as led by the Holy Spirit. We should desire to present Christ in such a clear, attractive and simple way that those who hear will want to know Him, and how to receive Him personally. A short three-minute testimony is more effective than a prolonged one. Avoid extraneous material that distracts from the message of a personal commitment to Christ. Do not be concerned that your testimony is exciting, just that it be interesting. The same Christ lives in you whether you trusted Him early or later in life. Be realistic. Do not infer or promise that Christ eliminates all the problems of life, but rather enables you to handle them with peace and confidence. “I am with you always.” Be positive, not negative; gentle, not coercive, from start to finish. Prepare your testimony so you may share it in a group situation of one-on-one with an individual. Avoid the following when writing your testimony: a. Including statements which reflect negatively on the church and other organizations or people. Do no mention denominations, especially in a derogatory way. b. Preaching at people or using stereotypes. This is a testimony, not a sermon. c. Speaking in generalities or using overworked terms such as: “I was sober, sad, or straight-laced”. Avoid the words “fantastic, exciting, great”. Go beyond words like, “peace, purpose, and happiness”. Do not use the generic, “changed,” without giving specific changes. Avoid words like, “glorious” or “hallelujah.” Terms like “salvation, born again, and conversion” need to be defined if used. d. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write (James 1:5-6). Follow a three-point outline: What Christ Means to Me. On an 8 1/2" by 11" piece of paper write out your testimony using the following outline: a. Life before knowing Christ. “Before I received Christ I lived and though this way.” b. How you came to know Jesus. “I received Christ into my life when I was a small child.” Or, “I came to Christ later in my life.” c. Life after you received Christ. “He made changes in my life. This is what He means to me now.” Have a pertinent or favorite verse to close your testimony. Suggestions: Begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence and close with a good conclusion. Include relevant, thought-provoking, personal experiences. Write in such a way that others will identify with you in past and present experiences. Give enough details to awaken interest. Use at least one, but at the most two Scripture verses. Edit carefully and rewrite as necessary before final draft. Choose something characteristic of your experience that is of general interest to non-Christians. Build your own testimony around a theme. Examples: personal success (your own past view-point and now from God's viewpoint); life's goals (past and present view point); hope vs. hopelessness (God renewed hope in your life), or that God's personal plan for you has begun to unfold. Emphasize the fact that the thing that made the difference in your life was accepting Christ as Savior and making Him Lord and Master of your life. Keep in mind that your testimony should give enough details so that someone else would know how to trust the Lord after hearing it. Tell how He entered your life. E. How to Share Your Testimony 1. A Memorize your testimony and practice it until it becomes natural. 2. Share your testimony forthrightly in love in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:3-5). 3. Smile often! Ask the Lord to give you a happy, radiant countenance. Use a natural speaking voice. 4. Avoid exhibiting nervous habits (especially with your hands) and other mannerisms, such as rubbing your nose, jingling coins in your pocket, swaying, clearing your throat, and using uh's and ah's. Exhibit good posture. Do not talk on the way to or from your seat. Relax and speak naturally. 5. Avoid arguing and using other high pressure methods to obtain a decision for Christ. Remember, men are born of the Spirit, not through persuasiveness or logic of men, though God may use both. F. Now, Write Out Your Testimony Life before knowing Christ. “Before I received Christ I lived and though this way.” How you came to know Jesus. “I received Christ into my life when I was a small child.” Or, “I came to Christ later in my life.” Life after you received Christ. “He made changes in my life. This is what He means to me now.” Chapter Five Evangelism Start to Finish Plowing, Seeding, Harvesting “Down-to-earth” evangelism is organic in nature. A solid understanding of the basic agrarian principles of sowing and reaping helps to understand organic processes. The famer knows he must be faithful and patient so as to not become discouraged on one hand, but effective. John 4:34-38 – “34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." A. Eight Aspects of Organic Evangelism Paul also affirms organic evangelism. Listed below are seven stages that are essential to begin and complete the evangelism cycle. 1. POSITIONING (Visionary Stage) Matt 9:37-38 – “37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matt 13:24 – “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” Matt 13:3 – Jesus: “3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.” Do we have a vision for the harvest? What is the field that we are to own? Are we positioned to in our hearts to sow the seed? 2. PURCHASING (Employment Stage) – Matt. 9:37, 38; 13:44-46 Matt 9:37-38 – “37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matt 13:44-46 – “44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. What does it mean to be mobilized for the challenge of “gospelizing” the Kingdom of God? What is the field to be purchased? What is the cost required? What does it take to accomplish the task of evangelism? 3. PREPARING (Equipping Stage) – Matt. 13:1-3; Eph 4:11-12; Matt 10:23-25; 13:10-17 Matt 13:1-3 – “13 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.” Eph 4:11-12 – “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry…” Matt 10:23-25 – “23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” Matt 13:10-17 - “10 And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" 11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” A good farmer prepares before the sowing-reaping process begins. Likewise, each believer must have a proper mindset, prepared tools, the correct seed, a prayerful spirit, and a good understanding of the principles of evangelism. 4. PLOWING (Making Contact Stage) – Matt. 9:35-36; 13:8-16 Matt 9:35-36 – “35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." John 4:35b – “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! How does one contact with people in a way that causes them to be open to the gospel? What barriers need to be overcome in order to gain a hearing? What needs exist in people that are met in the exchange of faith? How did Jesus go about preaching the good news? Mark 6:6-11,12-13 – “6 Then Jesus went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. 7 And Jesus called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff — no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts — 9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. 10 Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.…12 So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” (cf. Matt 10:1, 5-15; Luke 9:1-6) a. Jesus used the common language: Aramaic, a peasant dialect characterized by a sub-culture language, slang, like country western music, bluegrass, and hillbilly slang. b. Jesus spoke in life-related stories: Parables, communicating everyday vitality and values to ordinary people. c. Jesus used relevant cultural themes: Resonation, referring to the kingdom of God vs. fearing Herod the pretender king. “Kingdom” means “God’s dynamic rule breaking in.” d. Jesus spoke to issues of human existence: Anxiety, God takes care of the lilies of the field; He will take care of you. e. Jesus referred to God as Family Terms: Abba, the Greek word for “Father” (Romans 8:15; Gal. 4:6). 5. SOWING (Witnessing Stage) – Mark 4:26-27; John 4:36-38; Mark 4:30-32; Matt 13:3-8 Matt 13:31-32 – “31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.’" Mark 4:26-27 – “26 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.” John 4:36-38 – “36 Both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." Mark 4:30-32 – “30 Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade." Matt 13:3-8 – Jesus: “3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.” • Some fell by the WAYSIDE (v. 4) – “And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.” • Some fell on STONY PLACES (v. 5) – “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.” • Some fell among THORNS (v. 7) – “And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.” • Some fell on GOOD GROUND (v. 8) – “But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Our witness must be a witness to truth. How does one share Christ without being guilty of manipulation for the sake of a decision? How does one discover the nonbeliever’s problems and his needs for which the gospel will prove to be good news? 6. CULTIVATING (Nurturing, Watering Stage) - Mark 4:26-28; I Cor 3:6-9; John 12:24 Mark 4:26-28 – “26 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head." 1 Cor 3:6-9 – “6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field.” John 12:24 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” How does one nurture the seed sown while it is in the “death spiral” process? Why must a seed in the ground seem to die before it can bear fruit? How do we go about patiently nurturing the seed already sown? How does a healthy church community help this process? 7. HARVESTING (Reaping, Discipleship Stage) - Mark 4:29; Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43; 13:31-32 Mark 4:29 – “But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." Matt 13:24-30 – “24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."” Matt 13:36-43 – “36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." 37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” If the opportunity availed itself to ask a direct question or to respond to a direct question about how to decide for Christ, could you give a clear communication of the gospel? What is your personal message of evangelism? Study the questions that might be used in calling a person to faith (see the next session). 8. RETOOLING, RESEEDING, REPEATING (Training the new disciple to repeat the process) – Matthew 28:20 We reproduce after our own kind. Now comes the post-decision process of spiritual growth in the continuing aspects of discipleship. “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20). B. Kingdom Evangelism is a Process John Wesley understood a process approach to evangelism with great clarity, to a desire to experience the grace of God. 1. Lost people must be awakened – to their lost state, their sins, their need for God to a desire to experience the grace of God. 2. Awakened people must be enrolled – in a Methodist class and, if persistent in their quest, into a Methodist society. 3. Enrolled people must be justified – they have come to a place where they experience God’s acceptance and their state of justification by faith. 4. Justified people must be sanctified – they experienced the completion, in this life, of the gracious work God began in their justification, and were now freed and empowered to live by God’s will and by love for their neighbors. C. Practical Questions to Use in Gaining a Harvest The following are helpful questions for bridging from the plowing and sowing stages of sharing the Gospel into the cultivating and harvesting stages. Sensitivity is required as to when to use the appropriate question at the right time. If a person manifests reaction, simply back off and work on developing a growing, deepening relationship. 1. Pilgrimage Question: Joe (Josephine), I am interested about your religious background. At what point are you in your own spiritual pilgrimage?” After listening to his response, you might say, “Well, that is really interesting, Joe. Maybe the next step that God has for you is coming to understand how to have an established personal relationship with Him.” 2. Opportunity Question: “Sometime I would like the opportunity to share three or four things, principles to consider, that will enable you to understand what it means to establish a personal relationship with Christ.” 3. Interest Question: “Could I share some principles about a personal relationship with God with you, as I have come to understand them?” 4. Schedule Question: “Do we have time to talk about it now or is there a better time for us to get together?” Nail down a specific time, or if the time is right, continue the discussion. 5. Explanation Question: “How would you explain the things we have been talking about?“ At the scheduled time and place, share your testimony and the principles that explain the Gospel in meaningful terms. Make sure the explanation is Biblically accurate but not just mere facts. Ask questions and listen carefully. Be humble and gentle. 6. Decision Question: When the Gospel has been clearly set forth, three additional questions might be helpful. a. “Does this make sense to you?” b. “On the basis of this, have you ever committed your life to Christ?” c. “Is there any reason why you do not want to trust Jesus as Lord right now?” 7. Invitation Question: “Would you like to pray to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?” Lead the person in a prayer of accepting Christ. The Felt-Needs of People Luke 5:32; I Cor. 9:19-23 Man’s Needs God’s Solution frustration emptiness uselessness boredom lack of fulfillment satisfaction completeness usefulness purpose fulfillment calling guilt failure inadequacy embarrassed lack of recognition forgiveness success achievement confidence recognition identity loneliness rejection isolation dejection lack of appreciation companionship appreciation acceptance inclusion intimacy integrity threatened insecurity anxiety fear lack of finances safety security peace of mind assurance friends shepherding hunger thirst weakness tiredness sickness pain food, drink strength rest health comfort finances A. H. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (left side) Applied to Evangelism (right side) by Joseph C. Aldrich Chapter Six Relational Conversations and Asking Questions about Faith In these lessons about being a living testimony, we have sought to understand how and why we may share witness of our faith in Christ as a living testimony day-by-day. In this lesson, we want to look at, how do we open conversations about faith? How do we touch people at the felt-needs of their life? What are some questions we might use to facilitate conversation about Christ? A. Jesus at the Well of Samaria – John 4 Take a look at the conversational interaction Jesus had with the woman at the well of Samaria. To interact and relate with people, we must connect with them in the ordinary pursuits of life. Conversation One: John 4:1-14 – “He left Judea and …went through Samaria. 6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus, wearied from His journey, sat by the well. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said, "Give Me a drink." …9 Then the woman of Samaria said, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" 10 Jesus said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." 11 The woman said, “Where then do You get that living water? 13 Jesus answered, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (loosely quoted) Conversation Two: John 4:32-38 – “He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." 33 The disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?" 34 Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 This saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." Conversation Three: John 4:39-42 – “39 Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified. 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His own word. 42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that his is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." B. Engage-Embrace-Enlist-Establish 1. Engage - Mark 6:6; Acts 5:16, 42; 8:40; 14:6, 7 a. Jesus and the apostles used the common language: Aramaic -- a peasant dialect, a sub-culture language, slang. Country Western music, Bluegrass music, Hillbilly Slang music. b. Jesus spoke in life-related stories: Parables -- communicating vitality and values to ordinary people. c. Jesus used relevant cultural themes: Resonation -- Kingdom of God/David/Solomon vs. Herod the pretender king. “Kingdom” means “God’s dynamic rule breaking in.” d. Jesus spoke to issues of human existence: Anxiety (field lilies). e. Jesus referred to God as Father: Abba – Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6 2. Embrace: touch and embrace people, individuals where they are. a. Apostle John: Logos - John 1:1-14. His use of the “logos” concept in John 1:1-14 was a bridge toward those influenced by Greek philosophy. The word a logo refers to that which was the word in the mind; the rational principle that governs the cosmos. b. Apostle Peter: Cornelius - Acts 10:1-48; 11:1-18. • 10:1-2 - a devout man who feared God • 10:9-16 - dream message came to Peter • 10:19-23 - the Spirit gave direction • 10:28 - Peter meets Cornelius • 10:34-35 - the Principle, compare with 10:36-43 • 10:44-48 - the Spirit falls on the Gentiles • 11:1-18 - “God has granted the Gentiles repentance to life” (v. 18) Note: God is at work in this man’s life long before he heard “the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:1,2,34,35). a. Apostle Paul: Mars Hill - Acts 17:23, 28 • Quoting Epimenides and Aratus at Mars Hill • Quoting Menander, a Corinthian poet – I Cor. 15:33 • Confronting sorcery, burning scrolls – Acts 19:17-41 • Compare with Acts 18:4; 19:8; 28:23-24 and II Cor. 5:21 to observe dialogic evangelism • Compare with Acts 14:1-7, 8-18 C. Enlist • Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:3, 9-10, 18-20) • Philip evangelizes – Acts 8:4-8, 9-13, 14ff. Confronts sorcery • The Ethiopian - Acts 8:26-40 (v. 40) D. Philosophy and Strategy of Evangelism E1 E2 E3 E4 Engage Embrace Enlist Establish Out-Reach Evangelism Laying Foundations People are Hostile, Agnostic & Neutral about Spiritual Things People are Becoming Open and Aware of Spiritual Things People are Actively Investigating Spiritual Things People are Committing to be True Disciples of Jesus Christ Ignoring Christ Doubting Christ Seeking Christ Knowing Christ IRRELIGIOUS UNREACHED CAUTIOUS SEEKERS SPIRITUAL INQUIRERS ARRIVING NEWCOMERS Spiritual Cynics Spiritual Illiterates Faith Initiations Community Knitting Forming relation-ships of integrity with friends you hope to touch and reach for Christ Jesus. Displaying and living out a true-life testimony and consistent representation of the gospel. Inviting friends to warm church-side events designed to influence people to receive Christ. Assimilating new believers in the community of faith and laying foundations of faith. E. Spiritual Decision and Discipleship Scale Before, we noticed Maslow’s Chart about how we must touch people at the basic needs of their life. This chart seeks to show how people move along a path toward faith in Christ and begin the pathway of growing in maturity and victorious Christian living. The exhortation by Jesus to “Go, make disciples” has two dimensions, (1) the first response in which individuals hear the gospel and believe, and (2) the ongoing readiness to enter into discipleship. FIRST: MAN’S RESPONSE - 10 Awareness of the Supernatural. Man is aware that he is not alone in the universe, He is aware of ‘presence’. He may fear it as in animism or study it as in extra-sensory perception. He is aware. - 9 No effective knowledge of Christianity. Unaware of the content or character of the Christian faith, though the name ‘Jesus Christ’ may be familiar. - 8 Initial awareness of Christianity. This comes from a consciousness of the presence of the Church. But such awareness is open to misunderstanding and caricature. - 7 Interest in Christianity. The presence of the worshipping and serving community of God’s people has stirred interest and a willingness to listen. However, the communicator must be acceptable. - 6 Awareness of basic facts of the gospel. Being involved makes a presence accompanied the witness of words follows the witness of works. The saving acts of Christ are heard and understood. - 5 Grasp of the implications of the gospel. What is demanded by the gospel in terms of personal response and commitment is understood. - 4 Positive attitude to the gospel. The demands of the gospel and the Christian life are considered reasonable and attractive, and the result is the beginning of a positive response. - 3 Awareness of personal need. The benefits of the gospel are seen to be relevant and necessary. The person is coming into felt feeling that Christ and Christianity is beneficial. - 2 Challenge and decision to act. The challenge to turn from sin and trust Christ as Savior and Lord is accepted. The person requests prayer or responds positively the question, ‘Would you like to pray?’” - 1 Repentance and faith. The individual response to the working of the Holy Spirit leads to repentance and faith. Confession is made with the mouth accompanied by belief in the heart.  A new disciple born. Regeneration takes place and the person is born again. John 3:3 - “Jesus answered ‘I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ “ +1 Evaluation of decision. New believers need spiritual pediatrics. After commitment, a period of uncertainty and questioning often arises with Satan active to undermine and confuse (I Pet 5:8). SECOND: NEW BELIEVER’S GROWTH, SANCTIFICATION AND MATURING  A new disciple born. Regeneration takes place and the person is born again. John 3:3 - “Jesus answered ‘I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ “ +1 Evaluation of decision. New believers need spiritual pediatrics. After commitment, a period of uncertainty and questioning often arises with Satan active to undermine and confuse (I Pet 5:8). +2 Baptism in water. Encouraging the new believer to declare his or her faith publicly in the waters of baptism as a commitment to follow Christ Jesus throughout one’s whole life. +3 Initiation into the church. The Church is responsible for incorporating the new believer and helping them become initiated into the Church through new members’ procedures. +4 Baptism in the Spirit. Leading new believers to understand and receive the empowerment of the “upon” coming Spirit of God and introduced to a spiritual prayer language and communion with God. +5 Become part of making other disciples. Further responses are as indicated in the diagram. These points are not numbered, as they are not sequential. +6 Growth in understanding of the faith +7 Growth in Christian character +8 Discovery and use of gifts +9 Stewardship of resources +10 Christian life-style. Pray and openness to others. Effective sharing of faith and life with other.  A fully mature believer! Adapted from “What’s Gone Wrong With the Harvest? By James F. Engel and Wilbert Norton, Zondervan 1975 Adapted F. Forty Subjects to Talk About When Witnessing We must open the door of the heart for people to receive a witness. The following are subjects for verbal witness. Subjects for witness are as endless as the ways God acts in our lives. Do not try to confine your witnesses to these subjects, but use them as a guide and catalyst for your awareness of the many-faceted ways our Lord is active in your life. 1. If there ever was a time when you made a conscious commitment of your life to Christ, how did this come about? What did it mean to you at the time? Has it made a difference in your life? In what ways? 2. If you have always been a committed Christian, what are some experiences which you feel were steps forward in your growth in faith, knowledge, and love of God? 3. If you believe that God has a plan for your life, how do you see it working out in your experience? In what ways have you discovered God’s plan as you have gone along? 4. In what ways do you feel that God is helping you to grow in emotional and spiritual maturity? 5. At what times in your life has Christ been most real to you? 6. Have you ever experienced a strong awareness of God’s presence? How did it happen? What did it mean to you and how did it help you? 7. What was the most vivid experience of prayer you ever had? At what times in your life was prayer most meaningful to you? 8. What personal experiences have you had that you feel indicate that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? 9. What are some ways in which God has strengthened your faith? What were the personal experiences through which He did this? 10. Has another Christian ever shared his personal faith experiences with you in such a way that it gave you new insight or helped with a problem or made a difference in some way to you? Did it help you? 11. Have you ever shared your personal faith experiences with the same results? How did it help the other person? 12. How has God given you peace in a difficult situation or an unhappy time? 13. How has Christ enabled you to make Him the center of your life? 14. In what ways do you feel God helps you in your business relationships? In your social relationships? 15. How has God enabled you to love a person who does things of which you don’t approve? 16. If you feel that Christ is the head of your household, how does this work out in daily living with your family? What effect does it have on your marriage relationship? On your relationship with your children? On your relationship with a friend or family member with whom you live? 17. What was an experience in which you grew in wisdom, understanding, and trust of God? 18. Have you had an experience in which Christ’s love has changed your attitude or outlook? How did this come about? 19. Have you had experiences that show you how God enters different aspects of your life, your plans, or your actions? What were they? 20. Have you ever had to overcome resistance to what you felt was God’s will on some matter in your life? Have you ever wanted one thing and felt God wanted another for you? How did you resolve it? What happened? 21. Have you ever sought and received God’s guidance? Did you follow your guidance? What happened? 22. How has a verse of scripture influenced your life or helped you to understand God’s will in a specific situation? Are you able to relate your Bible study to your personal life? How? 23. In Galatians 5:22, Paul says that the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In what ways have you experienced one or more of these fruits of the Spirit? 24. Have you had an experience in which prayer was the vehicle for changing resentment to forgiveness, or restoring a broken relationship or learning to love someone you disliked? In what way did it work out? 25. Have you had an experience in which prayer was the vehicle for healing a negative state of mind, hatred, jealousy, envy, anxiety, anger, contempt, nervousness, confusion, frustration, etc.? How did this come about? 26. Have you had an experience in which Christ has brought you from fear to trust? Guilt to forgiveness? Insecurity to security? Bondage to freedom? Hurt to healing? Rejection to acceptance? Futility to creativity? Alienation to reconciliation? A sense of unworthiness to appreciation of self-worth? A sense of aloneness to a sense of belonging in Christian community? How did this happen? 27. What are some specific examples of ways you have experienced the power of prayer? (i.e. you received what you prayed for; you received something better than you prayed for, you did not receive what you prayed for and you are thankful; you were relieved of an unhappy situation). 28. Have you ever received a healing of illness- mental, emotional, or physical – through prayer alone? How did it come about? 29. What are some ways in which God has helped you in illness healed by conventional methods? 30. Have you experienced through prayer, healing of a sin, fault or habit that is not too personal to share? How? 31. If you felt grief in the suffering and/or death of a loved one, in what ways do you feel Christ helped you through this experience? Do you feel your faith made a difference in your response to the tragedy? 32. What does the sacrament of Holy Communion mean to you in a personal way? Did you ever receive special grace through the observance of the Eucharist or the Lord’s Table? What effect did this have on your faith or in your life? 33. If you belong to a small group that meets regularly for worship, study, witnessing, or prayer, what does it mean to you? 34. Do you practice regular private prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading? In what ways has this helped you in your spiritual growth? 35. Do you pray regularly for others? Is this a meaningful experience? 36. Do you feel that the Lord has called you to a lay ministry? How did He do this? How has He helped you in its performance? How has He helped you in other ways in ministering to others? 37. Do you give part of your income to God’s work in the church and the world? Have you found this meaningful? Do you feel that your tithing is related to the meeting of your own material needs? How? 38. In what specific ways do you feel the Holy Spirit helps you to speak and act so that your daily life is a Christian witness? 39. Are there any areas of your life where you have experienced great bitterness, unresolved problems, or lingering guilt? Have you been able to deal with these things? 40. What one person in your life has been most distressful to you? Been most helpful and encouraging to you? Been giving you the most challenge or difficulty? Who is your closest friend? Have you gained Jesus Christ as your closest friend? (Revised and extracted from HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH WITHOUT BEING OFFENSIVE, by Joyce Neville) Chapter Seven The Local Church as a Base For Evangelism and Discipleship A. Local Church: Base of Preparation and Outreach What is the Purpose of the Local Church? To Fulfill the Great Commission and Reproduce B. Local Church: Base of Preparation and Outreach John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Eph 5:25-27 – “25 …Christ …loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Jesus Christ The First Incarnation Joe/Josephine Christian The Second Incarnation “The Word became Flesh” “The Word” in “Living Epistles” A Perfect Image of God A Glorious Church FULL OF GRACE FULL OF TRUTH HOLY CHARACTER BLAMELESS CONDUCT Jesus displayed beauty by making visible His Father’s glory to the world Believers display beauty by making visible their Father’s glory to the world Was without sin or fault Not without spot or wrinkle Matt 13:3, 37 "3 Behold, a sower went out to sow. 37 He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” Matt 13:38 “He said to them: The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom.” John 17:18a – “As You sent Me into the world…” John 17:18b – “…I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:19a– “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself,…” John 17:19b – “…that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” Christ Jesus • Cherishing/Nourishing • Teaching • Fellowship • Worship Christians • Love (John 13:35) • Unity (Eph 4:2-3) • Good Works (Eph 2:10) • Hope (I Pet 3:15)) C. The Double-Cycle Philosophy of Ministry Relational Outreach Relational Worship Relational Community Love Unbelievers Love God Love One Another HOUSE PRAYER NATIONS Authentic Caring Spiritual Life Covenant Love Serving that Touches Worship that Motivates Growing that Learns D. Philosophy of Equipping for Ministry I Corinthians 12:28-31 Order