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Tips 4 Evangelism
You are an AMBASSADOR!An Ambassador may be defined as a diplomatic agent of the highest rank who represents his or her country’s interests in another country. The Greek word for ‘ambassador’ is ‘presbeu’ and literally means ‘to be an ambassador’.
As Christians we are called to be Christ's ambassadors! 2 Corinthians 5:20- We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. As ambassadors:
Paul writes in Ephesians 6:20 that he is an ambassador in chains. No matter how hard the times may get, remember who you are representing because he remembered you throughout the toughest time a person has ever experienced! Go, and be an ambassador for your King! Quick Revelation about John the BaptistJohn wore clothes made of camel's hair, and strapped a leather belt around his waist. His food consisted of locusts and wild honey. The thing I love and admire about this man, is the fact that he was such a man of God, and had so much power in his actions and words, that people went to hear him preach out in the desert where he lived- he didn't need to go to people (Matthew 3:1-6).
Jesus made a comment about him in Matthew 11:11, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." Awesome comment hey?
But here's what hit me.. In Matthew 3:11, John stated that "after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.." The man he was talking about was Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Son of God who laid his life down for YOU.. Tell me, what is your attitude to him? Parable TWO- The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)Jesus told this parable to the tax collectors and "sinners" who were gathering around to hear him. They muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." In response, Jesus shared with them a parable.
The parable tells of a man who had 2 sons. The younger one asked for a share of the estate, and so the father divided his property between them. Not long after that, the young son gathered all he had and set off for a distant land and squandered ALL his wealth in wild living.
He was sent to feed pigs and it came to the stage where he longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating. He eventually came to his senses and set back for home.
The son felt he was not worthy to be called his fathers son, but the father welcomed him home with open arms and a celebration. The older son became angry, but the father replied "We have to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
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Maybe you were once close to God, but you set off for a distant country, and completely turned your back on him and spent everything. You turned to earthly values rather than eternal ones. You turned to sex, money, pornography, or your tongue for comfort. These pleasures will go as quickly as they came. Put your hope and trust in the LORD.
I'm telling you that you need to come to your senses. You need to return to your father who you are worthy of! Even if you feel a long way off, he will see you and be filled with compassion! He will run to you and put a robe on you, a ring on your finger and sandals on your feet. He will kill the fattened calf for the feast and celebration!
The Bible claims that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. Let the celebration begin! Parable ONE- The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)A farmer sows the seed. This basically means that someone preached the Word of God- the Gospel. Some of the seed:
Fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up
These people hear the message about the kingdom but do not understand it, and the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.
Fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root
These people hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants
These people hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke them, making them unfruitful.
Fell on good soil, where it produced a crop- a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown
These people hear the word and understand it. They produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
The soils represent different kinds of people and their responses to the word. Jesus is saying that when the gospel is preached, it meets with different responses. Some people are hardened & antagonistic, others are superficial & shallow. They keep the gospel at arm's length, not letting it rule them so that when trouble comes they quickly bail out. Some are double-minded; while they appear to receive it with enthusiasm, they do not want to leave the comforts of this world.
However some are good hearers. They hear the Gospel and obey it so that it changes them, their priorities and their view of life. They stand with God and his word so that it produces in them obedience. They will be a part of the harvest.
Where did your seed land? The Purpose of Parables!A parable can be defined as a figurative saying in which a comparison is drawn from nature or daily life in order to make some point of spiritual truth. The parables of Jesus include stories and allegories as well as simple sayings and proverbs.
It is commonly held that a parable is 'an earthly story with a heavenly meaning' but this implies that Jesus dressed it in a familiar form so that the point could be grasped. It implies that the parables were like illustrations in a modern sermon, designed to make the truth more memorable and assist those who would not otherwise have understood.
In Mark 4:10-12, Jesus himself explains why he teaches in parables. He makes the distinction between 2 kinds of hearers- there are the insiders who are interested and begin to gain a glimpse of who he is, and there are the outsiders who listen but have no commitment. This shows us that there is a distinction in his teaching. The insiders are given the secrets of the kingdom, while the secrets are hidden from the outsiders.
Mark 4:11-12- "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!' "
In Biblical language, a mystery is something that could not be known by men unless God reveals it. Although once hidden, the mystery has now been revealed in Christ and proclaimed so that those with 'ears to hear' might hear it.
The insiders understand, not because they have discovered it by their own insight, but because God has made it known by revelation. This suggests that a person cannot know God unless God reveals himself!
Jesus teaches in parables to tell men what God is doing in a way that is mysterious and laughable unless God reveals its meaning. Those unbelieveres to whom God will not reveal himself are confirmed in their unbelief- they see and hear but neither understand nor perceive; they conclude that there is nothing in it and remain firm and content in the hardness of heart. The purpose of the parables is not to make plain or to clarify or to illustrate, but to veil.
In the Parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9), Jesus explains that the seed is God's word (the gospel) and that the soils represent different kinds of people and their responses to the word. Jesus says that when the gospel is preached it meets with different responses. Some of the people who hear it are hardened, others are superficial and shallow. They keep the gospel at arm's length and when trouble comes they bail out fast. Still others are double minded. But there are some who are good hearers. They take the gospel and obey it, so that it changes them, their priorities and their view of life. They stand with God and his word.
In conclusion, the gospel will change and save those whom God wishes it to change and save; it will take root in the people God chooses. If someone is hesitant to evangelise because of a fear of failure ('people might not believe, they might laugh and call me a fool'). they can take heart! The gospel will achieve what God wants it to achieve, for it is God who gives belief. There is no reason to fear, but every reason to sow the seed. The parable reminds them that God's cause will always be victorious.
What you now hear- and accept or reject- bears little resemblance to what you will one day see. Further, Jesus stresses the inevitability of victory; his cause is God's, and it will therefore prevail. The harvest is coming. The kingdom of God will arrive! Therefore, now is the time to take heed how you hear, for the sower is presenting people with the Word of God! The CallingHi! My name's Lawson. Here's what I wanna be:
I wanna be the Abraham, who's called to leave his country, people, household and go to an unknown land. I wanna leave without looking back... (Genesis 12)
I wanna be the Moses, tending the flock, who the Lord told "Go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." I want God to be with me, like He said He would... (Exodus 3)
I wanna be the Joshua, asked to cross the Jordan river, to lead his people into the Promised Land. I wanna be strong and courageous... (Joshua 1)
I wanna be the Gideon, called to strike down all the Midianites. I wanna be told "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. Go, am I not sending you?" (Judges 6)
I wanna be the Samuel, who said "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening..." (1 Samuel 3)
I wanna be the David, the person who wasn't looked at by his outward appearance, but by his heart. I too want the Spirit of the Lord to come on me in power... (1 Samuel 16)
I wanna be the Jabez, who was more honourable than all his brothers. I wanna cry out to God, and I want my request to be granted... (1 Chronicles 4)
I wanna be the Isaiah, who heard the Lord say "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" I too wanna stand up and say "Here am I. Send me!..." (Isaiah 6)
I wanna be the Jeremiah, who was appointed over all nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant... (Jeremiah 1)
I wanna be the Ezekiel, sent to a rebellious nation... (Ezekiel 2)
I wanna be one of the twelve disciples, called to be fishers of men and to go and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 4, 28)
I wanna imitate the Jesus, who never once turned away from the will of his Father... (Mark 14)
I wanna be the Paul who said:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 3:14)
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Whether you like it or not, you have a calling. But with each calling comes a choice.
The choice to accept, or the choice to decline. Maybe that choice involves giving your life to Jesus Christ, or maybe it involves stepping out a little more in your faith.
Looking at all these people, every one of them had a unique calling, just like you and me, and they chose to accept their calling and give it their all. Because you know what: if you don't do it, no one else will...
What about you? What is your calling? The Tough Issues!Ok, well I have avoided the controversial issues for long enough! This entry will bring to light my knowledge of the tough issues INSIDE the church! I.e. I am not going to prove that Jesus rose from the dead! If you are looking for answers for these questions, go to either "10 myths about Christianity" or "All about Jesus Christ" (links provided on my list of Christian websites).
No, today I will deal with 7 of the toughest and most controversial issues inside Christianity. This is my own knowledge from personal experience and study, and cannot be found anywhere else!
ISSUE NO 1- WOMEN
Passages include: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:9-15. These are 2 of the most controversial passages in the entire New Testament, and I know that many women find these verses insulting, offensive, and sexist.
Parts of the New Testament definitely have to be looked at as being cultural- written for the time, place, and people of the period, and I believe these verses are more cultural than anything else. However, they do have relevance to the church today. Men should definitely uphold the major positions of leadership in the church. E.g. only a male should be the senior pastor of a church.
In regards to women speaking, there is undoubtedly talented female speakers around the world today, and I see no problem with women teaching the gospel, even to men. Looking back to early AD times, women were considered unequal in many aspects of life including education and work. Obviously women would not have had the opportunities that men had, and this must be taken into account and compared to today's circumstances, where women are educated and offered work equally in most parts of the world.
ISSUE NO 2- ABORTION
Scripture is quite "silent" on this issue. Why? Simply because the issue is a relatively new one. However, from scripture, we can see that life begins at conception! (see Luke 1:41, David in Psalms tells us that the Lord "knit me in my womb"). Look at Exodus 21:22-25. We can see that a man had to be punished if he hit a pregnant woman and she gave birth prematurely (or she had a miscarriage). There is definitely life in that stomach!
Now if an unmarried woman has an abortion, the event was a result of sin anyway (sex outside of marriage). After sin, we have to live with the consequences of that sin (see Genesis 3- the fall), and so the abortion won't justify the sin. Therefore, the woman should live with the child, otherwise the abortion is indeed sinful. Remember what you reap, you will indeed sow.
I believe that abortion inside marriage is also sinful! Robert Ferguson claimed- "Marriage is a holy union that results in Godly offspring." Sex is a gift from God, and so are children. The married couple has had the pleasure of sex, and they should live with the result of that gift.
Is it sinful for a rape victim to have an abortion? I believe the answer should be in the best interests of the woman. However may I state this proven fact- "An overwhelming majority of rape victims say that the first step to recovery was to have the baby, and that the baby was a blessing to their life."
ISSUE NO 3- HOMOSEXUALITY
There is nothing wrong with a man loving a man, or a woman loving a woman. They can live with each other, have fun together, and admire each other. What would be the difference between 2 male best friends who have wives and families?
However, the physical act of sex and lust between the same gender is sinful. Why? Sex (and lust) is only permissible in marriage, and marriage is only for a man and a woman (see Genesis 2:24).
Many people would have you believe that homosexuality is a sinful nature because of the verses from Leviticus 18:22- they are mistaken. That would also mean that wearing clothes woven of 2 kinds of materials would be sinful (see Leviticus 19:19), and clipping off the edges of your beard would be sinful (Leviticus 19:27). Remember that the old has passed, the new has come!
1 Corinthians 6:9- Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the...male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders... will inherit the kingdom of God.
Please not that I am not trying to exclude homosexuals from the church!
ISSUE NO 4- DIVORCE
Passages include: 1 Corinthians 7:10-13, 1 Corinthians 7:27, Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:1-12
Jesus clearly says that anyone who divorces his wife (except for marital unfaithfulness!), causes her to become an adulteress (sin!), and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery (sin!).
Jesus also said that God has brought a married couple together, therefore let man not separate them! My suggestion: make sure the person you marry is the right person! And once you have become one flesh, except for marital unfaithfulness, do not separate because you have been joined by God!
Too many marriages are failing today because of the sin in people's lives. The fighting, the adultery, the abuse, the drugs and alcohol, the money etc. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 7 that those who marry will face many troubles in this life! However, you can't go wrong if you let God be the author of your family!
ISSUE NO 5- MASTURBATION
Masturbation affects an overwhelming amount of people in society today! Not just males, but females; not just teenagers, but adults! The general age of teenagers who are involved with masturbation is getting younger, and the general age of adults involved with masturbation is getting higher!
Pornography is swiftly growing into an epidemic, and is taking over society like a plague. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but make the point that pornography, masturbation, pre-marital sex, and lust are all sinful and sexually immoral!
Colossians 3:5-6- Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
ISSUE NO 6- CONTRACEPTION
Of all the issues present, this is the hardest to deal with! Scripture is almost totally silent on this subject, and it is one of the major issues that separate the Catholic Church from the Protestants!
But check out Genesis 38:9-10. Onan basically used the contraception of withdrawal, and what he did was wicked in the Lord's sight so he was put to death!
Now contraception outside of marriage is sinful because of the sex and lust involved, but what about inside marriage? In my own opinion, I believe contraception inside of marriage to be the partners own choice. It isn't a case of "is this wrong or right?", it is a case of "do I want to wear a black or red dress"- that is, neither choice is sinful, but a matter of personal selection.
ISSUE NO 7- JUDAISM
I included this issue because I think it needs to be addressed on my site.
Judaists follow the Old Testament and are still waiting for the Messiah. However, Christians follow the Old and New Testaments, and believe that Jesus was the Messiah, who was crucified because the Jewish leaders didn't believe His claims about himself.
When Jesus walked the earth, He was indeed respected by many of the Jewish people. He was considered a "rabbi" (which is a Jewish Teacher). Today, Jesus is basically ignored by the Judaists, but there are a number of Jewish Christians around.
The Old Testament was written over a period of 1500 years, with thousands of parallels and prophecies that Christians today can link to Jesus. The Jewish scripture even claims that the Messiah would be killed by His own people and crucified! And so we have an important question to ask: why couldn't many of the Jews back then, AND today, see that Jesus is indeed the Messiah promised?
There are 2 answers! 1- God has blinded their eyes. Having a look at the Old Testament, the Jewish people have been known to be a people of stubbornness, and wickedness, constantly turning away from God. The New and Old Testament both claim that "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." Judaists simply can't see!
The 2nd reason is that they were expecting someone totally different to Jesus! They were expecting an "Alexander the Great" type figure. Someone who would wear a crown and robe (note Jesus did wear these!), be seated on the throne, free them from the Romans who had the power at the time, and make Israel a great nation! Jesus did all this and more, but in a totally different (and unexpected) way!
The Conclusion of the Matter!
Say you have had an abortion, you have been involved in homosexuality, you have divorced your partner, or you have been involved in sexually immoral activities, there is hope! The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but then in Romans 6:23, it says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord!
You simply need to repent of your sins, and ask forgiveness from God- a gift that can only be offered through Jesus! Please note that none of this entry was intended to insult anyone. Its purpose was to make clear the Bible's view of certain issues in society today! 9 Lessons of Leadership from Gideon (Judges 6-8)Quick Notes:
Gideon: Gideon, with only 300 men, defeated the Midianites, who were: as thick as locusts. Their camels could no longer be counted than the sand on the seashore. (Judges 7:12) 1) You need a God-given cause. Judges 6:12-14- When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord be with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" There is a specific plan and purpose for your life! 2) You need followers. Judges 6:27- So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. 3) You need a strategy. Do what God has called you to do. Remember the golden rule: Faithful with little, faithful with much! 4) You need the supernatural power of God, combined with sacrifice and commitment! Luke 4:18- (Jesus speaking) "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the opressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." 5) You need to get rid of chaff. 1 Corinthians 15:33- Don't be misled- bad company corrupts good character! From 82 000 men, only 300 were chosen! 6) You need to take time out to worship God. Judges 7:15- "When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshipped God." Remember to always bring a sacrifice of praise! 7) You need to have some diplomacy skills. Remember you're not able to please everyone! Judges 8:1- Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticised him sharply. But Gideon replied wisely! 8) You need to let your team rest! Look after them! Refresh and refuel! Judges 8:5- "Give my troops some bread; they are worn out." 9) Give ALL the glory to God! Judges 8:22-27- Gideon made the mistake of asking for plunder. V 27- all Israel prostitued them and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family! MosesThe Calling of Moses
Moses' Starting Point
Moses: Someone- Not Just Anyone!
Abigail (1 Samuel 25)David had been wrongdone by the wealthy house of Nabal. He was riding towards them with 400 men to avenge them with his own hands! Abigail (Nabal's wife) heard the message and lost no time! She quickly rode towards David and his army of men on a donkey, with many gifts. She bowed down and fell at his feet, and asked him to spare the household! David heard her words and granted her request, and praised Abigail for her good judgement! From this story we can see:
Abigail is an ultimate example of leadership- yet she only takes up one chapter of the Bible! The story ends with the Lord striking Nabal and he died. David praised the Lord and Abigail became David's wife! Escaping Gravity!
"I don't want to fall away from You, Gravity is pulling me on down. I don't want to fall away from You, Gravity is pulling me to the ground." Leadership:I have finished reading the book "Developing The Leader Within You"! Here is a general outline of what it had to say: The Definiton of Leadership is INFLUENCE The Key to Leadership is PRIORITIES The Most Important Ingredient of Leadership is INTEGRITY The Ultimate Test of Leadership is CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE The Quckest Way to Gain Leadership is PROBLEM SOLVING The Extra Plus in Leadership is ATTITUDE Developing Your Most Appreciable Asset is PEOPLE The Indispensable Quality of Leadership is VISION The Price Tag of Leadership is SELF-DISCIPLINE The Most Important Lesson of Leadership is STAFF DEVELOPMENT Living Life With SIGHT!
Knowing Jesus:
Matthew 16:15 "But what about you? Who do YOU say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Core Values:Peace- Be kind with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:13- Live in peace with each other. Service- Look out for others. 1 Peter 4:10- Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. Wisdom- Search for good. James 1:5- If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God and it will be given to him. Excellence- Go beyong the norm. Philippians 4:8- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Justice- Be just, know the limits. Micah 6:8- He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Integrity- Do what you say. Matthew 5:37- Simply let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Love- Love is the starting point. John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not peish but have eternal life. Courage- Keep on trying things as you grow. Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Patience- Accept different and new things. 1 Corinthians 13:4- Love is patient... Truth- What guides your life? John 14:6- (Jesus said) I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. Faithfulness- Is your word good? 1 Corinthians 15:58- Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm, Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Commitment- Live by the values. Romans 12:1- Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Perseverance- Don't give up on good. Hebrews 12:1- Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Compassion- Care for others. Romans 12:15- Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Creating the Right Environment!This is helpful for people who want to make Church, Youth Group, Bible Study, and anywhere else a better place! This is especially important for meeting new people...
Life Starts Now!
Relationships!
Let's make a decision to make relationships right!
Get the idea??? Jesus Is Alive!
JESUS IS ALIVE! |
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