The Mereness of Church: Preaching
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For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2Co 4:6 ESV)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
He Was No Fool
One of my favorite missionary biographies is the story of Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian who were martyred in Ecuador, killed by the Wadoni Indians (then known as the Auca Indians). January 8th was the 58th anniversary of this incident. The story of how the Auca (Wuaorani) indians later responded to the Gospel is wonderful demonstration of God's power. The stories by both Elisabeth Elliot and Steve Saint are compelling and marvelously inspirational reads. If you want to read a riveting historical account of a true missionary story these books and the videos based upon them will definitely bless you. Pick them up at your favorite book store or look for them at your public library.
You may want to read:
Through Gates of Splendor - by Elisabeth Elliot (the widow of Jim Elliot) or Beyond Gates of Splendor by Steve Saint (the son of Nate Saint) or The End of The Spear by Steve Saint.
More about Jim Elliot can be found in this post from Justin Taylor- He Was No Fool
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Sunday, January 10, 2010
Quote of the day
Since God gives grace and strength
through fellowship, without fellowship you will be a spiritual
weakling, fantasizing in private about your spiritual prowess, but
powerless when it really counts.” (Donald Whitney - Spiritual Disciplines Within The Church p. 153).
through fellowship, without fellowship you will be a spiritual
weakling, fantasizing in private about your spiritual prowess, but
powerless when it really counts.” (Donald Whitney - Spiritual Disciplines Within The Church p. 153).
Friday, January 8, 2010
A Good Mystery- By Mike T.
I love a good mystery. A good writer will craft a story that cleverly shares little by little the pieces of a puzzle and brief glimpses of some hidden truth. They keep you seeking more clues and guessing till the end when the truth is finally revealed. They finally tie together all of the fragments that by themselves could only lead to speculation and guessing and a partial deduction of the actual truth. In the end the mystery is revealed and it all makes perfect sense.
In a similar vain the Old Testament presented a mystery. God revealed Himself through the Old Testament prophets. But in some ways a carefully crafted story was being presented and brief glimpses and foreshadows laid the foundation for what one day would be fully explained. In the New Testament what could not be fully understood is fully tied together. The mystery is revealed and makes perfect sense.
It is the answer to this great mystery that works its way out in the pages of the Bible that the church exists to tell. There is a message that it is charged to deliver, to preserve and hold dear. Paul takes this message seriously. In Colosians he states that God assigned him to be a steward of this truth. He struggled and toiled with all his energy for this very message.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
(Col 1:24-29 ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
(1Ti 3:14-16 ESV)
At the center of this message is how Jesus Christ makes it possible for God's people to be presented mature, holy and godly. It is here that the church often fails to recognize and proclaim what is most basic and important. We must remember that godliness is only possible for sinful people through the intervention of God through the Cross. Why is so much of what we proclaim to the world have nothing to do with this message? We have a great truth. The mystery has been revealed and all of the pieces fit together. There is no other means that the church can present people that will be mature and holy. It all goes back to what God has done for us on our behalf in Christ on the cross of calvary. A living God has worked out a great plan through all of eternity and established the church to be a pillar and buttress of the truth. Simply put that means to support and hold up and bear the load and weight of the gospel. We must make sure that our message to the world begins and ends in this great mystery. Then we will begin to see people changed and respond to the Gospel.
In a similar vain the Old Testament presented a mystery. God revealed Himself through the Old Testament prophets. But in some ways a carefully crafted story was being presented and brief glimpses and foreshadows laid the foundation for what one day would be fully explained. In the New Testament what could not be fully understood is fully tied together. The mystery is revealed and makes perfect sense.
It is the answer to this great mystery that works its way out in the pages of the Bible that the church exists to tell. There is a message that it is charged to deliver, to preserve and hold dear. Paul takes this message seriously. In Colosians he states that God assigned him to be a steward of this truth. He struggled and toiled with all his energy for this very message.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
(Col 1:24-29 ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
(1Ti 3:14-16 ESV)
At the center of this message is how Jesus Christ makes it possible for God's people to be presented mature, holy and godly. It is here that the church often fails to recognize and proclaim what is most basic and important. We must remember that godliness is only possible for sinful people through the intervention of God through the Cross. Why is so much of what we proclaim to the world have nothing to do with this message? We have a great truth. The mystery has been revealed and all of the pieces fit together. There is no other means that the church can present people that will be mature and holy. It all goes back to what God has done for us on our behalf in Christ on the cross of calvary. A living God has worked out a great plan through all of eternity and established the church to be a pillar and buttress of the truth. Simply put that means to support and hold up and bear the load and weight of the gospel. We must make sure that our message to the world begins and ends in this great mystery. Then we will begin to see people changed and respond to the Gospel.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Family of God and Prayer
This week I have witnessed God working first hand to answer prayer. In my own life I have seen a prayer answered in an unexpected way as God clearly opened up a door that had been closed for a long while. Today at church a young man gave testimony to the power of the Gospel to give us strength during trials. God never walks away from us even when we try to walk away from Him. Jesus Christ still changes lives and the Gospel still turns sinners from sin.
As I have been reflecting on the church this week the concept of the church as the household of God kept appearing in my studies. The great and marvelous fact that God has adopted us into His marvelous family with Jesus Christ as the head and we his sons and daughters. The church is indeed a family and like a family must care for and support one another. When one hurts, all hurt. When one rejoices, all rejoice. Today we have rejoiced together celebrating the blessing of a young man who has returned to his family. The church is a family. Let us continue to pray for one another. God hears the prayers of his children and answers them. Praise God!!!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Church's Great Message - By Mike T.
I have been blessed today with a study of the Church that has brought to light many common themes that appear in Scripture. Some of what I learned today is:
* Christ established the church with His blood. The church is His Bride and Treasure.
* The Church is the assembly of the Living God where He is present.
* The Church is the household of God.
* The Church is charged with preserving and proclaiming the Gospel.
* God has placed us in this family. He has chosen and adopted us as sons and daughters to an inheritance in Christ.
* God is present and we meet Him in the church.
* Christ is the head, builder, foundation and sustainer of the Church.
* The Church is to proclaim the truth of God that is the Gospel which is the Treasure of the Church.
* The Church calles the people of God to holiness.
The theme that I want to commend to you today is the church's message as found in scripture. 1 Peter reminds us that the church is responsible to 'proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness." That is Jesus Christ.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9 ESV)
Some other New Testament verses with a similar theme include Eph 3:10, Col 1:24-29 and 1 Tim 3:14-16. All these verses emphasize that the church has a unique and special truth that no other institution can offer. This truth, this message, this Gospel that the church proclaims and witnesses to is that by which we are saved and become the assembly of the LIVING GOD.
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph 3:10 ESV)
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Col 1:24-29 ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
(1Ti 3:14-16 ESV)
Take some time to study the message of the church proclaimed in these and other New Testament verses. Then begin to look at the other themes that were found at the top of this post.
* Christ established the church with His blood. The church is His Bride and Treasure.
* The Church is the assembly of the Living God where He is present.
* The Church is the household of God.
* The Church is charged with preserving and proclaiming the Gospel.
* God has placed us in this family. He has chosen and adopted us as sons and daughters to an inheritance in Christ.
* God is present and we meet Him in the church.
* Christ is the head, builder, foundation and sustainer of the Church.
* The Church is to proclaim the truth of God that is the Gospel which is the Treasure of the Church.
* The Church calles the people of God to holiness.
The theme that I want to commend to you today is the church's message as found in scripture. 1 Peter reminds us that the church is responsible to 'proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness." That is Jesus Christ.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9 ESV)
Some other New Testament verses with a similar theme include Eph 3:10, Col 1:24-29 and 1 Tim 3:14-16. All these verses emphasize that the church has a unique and special truth that no other institution can offer. This truth, this message, this Gospel that the church proclaims and witnesses to is that by which we are saved and become the assembly of the LIVING GOD.
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph 3:10 ESV)
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Col 1:24-29 ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
(1Ti 3:14-16 ESV)
Take some time to study the message of the church proclaimed in these and other New Testament verses. Then begin to look at the other themes that were found at the top of this post.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Dearest Place On Earth
“Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it.
Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us… All who have first given themselves to the Lord, should, as speedily as possible, also give themselves to the Lord’s people. How else is there to be a Church on the earth? If it is right for anyone to refrain from membership in the Church, it is right for everyone, and then the testimony for God would be lost to the world!"
–Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Best Donation,” (No. 2234), in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Vol. 37, an exposition of 2 Corinthians 8:5 preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England, on April 5, 1891.
Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us… All who have first given themselves to the Lord, should, as speedily as possible, also give themselves to the Lord’s people. How else is there to be a Church on the earth? If it is right for anyone to refrain from membership in the Church, it is right for everyone, and then the testimony for God would be lost to the world!"
–Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Best Donation,” (No. 2234), in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Vol. 37, an exposition of 2 Corinthians 8:5 preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England, on April 5, 1891.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Highest Possible Resolution - by Mike T.
As a tech guy I sometimes have a different perspective on things. Allow me to put a unique spin on the New Year’s Resolution. When I hear the word ‘resolution’ the first thing I think about has to do with the image detail for displays, cameras and televisions. Simply put the higher the resolution the finer detail of a picture that can be displayed. Wikipedia defines this as the pixel resolution.
Below is an illustration of how the same image might appear at different pixel resolutions, if the pixels were poorly rendered as sharp squares (normally, a smooth image reconstruction from pixels would be preferred, but for illustration of pixels, the sharp squares make the point better).
An image that is 2048 pixels in width and 1536 pixels in height has a total of 2048×1536 = 3,145,728 pixels or 3.1 megapixels. One could refer to it as 2048 by 1536 or a 3.1-megapixel image. (Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/image_resolution#resolution_of_digital_images)
In digital photography to print a decent 4x6 photo requires 3 MP. But enlargements such an 11x14 require 4 MP, while an 20x30 requires 8 MP. For televisions and computer monitors the higher the resolution the clearer the image. As the resolution gets higher the more details that will be visible. In a lot of cases the higher the resolution, the more expensive the equipment can be. To get greater detail and clarity requires an investment.
How does this relate to the New Year’s Resolution? For this coming year, rather than making a resolution, use the highest resolution possible. Invest in what it takes to get greater detail and clarity. Make that your effort and goal. Like cameras and displays require more pixels for a clearer image, seek more of God’s Word to get a more detailed perspective on the Savior and yourself. The more of God’s Word that is used the more in focus the picture of Christwill become. Take the time this year to drill down and focus on the images that are presented in the Scriptures. You will learn so much about Jesus Christ that you have missed before. You will see more about yourself and your own sinfulness and need for a Savior as you let God’s Holy Word make the pictures clearer. Get as much resolution as you can and take time to notice the nuances and details that you missed before.
Focus on the Savior. Have you seen all there is of His righteousness, love, compassion, divinity, meekness, power and purpose? Have you missed something of the joy of loving Him with your whole heart and mind and strength?
And as you read allow the Bible to help you focus on a better picture of yourself. Would more clarity help you see some things that were hidden before? Are there idols that take your focus off of Jesus as Lord? Do you have sins that you might have not been able to see before at a lower resolution?
Take advantage of the highest resolution possible this next year. When you look at yourself you find some things that ruin the picture. When you look at the Savior in greater detail you will spot some things you missed before.
Below is an illustration of how the same image might appear at different pixel resolutions, if the pixels were poorly rendered as sharp squares (normally, a smooth image reconstruction from pixels would be preferred, but for illustration of pixels, the sharp squares make the point better).
An image that is 2048 pixels in width and 1536 pixels in height has a total of 2048×1536 = 3,145,728 pixels or 3.1 megapixels. One could refer to it as 2048 by 1536 or a 3.1-megapixel image. (Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/image_resolution#resolution_of_digital_images)
In digital photography to print a decent 4x6 photo requires 3 MP. But enlargements such an 11x14 require 4 MP, while an 20x30 requires 8 MP. For televisions and computer monitors the higher the resolution the clearer the image. As the resolution gets higher the more details that will be visible. In a lot of cases the higher the resolution, the more expensive the equipment can be. To get greater detail and clarity requires an investment.
How does this relate to the New Year’s Resolution? For this coming year, rather than making a resolution, use the highest resolution possible. Invest in what it takes to get greater detail and clarity. Make that your effort and goal. Like cameras and displays require more pixels for a clearer image, seek more of God’s Word to get a more detailed perspective on the Savior and yourself. The more of God’s Word that is used the more in focus the picture of Christwill become. Take the time this year to drill down and focus on the images that are presented in the Scriptures. You will learn so much about Jesus Christ that you have missed before. You will see more about yourself and your own sinfulness and need for a Savior as you let God’s Holy Word make the pictures clearer. Get as much resolution as you can and take time to notice the nuances and details that you missed before.
Focus on the Savior. Have you seen all there is of His righteousness, love, compassion, divinity, meekness, power and purpose? Have you missed something of the joy of loving Him with your whole heart and mind and strength?
And as you read allow the Bible to help you focus on a better picture of yourself. Would more clarity help you see some things that were hidden before? Are there idols that take your focus off of Jesus as Lord? Do you have sins that you might have not been able to see before at a lower resolution?
Take advantage of the highest resolution possible this next year. When you look at yourself you find some things that ruin the picture. When you look at the Savior in greater detail you will spot some things you missed before.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Finally Alive
When looking for new reading material I often browse the web to see what others are reading. At the top of several 2009 book lists I noticed Finally Alive by John Piper. So I begun reading it. While only 3 chapters into this book, I am greatly impressed and encouraged by its message. This book talks about regeneration: what it is and why it is important.
I have always been a fan of John Piper's works and this is one of his finest efforts. It is excellent reading for both mature and young Christians.
Sample Finally Alive and many other of John Piper's works for free at http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/. I have always admired the ministry of Desiring God which makes its many fine resources available at no cost to those who can not afford them. They show a true trust and committment to share God's Word.
I have always been a fan of John Piper's works and this is one of his finest efforts. It is excellent reading for both mature and young Christians.
Sample Finally Alive and many other of John Piper's works for free at http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/. I have always admired the ministry of Desiring God which makes its many fine resources available at no cost to those who can not afford them. They show a true trust and committment to share God's Word.
New Look
The Light Keeper's Journal has taken on a new look and a new committment to posting articles and links that will be of interest to Christians who are interested in growing and finding joy in Jesus Christ.
I am looking for other dedicated believers who want to share interesting links, articles and stories of interest to build up believers and reach others for Christ. If you want to become a partner posting on this blog about matters of faith, witness, prayer, worship, fellowship, humor, news and other information please contact me.
I am looking for other dedicated believers who want to share interesting links, articles and stories of interest to build up believers and reach others for Christ. If you want to become a partner posting on this blog about matters of faith, witness, prayer, worship, fellowship, humor, news and other information please contact me.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Just the Facts
Today we begin a series of short studies on effectively witnessing the Gospel to unbelievers.
JUST THE FACTS
Where should you begin when witnessing to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The approach that is tried a lot of times is to try and convince others that they need Christ because of what He can do for them. The offer that ‘Jesus can mend a broken heart’ or that ‘He makes things right’ or "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He’ll give you love, joy, peace, fulfillment, and lasting happiness." We might even begin by telling someone that without Jesus that they will go to Hell. Often times we mix this with the testimony of our own experience as to what Jesus has done for us. All of these approaches fail to help the other person understand who Jesus is.
Think about where the others that you might try to witness to are coming from. Most will carry into the conversation some sort of understanding of religious notions and ideas. For the majority of individuals will attest to some sort of religious beliefs. The backgrounds will vary. Some will profess faith in another god, perhaps Buddha or Allah. Others will attest to some sort of pseudo Christian beliefs or have rejected the idea of a ‘higher power’ altogether. They will have already established faith in something or someone. They may be content or even restless and unsure of their beliefs and their faith. They have tried religion and expressed faith. But as yet they do not in fact know the Jesus of the Bible.
The opportunity to effectively witness then exists in not offering them another option on their religious menu but to lead them to know Jesus as Christ, God in the flesh who died on the cross and rose again to save His own. When they learn who Jesus really is they can begin to realize how worthless their faith in any thing else actually is.
Remember as you witness that it is not your words or your approach that saves others, but God who changes hearts of sinners and opens their eyes and ears to the Gospel. Until the Holy Spirit works in the heart of another the Gospel remains ‘foolishness’ to them. In the Book of Acts Philip witnesses to an Ethiopian official.
God will open up the opportunity. You be obedient and willing to do the work.
But an angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza: the same is desert. And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. Acts 8:26-29
When the opportunity arises- jump at it
As we stated earlier most people you get the opportunity to witness to will already have an established faith and religious experience. Here Philip met an Ethiopian official who worshipped God and read the Scriptures. However, the true meaning of the words he read eluded him. No doubt that God had a hand in this encounter. Philip responded by leading this man to an understanding of who Jesus is.
And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me? And he besought Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31
Witness with the Word of God (just the facts)
The only tool you need to witness is the Word Of God. In it you will find all you need to explain who Jesus is to others.
Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other? Acts 8:32-34
Preach unto them – JESUS
The scriptures tell us about Jesus. That is the focus of the Gospel message. Rely on this message and not on the needs of others or your own personal experiences. Jesus did not come to mend broken hearts, bring peace, joy and lasting happiness. He came to Glorify God. Those who do not know Him as God, Savior, Redeemer and King only need to know this one important fact.
And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached unto him Jesus. Act 8:35
The Gospel Saves
As you witness to others and share the Word of God others will come to see Jesus as Savior, Lord, King, Redeemer. Philip opened up the scriptures and an Ethiopian official came to know Jesus. This led to the man’s conversion and the request to be baptized.
And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
(Act 8:26-40 ASV)
Jesus did not come to mend broken hearts, bring peace, joy and lasting happiness. He came to Glorify God. Those who do not know Him as God, Savior, Redeemer and King only need to know this one important fact. It is in Jesus Christ and no one else that they will find Salvation.
JUST THE FACTS
Where should you begin when witnessing to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The approach that is tried a lot of times is to try and convince others that they need Christ because of what He can do for them. The offer that ‘Jesus can mend a broken heart’ or that ‘He makes things right’ or "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He’ll give you love, joy, peace, fulfillment, and lasting happiness." We might even begin by telling someone that without Jesus that they will go to Hell. Often times we mix this with the testimony of our own experience as to what Jesus has done for us. All of these approaches fail to help the other person understand who Jesus is.
Think about where the others that you might try to witness to are coming from. Most will carry into the conversation some sort of understanding of religious notions and ideas. For the majority of individuals will attest to some sort of religious beliefs. The backgrounds will vary. Some will profess faith in another god, perhaps Buddha or Allah. Others will attest to some sort of pseudo Christian beliefs or have rejected the idea of a ‘higher power’ altogether. They will have already established faith in something or someone. They may be content or even restless and unsure of their beliefs and their faith. They have tried religion and expressed faith. But as yet they do not in fact know the Jesus of the Bible.
The opportunity to effectively witness then exists in not offering them another option on their religious menu but to lead them to know Jesus as Christ, God in the flesh who died on the cross and rose again to save His own. When they learn who Jesus really is they can begin to realize how worthless their faith in any thing else actually is.
Remember as you witness that it is not your words or your approach that saves others, but God who changes hearts of sinners and opens their eyes and ears to the Gospel. Until the Holy Spirit works in the heart of another the Gospel remains ‘foolishness’ to them. In the Book of Acts Philip witnesses to an Ethiopian official.
God will open up the opportunity. You be obedient and willing to do the work.
But an angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza: the same is desert. And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. Acts 8:26-29
When the opportunity arises- jump at it
As we stated earlier most people you get the opportunity to witness to will already have an established faith and religious experience. Here Philip met an Ethiopian official who worshipped God and read the Scriptures. However, the true meaning of the words he read eluded him. No doubt that God had a hand in this encounter. Philip responded by leading this man to an understanding of who Jesus is.
And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me? And he besought Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31
Witness with the Word of God (just the facts)
The only tool you need to witness is the Word Of God. In it you will find all you need to explain who Jesus is to others.
Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other? Acts 8:32-34
Preach unto them – JESUS
The scriptures tell us about Jesus. That is the focus of the Gospel message. Rely on this message and not on the needs of others or your own personal experiences. Jesus did not come to mend broken hearts, bring peace, joy and lasting happiness. He came to Glorify God. Those who do not know Him as God, Savior, Redeemer and King only need to know this one important fact.
And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached unto him Jesus. Act 8:35
The Gospel Saves
As you witness to others and share the Word of God others will come to see Jesus as Savior, Lord, King, Redeemer. Philip opened up the scriptures and an Ethiopian official came to know Jesus. This led to the man’s conversion and the request to be baptized.
And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
(Act 8:26-40 ASV)
Jesus did not come to mend broken hearts, bring peace, joy and lasting happiness. He came to Glorify God. Those who do not know Him as God, Savior, Redeemer and King only need to know this one important fact. It is in Jesus Christ and no one else that they will find Salvation.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Spiritually and Physically preparing for Sunday Worship
Ever struggled to stay awake at Sunday School or church? I often joke with my friend Floyd about the need for us to help one another stay awake for the sermon. Though it is a running joke between us and 'mostly' we are just having fun, this article on Being a diligent listener I found today makes an excellent point worth waking up for. No reflection on our Pastor, the fault usually lies with my own failure to get enough sleep.
How much more we could get out of and give back to our church family if we came refreshed spiritually and physically to hear God's Word.
Being a diligent listener- by Tim Challies
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