Christian or Not?

Just listen that will be all it takes… If you were to start a conversation by asking this question. Are you a Christian? An overwhelming majority in the US will say, “Yes”. I find that hard to believe, if one were to compare their lives to the Biblical standard. The written guidance in God’s word will always reveal one’s true heart.

Don’t quickly turn away here this may be eye opening thoughts for you. Let’s look first at Titus 1:16 where it reveals the intent of man. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (KJV)

  • I’m a Christian but I don’t need the church.
    • Phil 1:5 “For your Fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now;”
    • 1John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie,”
  • I made a profession of faith when I was younger, so I’m good.
    • There is no substantial evidence where this would be  no more than words. Lip service holds no significance spiritually. Titus 1:16
  • I’m a good person…
    • God’s Test for Goodness is Exodus 20 2-17 Told a Lie?, Stolen something?, Lusted? (Matt 5:28) Murder? (Hate? Same as Murder 1John 3:15).
    • Luke 18:19″Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is God.”
  • I was baptized…
    • Mark 1:8 “I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
    • John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
  • I joined my parent’s church…
    • Matt 7:16 “Ye shall know them by their fruits…”
  • I go to church that’s good enough.
    • Matt 15:8 “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me.”

“The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:19

  • I believe God is the creator and Lord of All
    • Col 1:16 “For by Him All thing were created…”
  • Man turned away from Him and sinned
    • Isa 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all”
  • Though I sinned against Him. He saw fit to send His Son Jesus to take my punishment. The death on the cross that I deserve for my sin He took my place.
  • His blood covering me and my sins are never to be seen by God the Father. I am covered by the blood of Jesus through my faith believing in his sacrifice in my place.
  • His grace is shown to me an undeserving sinner.
    • Rom 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

This same grace can cover you. Repent, truly believe in Him, turn from your sin and His blood will be your covering.

If you pray and ask for His forgiveness (Your own words). He is faithful to forgive you… 1John 1: 9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

4 Principles of Evangelism

Principle of Prayer

Prayer Opens Communication; Matthew 6:9

Prayer Affects Personal Attitude; Matthew 6:10, Matthew 26:39, 42

Prayer Enlists Heavenly Support; Matthew 26:52-54

Principle of the Heart

Where your Heart is…; Matthew 6:19-21

Love of the Local Body; 1 John 3:16-18

Preach to the Lost at Home and Abroad; Acts 1:8, Luke 9:6, 2 Corinthians 10:14-17

Principle of the Gospel

Resists the proud and Grace to the Humble; James 4:6, Luke 10 25-28, Luke 7:44-48

Follow the Christ’s Example; 4:7-29, John 3:1-18

Follow the Commands of Christ; Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20

Principle of Trust

God being Omniscient (All Knowing) 1John 3:19-20, Omnipotent (All Powerful)                       Isaiah 43:13, Luke 1:37, Omnipresent (Ever Present) Proverbs 15:3, Psalm 139:7-10

God’s Perfect Plan is to be spread by the Imperfect 1 Timothy 1:11-17

God’s Plan will be accomplished; Matthew 16:18b, Jeremiah 29:11

God is Love and has a Wonderful Plan…

The Gospel message of, “God is love and He has a wonderful plan for you life”; is in the greater picture deceptive and only the second half of the Gospel. Let’s review it… God is Love, (1John 4:8) the key point is that God actually is love.

When we look at scripture we also need to take context into consideration. In this verse love is comparative of God’s love for His children, the “Christians”, but this modern method of sharing the Gospel is using love from this verse to over shadow God being a just God and must punish sin.

This in turn gives false hope to those who still have a non-Christian world view of love. Love to most in the modern world is comprised of two basic thoughts both of which tend to be wrong. Let’s review two of the most common…

Wrong thoughts of Love…

  1. If you love me you will do everything in your power to make me happy…
  2. If you love me you will not judge me for my faults (Sin) Where the common thought everyone goes to heaven as long as they mean well and think good thought… Do Good.

Sound familiar?

A better view of the attributes of love…

Webster says: strong affection arising out of kinship; unselfish loyal benevolence for the good of another. (Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, pg 680)

Nurturing but with restraint, discipline, asserts leadership, lives by example, gives room for failure to solidify growth…

Can you begin to see the differences?

Now as for the Wonderful plan for your life… Let’s look at a more clear picture of the Gospel. In order for the good news to be so great we need to see our own need for such a Gospel. So, the bad must prepare us for the good.

  • God the Creator is Holy  (Lev 19:2, 21:7) and  Just.(Deut 32:4).
  • Man failed to maintain his relationship with God. Man sinned against God by partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This brought death to man both physical and spiritual. Have you sinned against God? Go through the 10 Commandments. This judgment comes to all men… “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment…”Hebrews 9:27
  •  Christ came to earth born of a virgin, lived a PERFECT sinless life, fulfilling the prophesies. Then he willingly laid down His own life and was crucified, a sacrifice for our sin. Heb 9:28
  • The Response is each individual must for themselves make a decision. to believe or not there is no middle ground. The Bible says if you make no decision you have decided already. John 3:18 You are compelled to believe that these things are true. “Repent (Be humble and truly sorry for your sin) and be Converted (be changed) that your sins maybe blotted out…”Acts 3:19 “Repent and be baptized…”Acts 2:38, “Repent and believe in the good news…”Mark 1:15

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

 

Evangelism John 3:16

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God

Genesis 1: 1

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth.

God created the earth and all of it’s contents, he declared it was good.

Whosoever

Romans 3:11,12

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

God’s creation man was declared good in the beginning. Man was deceived and sinned against God. That sin separated man from God has continued through out time. We don’t accept God when he calls us, our sin will separate us from a Holy God. Both Paul, in Romans, and Jesus in Matthew remind us that no matter how good we make ourselves look we still are not good enough to out weigh our sin.

Hebrews 9:27

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment

The judgment will be weighed against the law. The 10 Commandments… How would you scale against god’s Law?

Due to sin God declared that death was to be the result. The concern that should trouble man is that everyone is to be judged… eternity weighs in the balance.

His only begotten Son

Romans 5:6-8

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

God loved man so much, and knowing the only way for the sin of man to be covered, God sent His Son Jesus to live a perfect sinless life then to give His life for man. Jesus’ shed blood was to atone for mans sin.

Believeth should not perish, but have everlasting life

Acts 3:19

19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Each man has two choices upon understanding these Biblical truths.

  1. Believe in Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood was for the forgiveness of your sins. In doing so you are repent and allow yourself to be converted through the Holy Spirit.
  2. If you wish not to believe understand this does not change the fact you will face judgment after death. There will be no atonement applied. You will face judgment alone.

My plea is to see anyone that comes into contact with this teaching to be converted. However, the overwhelming majority will not choose to believe and then follow Him. From that rejection, though you may say you believe in Him, you actually are saying no to Him. That is unbelief and it deceives you much like the deception Satan accomplished in the garden. I ask you to investigate, reach out, read the scripture for yourself. God will not allow your true concern to go unresolved. Pray asking for Him to forgive your unbelief, believe His promise to forgive you, Read His word. Find a true Bible believing church Bible preaching ad teaching church; that aligns itself with the Gospel. I will Pray for you.

Evangelize our Children

Parents it is our responsibility to evangelize our children. If we failed to do so society, their education, and the worldview they are taught by social media will be the only evangelism they will understand.

It is very important that we teach them while they’re young how to defend their faith, how to share with their friends about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Might I suggest To take them on a short-term mission trip across the city, across the state, across United States, even into another country. It will resonate with them for their entire life.

With this past Sunday being Mother’s Day… A quote…

On February 3, 1983, at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Ronald Reagan stated:”I have a very special old Bible. And alongside a verse in the Second Book of Chronicles there are some words, handwritten, very faded by now. And believe me, the person who wrote these words was an authority. Her name was Nelle Wilson Reagan. She was my mother.”
Ronald Reagan stated:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. W. Federer, http://www.americanminute.com , daily quotes

Personal Evangelism (Part 2)

To review Personal Evangelism Part 1 in short Answers the first half of the question: Is personal evangelism intended to be confrontational? It was answered by an overwhelming, YES!!!

Now to counter this thought; though the Gospel itself is always confrontational. The thought is, no one wants to hear that they’ve committed sin. No matter how good we think we all still have sin in our lives we where born with sin.

What Evangelism Part 2 is trying to make a point about is thought the Gospel is confrontational everything else doesn’t need to be.

  • The location or setting should not be confrontational. Don’t turn them away before you get a chance to speak to them.
  • The message should be clear and not patronizing. Don’t talk down to them; talk from the heart, be open, speak the truth and not something  that is watered down.
  • Be inviting, social, and act out of love. A plastic put on show is easily detected.
  • Make friends / acquaintances, build a relationship, ask pointed questions and let them talk about themselves.
  • Then open up with a question about the Gospel and not “Where do you go to church?”
  • Let them talk, even if this encounter does not turn into a conversion it will be a solid seed planted.
  • There is no locked in way to witness with only a requirement to meeting the minimal 1.Who is God? 2.Man fell and can not work to gain God’s favor? 3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and die for our sin. 4. There must be a personal decision, either Yes of No… Not now, later or I’m not sure are all no answers.
  • Remember John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.

Tract Evangelism

Without a doubt the use of tracts are one of the versatile tools in an evangelist’s tool box. Just in case I need to clarify, and evangelist can and should describe all Christians. The depth one takes the evangelist’s job description can and does expand what one sees as his/her job assigned according to scripture.

Tracts Passively used: I’ll lay an assorted amount of tracts in a public location and let people read them at their leisure. Gas pump, waiting room, restaurant table…ect.

  • This does cover some level of outreach, minimally.
  • There is no need to learn how to do this.
  • Easy level of comfort
  • There is a level, minimal, of excitement know you have done at the least something.
  • There is a possibility of a seed being plant
  • The tract itself can possibly direct the reader to salvation

Tracts Actively used: I use tracts as ice breakers to start off a friendly conversation building trust; this leads to the opening to share the Gospel. It also helps to discern which people are at the least open to hear you.

  • When it is done right it relies on outreach.
  • Simple to learn to use tracts to meet people.
  • Comfort levels will be by the individual; however, this is a learned skill and comfort level increases with experience.
  • Depending on the tracts used people may even initiate the conversation with the individual.
  • There are no numbers involved.
  • Each time there is interaction, even a negative response, is exciting for the evangelists.
  • Sharing is 100% Scriptural.
  • The conversation following the tract is intended to plant a seed.
  • There needs to be a decision whether or not the individual is ready to make that decision. An opportunity to accept Christ should be given to a person that is ready and understands the implications.
  • Learning the skill and preparing oneself is to grow as a Disciple of Christ.

The use of tracts are without a doubt the ammunition that is fuel for the Great Commission in the hands of the evangelist.

Street Preaching / Evangelism

I personally find street preaching to be one of those evangelism styles that harbor both positive and to an extent negative attributes. For those who have never tried to street preach, it can seem over powering or even terrifying. For the ones who enjoy that rush of adrenalin, this can be your dream of a method; though like any rush or thrill it can wear down over time. Remember It’s for God’s glory not ours; that will help to get our self out of the way.

  • It is  fully capable to be used in some but it may not be for all out reach opportunities.
  •  It is easy to learn – pick a gospel share method and use it in a group setting or simply tell your story.
  • A persons comfort level on this style is what they are willing to experience. There can be hecklers and they must be able to remain focused and tune them out, or learn to take the heckler and use their energy to draw a crowd.
  • Receptivity tends to be spotty – it is group confrontational.
  • The only numbers it focusses on is You and the Holy Spirit.
  • Yes, there is excitement for even the most reluctant of sharers.
  • Street preaching is found throughout the Bible Old and New Testament: All the prophets, Jesus, all the Disciples, to include the apostle Paul… made declarations in the streets.
  • Rom 10: 14b,c “and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Seed Planting in definition…
  • With any solid gospel presentation there should be given some type of opportunity for an individual to receive what they have been confronted with. An important note here… everyone who prays are not instantaneous Christians for us to declare. If God starts a good work in them “which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…” Phil 1:6  Only time will tell if the seed fell on good soil. Matt 13
  • As we learn to share our faith we will grow. Whether street preaching  a Gospel presentation will begin a regular opportunity for you, or to share the Gospel by telling where God brought you from then tying the Gospel to it is your way. You will grow. God will see to the details..

Hope this has been a help… God Bless the sharing of His Word

Invite, Visit, Assist, Party Evangelism

I want to group 4 styles that are very relational oriented. These four can be both passive evangelism in it’s weakest sense and yet manifested into active evangelism if properly  handled. The key to the proper use of these styles is to use them as outreach tools to introduce a new church to an area, or new people to an existing church. Be sure to read through to the conclusion to see the response…

  • Invitation Evangelism: Used as a “bring them in” reference in Luke 14 compelling to those to come to the Masters feast. Yes this is a good thing to invite our friend, family, and those we meet to church. However, the pastors job, according to the Bible, is to equip the saints for service (Matthew 28:19-20) and not necessarily winning souls and making them members. Though that is expected to be the pastors Job.
  • Neighborhood Visitation: This is a tool for every church to stay alive in an area. The over all majority of churches membership live within a 10-15 minute drive to the church where they attend. With that known we cannot eliminate a requirement to visit any and all within each church’s neighborhood. It’s not enough for them just to see the building they need to meet you the church.
  • City Assistance Evangelism: We are… as Christians to be compassionate to our fellow man. Seeing to the needs of those around our city or community is truly being compassionate. Unless those who take on these tasks realize the opportunity, they have fallen short of their potential.
  • Block Party Evangelism: A fruitful tool that can introduce a congregation to a local community in an over the top way. A word of caution this can easily be exactly what it claims to be a ‘PARTY” and easily leave out what it’s intended purpose. Keep them wholesome, Christ centered, and very family friendly. Fun for the children is always a success.
  • Take Away: One must remember that each of these are truly intended to be evangelism tools and not a community activists function. Without this being a means to an end, Evangelize those we have contact with. These are mere good deeds and have no substance toward Christian evangelism unless we apply it to the situations. Poor evangelism tools can be shallow tools to cover up guilt for not sharing Christ with those we contact. Don’t let it be your excuse; Share Christ Boldly. Let no one be unsure that you are sharing the true Gospel with them… not some watered down easy to swallow version.
  • Upcoming blog note: Street preaching, Tracts, and Personal Evangelism will all be handled separately with Positive and negative thoughts on each. Until Next week….

Only Love & Live My Life Evangelism

Be very careful here… Yes the sacrifice Jesus Christ made was out of the love God had for man. Yes, as well it is a Christians responsibility to live their life pleasing to God. These are both facts and truths that are not being addressed in this blog. However they are just not true Biblical Evangelism styles.

Love should always be reflected in how we act toward each other. This is referenced by John 13: 34b-35; “Love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples.” This Does Not meet the criteria for an evangelism style.

Live my Life in front of my friends and family. This is no more an evangelism style than living on ice cream and cookies is the perfect diet to improve health. They both have the same effect. They can console the mind and provide a good feeling of fulfillment, but in the end the provide nothing but an unhealthy life style.

The Gospel in all aspects is offensive. Not that we should beat our hearers over the head but the offence will come by hearing a true Gospel. Our friends and family only disserve the best from us; not excuses that only fuel our fear of rejection.

Both of these are easy to claim to be doing something, but there is no confrontation.