One of my dear friends (Josh A.) posed a stirring question to a group of teenage boys. He had just spent 20-30 minutes sharing the Gospel with them. The boys were in a hurry to run off to a movie and as they were leaving Josh asked them a very simple but profound question. He stated it something like this: "More than likely I will never see you boys again so I want you to know that I have a genuine passion and compassion for you to know Jesus Christ. So, based on what I've told you tonight what is it that you find so unattractive about Jesus?" One of the young men replied "nothing". WOW! What a great question, I think that question will have an impact on these young men.
This next encounter occurred a few years ago. I was sharing the Gospel with a co-worker who became very angry and starting cursing (not at me-well, not entirely at me); he was taking God's name in vain and using a variety curse words. I informed him that it was not my desire to anger or offend him and that I was simply offering him the mercy that God affords us in His Son. I then informed him that I will pray that God opens his heart to what I've shared with him. Then I warned him that there will come a day when he draws his last breath and will stand before this God he so freely cursed and have to give an account for every thought, word and deed. That he would remember this conversation for all of eternity and would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had offered him mercy. But now -- it's to late. He turned white as a ghost and walked away.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Evangelism Training Session 8 -- Proclaim the Gospel—the Example of Jesus and the Apostles
(Mat 10:7) And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
(Mat 10:27) What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
(Mat 12:18) "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
(Mar 5:20) And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Proclaim = state publicly, announce, declare, state, make known, decree, assert, say publicly, broadcast, pronounce.
(Mar 16:15) And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
(Luk 4:18) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
(Luk 4:19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
(Luk 9:2) and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
(Luk 9:60) And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
(Act 15:21) For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.
Why the emphasis on proclamation? We are making a factual, provable, historic statement – not a me oriented subjective assertion.
(Act 16:17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
(Act 17:3) explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
(Act 17:23) For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
(Act 26:23) that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."
This is a simple but profound understanding – when we speak the Gospel amazing things happen.
(Mat 10:27) What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
(Mat 12:18) "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
(Mar 5:20) And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Proclaim = state publicly, announce, declare, state, make known, decree, assert, say publicly, broadcast, pronounce.
(Mar 16:15) And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
(Luk 4:18) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
(Luk 4:19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
(Luk 9:2) and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
(Luk 9:60) And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
(Act 15:21) For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.
Why the emphasis on proclamation? We are making a factual, provable, historic statement – not a me oriented subjective assertion.
(Act 16:17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
(Act 17:3) explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
(Act 17:23) For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
(Act 26:23) that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."
This is a simple but profound understanding – when we speak the Gospel amazing things happen.
Evangelism Training Session 7 "What is our Primary Apologetic?"
1Pe 3:15-22 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (16) having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (17) For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (18) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (19) in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, (20) because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. (21) Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
apologia
ap-ol-og-ee'-ah
From the same as G626; a plea (“apology”):
- answer (for self), clearing of self, defence.
Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.“
Notice the sense of urgency.
Act 2:22-32 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- (23) this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (24) God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (25) For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; (26) therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. (27) For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. (28) You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' (29) "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. (30) Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, (31) he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. (32) This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
Notice the emphasis on the Resurrection in Peter’s argument. Not just NT argument.
Act 3:25-4:2 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' (26) God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness." (4:1) And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
The resurrection was the offense.
Act 3:12-15 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? (13) The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. (14) But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
Healings are a picture of the resurrection. To the resurrection we are witnesses. There is NO historical argument that can refute the historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead—that is why the Apostles appeal to the resurrection as their proof.
Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
The grace that comes with speaking the truth in love.
Act 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"--because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
Act 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."
Act 17:33-34 So Paul went out from their midst. (34) But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Act 23:6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."
The only message Paul was willing to die for.
apologia
ap-ol-og-ee'-ah
From the same as G626; a plea (“apology”):
- answer (for self), clearing of self, defence.
Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.“
Notice the sense of urgency.
Act 2:22-32 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- (23) this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (24) God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (25) For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; (26) therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. (27) For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. (28) You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' (29) "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. (30) Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, (31) he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. (32) This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
Notice the emphasis on the Resurrection in Peter’s argument. Not just NT argument.
Act 3:25-4:2 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' (26) God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness." (4:1) And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
The resurrection was the offense.
Act 3:12-15 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? (13) The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. (14) But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
Healings are a picture of the resurrection. To the resurrection we are witnesses. There is NO historical argument that can refute the historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead—that is why the Apostles appeal to the resurrection as their proof.
Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
The grace that comes with speaking the truth in love.
Act 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"--because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
Act 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."
Act 17:33-34 So Paul went out from their midst. (34) But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Act 23:6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."
The only message Paul was willing to die for.
Evangelism Training Session 6 "Who is our Authority?"
Mat 28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. (17) And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (18) And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.“
Why do we understand that we have the right to go out…
Mar 16:9-20 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (10) She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. (11) But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. (12) After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. (13) And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. (14) Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. (15) And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (16) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (17) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (18) they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." (19) So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. (20) And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]
The importance of the Resurrection – the proof of the Good News – it must be proclaimed.
Luk 24:13-53 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, (14) and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. (15) While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. (16) But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (17) And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. (18) Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (19) And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, (20) and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. (21) But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. (22) Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, (23) and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. (24) Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." (25) And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
All of Scripture points to Jesus, therefore Christ and His Gospel is the preeminent message.
(28) So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, (29) but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. (30) When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. (31) And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. (32) They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (33) And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, (34) saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (35) Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (36) As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!" (37) But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. (38) And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (39) See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (40) And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. (41) And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" (42) They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
We have news to tell – He is Risen!
(43) and he took it and ate before them. (44) Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (45) Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, (46) and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, (47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (48) You are witnesses of these things. (49) And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (50) Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. (51) While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. (52) And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, (53) and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Jesus tells us all the nations (which includes Owasso) are to hear that repentance and forgiveness are in His name.
Act 1:4-9 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; (5) for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (6) So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (7) He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (9) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
We live in the time between our Lord’s ascension and return. We are to be about the business of His kingdom not trying to turn Nod into Eden.
Why do we understand that we have the right to go out…
Mar 16:9-20 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (10) She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. (11) But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. (12) After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. (13) And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. (14) Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. (15) And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (16) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (17) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (18) they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." (19) So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. (20) And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]
The importance of the Resurrection – the proof of the Good News – it must be proclaimed.
Luk 24:13-53 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, (14) and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. (15) While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. (16) But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (17) And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. (18) Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (19) And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, (20) and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. (21) But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. (22) Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, (23) and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. (24) Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." (25) And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
All of Scripture points to Jesus, therefore Christ and His Gospel is the preeminent message.
(28) So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, (29) but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. (30) When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. (31) And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. (32) They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (33) And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, (34) saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (35) Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (36) As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!" (37) But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. (38) And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (39) See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (40) And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. (41) And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" (42) They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
We have news to tell – He is Risen!
(43) and he took it and ate before them. (44) Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (45) Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, (46) and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, (47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (48) You are witnesses of these things. (49) And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (50) Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. (51) While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. (52) And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, (53) and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Jesus tells us all the nations (which includes Owasso) are to hear that repentance and forgiveness are in His name.
Act 1:4-9 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; (5) for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (6) So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (7) He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (9) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
We live in the time between our Lord’s ascension and return. We are to be about the business of His kingdom not trying to turn Nod into Eden.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ET Session 5 - "What is Salvation?"
(Mar 1:15) and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.“
God clearly requires repentance and belief in this news.
What are we saved from?
(John 5:24-34) Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. (26) For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. (27) And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. (28) Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice (29) and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (30) "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
(John 3:36) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
(1Co 15 1-2) (1)Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand (2) and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.
Chapter 11: Of Justification (London Baptist Confession of 1689)
Those whom God effectually calls, he also freely justifies, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.
(1Co 15 1-2) (1)Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand (2) and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.
Chapter 13: Of Sanctification (London Baptist Confession of 1689)
They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Monday, October 12, 2009
You have to listen to these!
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/
Click on the above link and listen to Tactics part 1 and part 2. You will find these episodes extremely beneficial and helpful in terms of how to tactically navigate your way through an evangelistic discussion.
Click on the above link and listen to Tactics part 1 and part 2. You will find these episodes extremely beneficial and helpful in terms of how to tactically navigate your way through an evangelistic discussion.
Friday, October 2, 2009
ET Session 4 - "What Is Evangelism?"
Very simply it is the proclamation of the Gospel.
What is Evangel?
G2098 (Evangel) – Jesus is “the Evangel”
εὐαγγέλιον
euaggelion
yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on
From the same as G2097; a good message, that is, the gospel: - gospel.
What is Evangelism?
G2097 (Evangelism)-telling others about “the Evangel”
εὐαγγελίζω
euaggelizō
yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo
From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
The Promise of the Gospel:
Gen 3:8-15 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (9) But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" (10) And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself." (11) He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" (12) The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (13) Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (14) The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. (15) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
--The promise of the Evangel – Protoevangelion of Gen3:15
What is Evangelism?
1.The telling of the Good News.
2.Jesus is the focus.
3.His person and work are the news.
What is Evangel?
G2098 (Evangel) – Jesus is “the Evangel”
εὐαγγέλιον
euaggelion
yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on
From the same as G2097; a good message, that is, the gospel: - gospel.
What is Evangelism?
G2097 (Evangelism)-telling others about “the Evangel”
εὐαγγελίζω
euaggelizō
yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo
From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
The Promise of the Gospel:
Gen 3:8-15 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (9) But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" (10) And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself." (11) He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" (12) The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (13) Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (14) The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. (15) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
--The promise of the Evangel – Protoevangelion of Gen3:15
What is Evangelism?
1.The telling of the Good News.
2.Jesus is the focus.
3.His person and work are the news.
What is the context for the good news?
Context [The Context for the Gospel (Good News) is the Bad News.]
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1Jn 3:4 everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness
Rom 3:10-12 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
Rom 6:23a For the wages of sin is death
Rev 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. (12) And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. (14) Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. (15) And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Context [The Context for the Gospel (Good News) is the Bad News.]
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1Jn 3:4 everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness
Rom 3:10-12 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
Rom 6:23a For the wages of sin is death
Rev 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. (12) And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. (14) Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. (15) And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Christ [The Gospel]
1Co 15:1-4 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, (2) and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
In accordance with the Scriptures Jesus is both law keeper (righteousness) and sin bearer (sacrifice).
Rom 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- (22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (26) It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Never ever forget to give them the reason why they can trust that Christ is their only hope for righteousness. The RESURRECTION!
Command [Repent and Believe]
Mar 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, (15) and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Repent-
Act 17:30-31 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, (31) because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."
Believe-
Rom 10:8-13 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (9) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; (10) for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
ET Session 3 - "What Is Not The Gospel?"
What is not the Gospel?
Some Examples:
a)Personal experience or personal relationship.
b)Personal testimony.
c)Arguing from subjective experience –vs.- objective historical truth.
We must be careful with how we define “the Gospel”. When our definition of the Gospel is explained in terms of personal relationship or in a manner that is abstracted; in other words if our answer to “what is the Gospel” focuses on our experience, our relationship, our obedience and our explanation of “what is the Gospel” does not get you to blood, cross, and resurrection in about 2” it is not a Biblical explanation of “the Gospel”. The Gospel stands outside of us, the Gospel does not need us in order to be the Gospel – therefore our personal experience or personal testimony is not the Gospel. Our testimony should be Christ and Him crucified and resurrected. “Asking Jesus into your heart” as an answer for what is the Gospel does the Gospel no justice and really trivializes a biblical understanding of faith which we will discuss later. “Following Jesus” was not the Gospel message of the 1st century church. They preached “the Gospel” knowing this message would transform their hearers which in turn would create in them a desire to follow Jesus. The good news was they could be saved from the wrath of God, not that they could follow Jesus and be persecuted – that is part of dying to self and living the crucified life.
Your personal testimony is not the power…
(Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Your personal testimony does not create faith…
(Rom 10:17) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Some Examples:
a)Personal experience or personal relationship.
b)Personal testimony.
c)Arguing from subjective experience –vs.- objective historical truth.
We must be careful with how we define “the Gospel”. When our definition of the Gospel is explained in terms of personal relationship or in a manner that is abstracted; in other words if our answer to “what is the Gospel” focuses on our experience, our relationship, our obedience and our explanation of “what is the Gospel” does not get you to blood, cross, and resurrection in about 2” it is not a Biblical explanation of “the Gospel”. The Gospel stands outside of us, the Gospel does not need us in order to be the Gospel – therefore our personal experience or personal testimony is not the Gospel. Our testimony should be Christ and Him crucified and resurrected. “Asking Jesus into your heart” as an answer for what is the Gospel does the Gospel no justice and really trivializes a biblical understanding of faith which we will discuss later. “Following Jesus” was not the Gospel message of the 1st century church. They preached “the Gospel” knowing this message would transform their hearers which in turn would create in them a desire to follow Jesus. The good news was they could be saved from the wrath of God, not that they could follow Jesus and be persecuted – that is part of dying to self and living the crucified life.
Your personal testimony is not the power…
(Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Your personal testimony does not create faith…
(Rom 10:17) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
ET Session 2 - What is the Gospel?
(1 Co 15: 3-4) (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
Sin must have a blood sacrifice God’s wrath must be satisfied. “in accordance with the Scriptures”, Jesus is our sacrifice.
(John 1:29) The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
(Gal 1:3-4) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
(1Pe 2:23-25) When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (24) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (25) For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
(1Pe 1:17-21) And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, (18) knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (20) He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you (21) who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Rom 8:32) He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
"In accordance with the Scriptures" He is both law keeper (righteousness) and sin bearer (sacrifice).
(Rom 3:21-26) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- (22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (26) It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"Suprising Insights From The Formally Unchurched And Proven Ways To Reach Them" By: Thom Rainer
Dear Fellow Laborers In The Gospel,
Thom Rainer (PhD Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and President and CEO of LifeWay) has given us an incredible tool for understanding the formally unchurched and ways to reach them. I've just begun reading the book and I am hooked! The book and his research are incredibly insightful and informative.
Here are a few quotes: "The formerly unchurched in our study left little doubt as to the importance of personal evangelism in reaching the unchurched. Over one half (53%) indicated that someone from the church they joined shared Christ with them." "While the building of relationships with the unchurched is critical, we heard repeatedly that an evangelistic visit even by a stranger from the church, had an eternal impact."
Should these insights surprise us? No! The Bible teaches us that the power of God unto salvation is the Gospel. Did you realize that for every 85 church members in America there is only 1 convert annually! What does this tell us? It tells me that those who profess Christ do not evangelize the lost. God save us from religion and help us to focus on the Gospel and actively pursue a lost and dying world.
In Christ,
Jimmy
Thom Rainer (PhD Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and President and CEO of LifeWay) has given us an incredible tool for understanding the formally unchurched and ways to reach them. I've just begun reading the book and I am hooked! The book and his research are incredibly insightful and informative.
Here are a few quotes: "The formerly unchurched in our study left little doubt as to the importance of personal evangelism in reaching the unchurched. Over one half (53%) indicated that someone from the church they joined shared Christ with them." "While the building of relationships with the unchurched is critical, we heard repeatedly that an evangelistic visit even by a stranger from the church, had an eternal impact."
Should these insights surprise us? No! The Bible teaches us that the power of God unto salvation is the Gospel. Did you realize that for every 85 church members in America there is only 1 convert annually! What does this tell us? It tells me that those who profess Christ do not evangelize the lost. God save us from religion and help us to focus on the Gospel and actively pursue a lost and dying world.
In Christ,
Jimmy
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
ET Session 1 - What is the Gospel?
(1Co 15:1-11) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, (2) and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
1.Quite simply it is the good news about the person and work of Jesus Christ.
2.Isaiah 53: 1-12 is another great example.
(Isa 53:1-12) Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? (2) For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (3) He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (4) Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. (5) But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. (6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. (8) By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? (9) And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. (10) Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. (11) Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. (12) Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
“In accordance with the Scriptures” He is both law keeper (righteousness) and sin bearer (sacrifice).
“The Law is what God demands, the Gospel is what God gives. And what God demands in the Law He gives in the Gospel”.
“The Law demands perfection (perfect righteousness), sacrifice and punishment (penalty for not keeping the law perfectly)”.
(1 Co 15: 3-4) (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
“in accordance with the Scriptures”, Jesus is our righteousness.
(1Co 1:30) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
(Rom 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
(2Pe 1:1) Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
(Php 1:11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(Gal 2:21) I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
(2Co 5:21) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(Rom 5:17-19) For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (18) Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. (19) For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
(Rom 4:5-8 ) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, (6) just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: (7) "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; (8) blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
(Php 3:8-9) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Evangelism Training
Evangelism Training begins Monday the 14th of September at 5:45PM, we will meet in the fellowship/gym area of Bethel Baptist Church (East 86th St N Owasso, OK 74055 -- 272-2229). Stay tuned to this blog for updates and lesson posts.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day 30, June 30th
Brothers and Sisters,
While this is the last day of our 30 day challenge it is by no means the last day we will proclaim the Gospel. Please stay tuned to this blog for future challenges, teaching and encouragement. God bless you all as you seek to glorify the Father by proclaiming the Son. I'll leave you with one final quote from the Prince of Preachers.
Blessings,
Jimmy
"I remember one who spoke on the missionary question one day saying, “The great question is not ‘Will not the heathen be saved if we do not send them the gospel?’ but ‘are we saved ourselves if we do not send them the gospel"?
C.H. Spurgeon
While this is the last day of our 30 day challenge it is by no means the last day we will proclaim the Gospel. Please stay tuned to this blog for future challenges, teaching and encouragement. God bless you all as you seek to glorify the Father by proclaiming the Son. I'll leave you with one final quote from the Prince of Preachers.
Blessings,
Jimmy
"I remember one who spoke on the missionary question one day saying, “The great question is not ‘Will not the heathen be saved if we do not send them the gospel?’ but ‘are we saved ourselves if we do not send them the gospel"?
C.H. Spurgeon
Monday, June 29, 2009
Day 29, June 29th
"There is a prayer I mean to continue to offer until it is answered, that God would pour out on this church a missionary spirit. I want to see our young men devoting themselves to the work, some that will not be afraid to venture and preach Jesus Christ in the regions beyond".
C.H. Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Day 28, June 28th
"The missionary enterprise, apart from supernatural influences, is the most insane that ever crossed the mind of man. Yea, I will venture to say, that the work of preaching the gospel, even in Christian England, is of all attempts the most foolish, unless we believe in the celestial power, which alone can make preaching to be of any avail".
C.H. Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day 27, June 27th
"Ah! if we did but love Christ better, my brothers and sisters, if we lived nearer to the cross, if we knew more of the value of his blood, if we wept like him over Jerusalem, if we felt more what it was for souls to perish, and what it was for men to be saved—if we did but rejoice with Christ in the prospect of his seeing the travail of his soul, and being abundantly satisfied—if we did but delight more in the divine decree, that the kingdoms of this world shall be given to Christ, I am sure we would all of us find more ways and more means for sending forth the gospel of Christ".
C.H. Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day 26, June 26th
"In many ways the great Head of the Church scatters His servants abroad; but they ought of themselves to scatter voluntarily. Every Christian should say, “Where can I do the most good?” and if he can do more good anywhere beneath the sun than in the land of his birth, he is bound to go there, if he can. God will have us scattered; and if we will not go afield willingly, He may use providential necessity as the forcible means of our dispersion".
C.H. Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 25, June 25th
Joh 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. (5) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (6) There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. (7) He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. (8) He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. (9) There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. (10) He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. (11) He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. (12) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (13) who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (14) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Day 24, June 24th
Act 4:1-13 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, (2) being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. (4) But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (5) On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; (6) and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. (7) When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people, (9) if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, (10) let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by this name this man stands here before you in good health. (11) "He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. (12) "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (13) Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day 23, June 23rd
Rom 8:1-4 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (3) For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, (4) so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day 22, June 22nd
Sorry this post is so late, we had these crazy people at our house until late last night and I didn't get up early enough to post this. :)
The testimony of a Christian -
Rom 7:15-25 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (16) But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. (17) So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. (18) For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. (19) For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. (20) But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. (21) I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. (22) For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, (23) but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. (24) Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (25) Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
The testimony of a Christian -
Rom 7:15-25 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (16) But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. (17) So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. (18) For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. (19) For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. (20) But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. (21) I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. (22) For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, (23) but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. (24) Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (25) Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day 21, June 21st
1Co 9:16-27 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. (17) For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. (18) What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. (20) To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; (21) to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. (22) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. (23) I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. (24) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (25) Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; (27) but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Day 20, June 20th
Nightline Face-Off: Does Satan Exist?
Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church on ABC's Nightline Face-Off.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/FaceOff/
Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church on ABC's Nightline Face-Off.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/FaceOff/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Day 19, June 19th
Act 2:22-32 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know-- (23) this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. (24) "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (25) "For David says of Him, 'I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. (26) 'THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE; (27) BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY. (28) 'YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.' (29) "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. (30) "And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, (31) he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. (32) "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day 18, June 18th
God's Story vs. Our Stories
The current broadcast from the White Horse Inn-click on the link below to listen.
When sharing the faith with others, do you prefer to discuss the gospel of Christ and related doctrines, or your own personal testimony? That's the question we recently asked at a convention for religious broadcasters, and you might be surprised by the answers we received.
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/
The current broadcast from the White Horse Inn-click on the link below to listen.
When sharing the faith with others, do you prefer to discuss the gospel of Christ and related doctrines, or your own personal testimony? That's the question we recently asked at a convention for religious broadcasters, and you might be surprised by the answers we received.
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Day 17, June 17th
Let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
(Spurgeon Devotional)
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
The invitation is to "take . . . without price." Jesus wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, but if you are willing, you are invited; therefore come! If you have no belief and no repentance, come to Him, and He will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take without money and without price. He gives Himself to the needy.
In nineteenth-century Britain the drinking fountains at the corners of the streets were valuable institutions; it would have been a strange and foolish sight to see someone standing at the fountain declaring, "I cannot drink because I do not have any money." However poor an individual may be, there is the fountain, and just as he is, he may drink of it without cost. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed poorly or expensively, do not look for any authorization to drink; the existence of the fountain is sufficient warrant for taking its water freely. The generosity of some good friends has put in place the refreshing supply, and we take it and ask no questions.
Perhaps the only people who go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips.
How many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! "I will not be saved," they say, "in the same way as the prostitute or the blasphemer." What! Go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep? Is there no pathway to glory but the path that led the dying thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but "Let the one who desires take the water of life without price."
(Spurgeon Devotional)
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
The invitation is to "take . . . without price." Jesus wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, but if you are willing, you are invited; therefore come! If you have no belief and no repentance, come to Him, and He will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take without money and without price. He gives Himself to the needy.
In nineteenth-century Britain the drinking fountains at the corners of the streets were valuable institutions; it would have been a strange and foolish sight to see someone standing at the fountain declaring, "I cannot drink because I do not have any money." However poor an individual may be, there is the fountain, and just as he is, he may drink of it without cost. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed poorly or expensively, do not look for any authorization to drink; the existence of the fountain is sufficient warrant for taking its water freely. The generosity of some good friends has put in place the refreshing supply, and we take it and ask no questions.
Perhaps the only people who go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips.
How many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! "I will not be saved," they say, "in the same way as the prostitute or the blasphemer." What! Go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep? Is there no pathway to glory but the path that led the dying thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but "Let the one who desires take the water of life without price."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Day 16, June 16th
We live to the Lord.
(Spurgeon Devotional)
(Rom 14:8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.)
If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should linger here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven and to be found fit to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light, even though he has only just believed in Jesus. It is true that our sanctification is a long and continued process, and we shall not be perfected until we lay aside our bodies and enter within the veil; but nevertheless, if the Lord had wanted to, He could have changed us from imperfection to perfection and have taken us to heaven at once.
Why then are we here? Would God keep His children out of paradise a single moment longer than was necessary? Why is the army of the living God still on the battlefield when one charge might give them the victory? Why are His children still wandering here and there through a maze when a single word from His lips would bring them into the center of their hopes in heaven?
The answer is--they are here that they may "live to the Lord" and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed, as plowmen to break up the fallow ground, as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as "the salt of the earth,"1 to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as workers together with Him. Let us see that our life fulfills this purpose. Let us live zealous, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of his glorious grace."
Meanwhile we long to be with Him and daily sing--
My heart is with Him on His throne,And ill can brook delay;Each moment listening for the voice,"Rise up, and come away."
(Spurgeon Devotional)
(Rom 14:8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.)
If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should linger here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven and to be found fit to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light, even though he has only just believed in Jesus. It is true that our sanctification is a long and continued process, and we shall not be perfected until we lay aside our bodies and enter within the veil; but nevertheless, if the Lord had wanted to, He could have changed us from imperfection to perfection and have taken us to heaven at once.
Why then are we here? Would God keep His children out of paradise a single moment longer than was necessary? Why is the army of the living God still on the battlefield when one charge might give them the victory? Why are His children still wandering here and there through a maze when a single word from His lips would bring them into the center of their hopes in heaven?
The answer is--they are here that they may "live to the Lord" and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed, as plowmen to break up the fallow ground, as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as "the salt of the earth,"1 to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as workers together with Him. Let us see that our life fulfills this purpose. Let us live zealous, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of his glorious grace."
Meanwhile we long to be with Him and daily sing--
My heart is with Him on His throne,And ill can brook delay;Each moment listening for the voice,"Rise up, and come away."
Monday, June 15, 2009
Day 15, June 15th
Joh 8:1-12 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. (2) Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. (3) The scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, (4) they *said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. (5) "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" (6) They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. (7) But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (8) Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. (9) When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. (10) Straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" (11) She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more."] (12) Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Day 14, June 14th
Most people believe that they are basically good, sure they may make a "mistake" once in a while but who doesn’t. We grade our goodness on a curve, we place the most "evil" of society on one side of the scale and the most "holy" on the other and figure we land somewhere in the middle. Is that the Biblical standard for righteousness? The answer to that question is obviously no, the Biblical standard is perfection. If God does not grade on the curve and He demands perfection how can we be perfect? By placing our faith and trust in Jesus.
Mat 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Rom 3:9-24 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; (10) as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." (13) "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; (14) "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; (15) "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, (16) DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, (17) AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." (18) "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." (19) Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; (20) because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (21) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, (22) even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
Mat 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Rom 3:9-24 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; (10) as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." (13) "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; (14) "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; (15) "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, (16) DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, (17) AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." (18) "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." (19) Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; (20) because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (21) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, (22) even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Day 13, June 13th
Notice the emphasis on the resurrection.
1Co 15:12-17 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; (14) and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. (15) Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. (16) For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; (17) and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
1Co 15:31-32 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.
1Co 15:12-17 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; (14) and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. (15) Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. (16) For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; (17) and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
1Co 15:31-32 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Day 12, June 12th
How do many people answer the question I posted yesterday; "why do you believe Christianity is true?" Do they argue from a point of historic truth or does their argument focus on their personal transformation/personal experience. There is only one good argument for why we believe what we believe and that argument is the historic fact that Jesus rose from the dead. If we appeal to our "personal testimony" that is arguing truth from a subjective point of view; who can really question your personal testimony. I'm not suggesting that we don't have a personal experience and if you are a believer you have certainly been transformed. My point is this; the only reason to believe in a religion is that the religion is true. Seems simple right? That's because it is, I believe Christianity is true because I believe in the rock solid historic fact that 2,000 years ago a Jewish Rabbi named Jesus lived a perfect life, died a substitutionary sacrificial death, was buried and 3 days later rose again. Amen!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Day 11, June 11th
How would you answer this question: "How do you know Christianity is true?"
If you've never listened to the White Horse Inn then start today.
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/
If you've never listened to the White Horse Inn then start today.
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Day 10, June 10th
Eph 2:1-22 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, (2) in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. (3) Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (11) Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- (12) remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, (15) by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, (16) and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. (17) AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; (18) for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, (20) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, (21) in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, (22) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Day 9, June 9th
Mat 28:16-20 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. (17) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. (18) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Monday, June 8, 2009
Day 8, June 8th
Blessings everyone,
7 days into the challenge and 23 days to go, what a blessing it has been so far. Maggie thanks again for coming up with the idea and starting this blog.
Tonight in church Pastor Bill was preaching from the Book of Revelation. I was reminded of my favorite chapter in the book (chapter 5). As you read through this chapter reflect on the worthiness of our Lord.
In Him,
Jimmy
Rev 5:1-14 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. (2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" (3) And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. (4) Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; (5) and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." (6) And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (7) And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. (8) When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (9) And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (10) "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." (11) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, (12) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (13) And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." (14) And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.
7 days into the challenge and 23 days to go, what a blessing it has been so far. Maggie thanks again for coming up with the idea and starting this blog.
Tonight in church Pastor Bill was preaching from the Book of Revelation. I was reminded of my favorite chapter in the book (chapter 5). As you read through this chapter reflect on the worthiness of our Lord.
In Him,
Jimmy
Rev 5:1-14 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. (2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" (3) And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. (4) Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; (5) and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." (6) And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (7) And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. (8) When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (9) And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (10) "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." (11) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, (12) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (13) And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." (14) And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Day 7, June 7th
Blessings All,
I want to thank everyone who has and will participate in this challenge. I recognize that it may not be feasible for some of you to evangelize every day. Please don't let that discourage you from commenting on this blog. If during this 30 day challenge you witness one time we want to hear about it. The challenge isn't a competition it is simply a means to provoke one another to love and good works by sharing our evangelism experiences.
1Co 15:1-4 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, (2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
The verses above provide us with one of the clearest definitions of the Gospel found in the Bible. It is the foundation for our Evangelism - the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
God Bless,
Jimmy
I want to thank everyone who has and will participate in this challenge. I recognize that it may not be feasible for some of you to evangelize every day. Please don't let that discourage you from commenting on this blog. If during this 30 day challenge you witness one time we want to hear about it. The challenge isn't a competition it is simply a means to provoke one another to love and good works by sharing our evangelism experiences.
1Co 15:1-4 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, (2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
The verses above provide us with one of the clearest definitions of the Gospel found in the Bible. It is the foundation for our Evangelism - the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
God Bless,
Jimmy
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Day 6, June 6th
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Rom 1:14-17 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. (15) So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
I pray that we, like the Apostle Paul, understand our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to everyone -- Greeks and barbarians; those who look like us and those who don't look like us, those younger and those older, those poorer and those richer and all who come across our path.
When we ignore the clear call of Scripture to proclaim the Gospel to everyone we are guilty of being ashamed of the very message that saved us from the wrath of God. Paul was not ashamed because he knew that this was the only message that could save.
Lord grant us mercy as we take your Gospel to a lost and dying world.
In Him,
Jimmy
Rom 1:14-17 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. (15) So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
I pray that we, like the Apostle Paul, understand our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to everyone -- Greeks and barbarians; those who look like us and those who don't look like us, those younger and those older, those poorer and those richer and all who come across our path.
When we ignore the clear call of Scripture to proclaim the Gospel to everyone we are guilty of being ashamed of the very message that saved us from the wrath of God. Paul was not ashamed because he knew that this was the only message that could save.
Lord grant us mercy as we take your Gospel to a lost and dying world.
In Him,
Jimmy
Friday, June 5, 2009
Day 5, June 5th
Dear fellow laborers in the Gospel,
God bless you and thank you for participating in the challenge. It has been an incredible first few days. Keep those posts coming!
1Pe 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
In Him,
Jimmy
God bless you and thank you for participating in the challenge. It has been an incredible first few days. Keep those posts coming!
1Pe 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
In Him,
Jimmy
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day 4, June 4th
Hello everyone,
I'll be helping take some of the work load off Maggie. I'm typing this first post from my iPhone so I'll have to keep it short. Looking forward to reading all your comments later.
Blessings,
Jimmy
I'll be helping take some of the work load off Maggie. I'm typing this first post from my iPhone so I'll have to keep it short. Looking forward to reading all your comments later.
Blessings,
Jimmy
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Day 3, June 3rd
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, in Him all things consist. He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Col. 1:15-18
mags
mags
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Day 2, June 2nd
Thank you everyone who posted yesterday. It is so encouraging to read about your encounters. I pray that God would open a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.
Maggie
Maggie
Monday, June 1, 2009
Day 1, June 1st
Eph. 6:19,20
"and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the myestery of the gospel; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Maggie
"and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the myestery of the gospel; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Maggie
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