A little while back Jesse Johnson over at the Pulpit Magazine blog shared some helpful thoughts on evangelism. They are general and somewhat foundational- but sometimes this is exactly what we need. Enjoy.

Perhaps you are one of the many who does not find evangelism easy or natural. Here are some practical steps to take to help your evangelism be more effective:

Live a Transformed Life (Rom 12:1)

The most eloquent and fluent Gospel presentation is muted if unbelievers identify you by patterns of sin in your life. The more holy and the more set apart our lives are, the more powerful our evangelism generally will be. In fact, the consistent testimony of a changed life is one of the more compelling proofs of the truth of the Gospel (Rom 12:1).

Pray Relentlessly

I have seen in my own life that in times where I am not praying for evangelistic opportunities, I have a hard time identifying them. However, the more I pray and ask God to open opportunities for evangelism, the more opportunities I seem to have. Prayer is not only answered by God bringing more non-believers into our lives, but is also answered by God allowing us see the opportunities that are already present. A sign of godliness is earnest prayer for the lost (Rom 10:1).

Start the Conversation

Because of your love and compassion for your neighbors and co-workers, develop a relationship with them. Get to know their names, their interests, their joys and their trials. Ask them questions, and listen to the answers. I am always surprised about how many Christians don’t even know the names of their neighbors. It is not likely that your neighbor will randomly knock on your door and ask what he must do to be saved. Instead, start the conversations with them, and watch how God may develop relationships that lead to the Gospel being proclaimed.

Explain the Gospel

In the course of your relationships with friends and neighbors, talk about spiritual things. Ask questions in a loving way, and be prepared to explain what you believe, and why it is different from their beliefs. Explain why you have an eternal hope. Explain who God is, that he is holy and that he is the creator. Explain why man is sinful and in need of a savior. Explain how Christ is that savior and how his death and resurrection can restore us to a right relationship with God. And finally, tell them what a saving response looks like by challenging them to count the cost, deny themselves, and become a follower of Christ.

Don’t be discouraged

The worst-case scenario in evangelism is that people reject the Gospel. They do this because they are spiritually dead and blind to the things of God (Eph 2:1). The evangelist has an impossible task, one for which it seems we are completely insufficient (2 Cor 3:5-6). But we rely on God who can bring the dead to life, and we are faithful with the opportunities that God gives us, trusting him with the results.

We have a gospel worth proclaiming, we have been given the privilege of proclaiming it, and we are assured of success in proclaiming it. As we reflect on what it means to be gospel sent this week I thought I would post some articles addressing some of the practical aspects of evangelism.

A while back, over at the Resurgence website, Ed Stetzer wrote an article entitled, Beginning a Conversation about Christ. I have pasted the bulk of the article below. Enjoy!

Sharing Christ can be a challenge in our culture today. It often seems like we’ve become the guy at the front of the supermarket peddling a newspaper subscription—the one everyone avoids. There are always challenges that come with the opportunities. But how do you deal with these challenges? Part of it is finding a starting point.

In Acts 17, Paul started with the people’s religious views and philosophies. In Acts 13 he started with Jewish history, and in Acts 14 he started with nature. Where we start depends on where we live and who we encounter. Where we go is settled—it’s where Christ died and rose victoriously over death.

For decades we have approached people with evangelistic/diagnostic questions such as, “If you were to die today, do you know for sure where you’d spend eternity?” and “If God asked, ‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ what would you say?” Useful as these questions are, they may not be the best approach in every situation. That’s where it requires spiritual discernment and relational sensitivity on our part. Results from a recent study where I work may give us some useful insights about Americans’ thinking and concerns about spiritual matters.

1 Peter 3:9 reminds us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV). That implies some questions and answers—questions from people we encounter in culture and answers from God and His Word.

I assumed that the only people asking the “heaven question” were about to go off to war or enter the ER. But the results show, somewhat surprisingly, that many people today wonder about their eternal destiny. One out of every five respondents wonder daily about the certainty of going to heaven; 13 percent think about it weekly; 12 percent monthly; and 9 percent consider it at least once a year. Less than half (44 percent) indicated they never think about eternal destiny (See chart below and download the graphics here).

Another approach (perhaps more common in the Purpose Driven world) is to ask about meaning and purpose—important issues for which the gospel provides answers. We asked people how often they think about how to find more meaning and purpose in life. Almost one-third think about it daily; 17 percent weekly; 13 percent monthly; and 10 percent at least yearly. Only about one of every four of respondents (26 percent) said they never think about meaning or purpose in life.

Regardless of these factors, we must find ways that start where people are and then takes them to where they need to be. Jesus modeled it when He started talking about water but then presented the Samaritan woman with living water (John 4:10). He claimed He was the light of the world as He healed the man who was born blind (John 9:5). And after feeding the 5,000, Jesus cautioned the people about working for food that perishes, encouraging them to seek the food which endures to eternal life (John 6:27). Jesus, as we would assume, mastered the ability to access the immediate environment in order to present himself as their personal Savior.

Yes, scripture shows that we share Christ, starting with people’s understanding, interests, and needs. But we cannot and must not end there, for their needs can only really be met (whether they realize it or not) by meeting Jesus.

Many seem to have lost confidence in that gospel. It is easier to tell people to come to church and live a good life, but that is not the gospel. The gospel is about words that can make us uncomfortable: creation, Jesus, sin, repentance, forgiveness, and transformation, to name just a few. Hard words, but harder still to forget them. To share Christ, we have to go beyond formulas that fit on napkins. The Gospel is not a doodle. Isn’t God’s story of redemption and reconciliation for His creation bigger than what can fit on a napkin? People are searching—but they are searching for something more than fire insurance or “five steps to financial freedom.”

For 30 years we’ve taught people to “bring your friends to church” and have considered that evangelism. Well, there are not as many boomer seekers out there as there were back in those days. We must to share Christ, and that will be mostly done through relationships (sounds like Jesus, right?).

Today, the church is like a bear fed by tourists. It’s lost its natural ability. We need to share Christ in meaningful ways without just inviting people to a congregational event. In this (already too long article) I can just suggest one brief idea: let’s get that back by starting where people are, listening to them, building a relationship, telling them about Jesus, sharing with them the story of redemption, and bringing them to a bloody cross and an empty tomb.

Last night at  the Bertholfs welcomed Asher Josiah into their family. Here are the important stats-

10:35

7lbs 13 oz

2o 1/4 inches

Mom and baby are doing great and said they are up for visitors.  Just give them a ring before you come.

Way to go Heather!

Praise God for His sweet blessings!

This last week as I sat reading an article in ESPN The Magazine I saw the gospel- or more specifically I saw the desperate need we have for the gospel. I saw one significant way gospel saturation or lack thereof affects life.

As you read the following quote, think about what salvation is for so many of these athletes. Consider what they look to daily as their Savior.

…what happens in the dark and empty parking lot behind the arena afterward, when you go home alone to the silence forever echoing after the cheering.

“I miss it so much,” says former quarterback Scott Mitchell (Fish, Lions, Ravens, Bengals), who retired in 2001. “I’m going to miss this for the rest of my life. Even the stuff I hated- training camp, practice. Nothing in life replaces it. I played for 11 years, and then it was just over. I would rather have had a career ending injury.”

And you thought playing football hurt? Not playing can sting more, which is why so many players need counseling and support groups for depression while they limp through retirement. Mitchell says he even misses being booed during introductions at home games in Detroit. He misses mattering. Misses the work that defined his self-worth. As Parcells has said, “This is one of the most competitive businesses there is. It’s my life. It’s my blood. It’s how I’m measured.” -Dan Le Batard in ESPN The Magazine, January 28th, 2008 Edition

This is why Tom Brady feels so empty. This is just another example of how much our world needs the gospel.

Because of the gospel our identity is in Christ. We are children of God. We live to know Him. We rest in what Christ has accomplished. Our significance is found in magnifying the supreme worth of our Lord.

The Tragedy

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the U.S. It is impossible to put into words the tragic and horrifying nature of what is going on in our country every day.

Last night I sat down and read Randy Alcorn’s little book “Why Pro-Life?” As he presented the facts surrounding abortion, unborn babies, and the women who choose abortion I found myself wanting to weep. Thousands of children are killed each day in the name of choice, privacy, convenience, and even love!

Abortion and the Gospel

In thinking about the gospel, it seems, that for many people, abortion becomes a savior bringing to them their ultimate salvation of ease, financial freedom, convenience, protected reputation, or whatever else has been put on the throne.

From another perspective, I pray God’s compassion displayed in the gospel to us as helpless and needy sinners is reflected in us as we consider the helpless victims of abortion. God has redeemed us to be a people who hate injustice and care for the oppressed.

In addition to this, it is astounding and sweet to think that there is hope and forgiveness for sinners in the gospel. The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover the sins of murder and idolatry committed in the aborting of a baby.

What are We to Do?

On a personal level I’m not quite sure where to start. It is amazing to me that something as common as abortion (one statistic I read stated that one out of every four babies conceived is aborted) seems to be practically invisible in our communities.

One simple place to start would be with support and prayer for the New Life Pregnancy Center right here in our community. Some of you may even be able to find a way to step in as a volunteer counselor at one of the centers.

Being open and ready to talk with those who support abortion is another way we can contribute to the saving of lives. It is amazing how convincing the arguments for life are and how illogical those for abortion are. We have an opportunity to lovingly and winsomely ask questions and present facts as we interact with the people around us. I think we will also find that these kinds of conversations will often lead us to our most treasured topic and message- the gospel.

Another avenue for action is the political sphere. As citizens of a country that welcomes our input it would be irresponsible to neglect opportunities we have to influence our laws towards making abortion illegal.

Finally, we need to be ready to love, nurture, and support women in crisis. This might mean providing financial support, emotional support, lodging, or whatever else might encourage them to spare the life of their child. It will also mean a readiness to point women to the gospel as they cope with the intense regret and guilt that often comes long after the abortion has been performed.

There are probably more ways to take action but these are a few. Overall of these things prayer for the unborn babies, doctors, women, men involved is needed. I encourage you to take to pray about how God would have you display the gospel in this arena.

Resources

Here are several resources that are helpful in informing and equipping us to that end.

• The book I mentioned earlier- “Why Pro-Life” by Randy Alcorn is an excellent resource. While it is quite helpful for believers it is directed towards those who are pro-choice and who are by and large unbelievers. This morning I ordered 30 copies of it from Eternal Perspective Ministries for a $1 per copy. I’ll be giving these away at church when I receive them so keep an eye out for them in the next couple of weeks.
• New Life Pregnancy Center- offices in Auburn (downtown) and Roseville (right next to Sierra College). This ministry is headed up by the Schauers and is supported by our church as a local missions agency. I would strongly encourage you to know something about their ministry and be ready to make those in our communities aware of it.
• Stand to Reason- an apologetics ministry with numerous articles on abortion.
• Abort73.com- a good basic primer on abortion and the basic issues at stake (note: some of the images on this site are disturbing- however they are also reality).
• John Piper Audio Sermons on Abortion- John Piper at Desiring God has close to 20 sermons available relating to the topic of abortion available in both audio and manuscript form. I also came across a link today to a chapter from Piper’s book “A Hunger for God,” entitled “Fasting for the Little Ones,” available online in pdf format.

Yesterday, in Josh’s second sermon on our vision statement, we saw we are not only seeking to be Gospel Embracing but we are also striving to be Gospel Saturated.

O, that the the gospel might transform our every thought, direct our deepest affections, and drive our daily words and actions.

Knowing the living God eternally is our only salvation!  The incomparable Christ is our only Savior!  As Gospel Saturated people we reject the substitutes that are daily vying to replace our God and Savior in these exclusive positions.

Here’s a quote from Paul Tripp in “How People Change,” to help feed your reflection on what it means to be Gospel Saturated this week (the context is a discussion of Philippians 3:4-9).

In human relationships, each person contributes some strengths and gifts, but that is not true in this case.  Paul had placed his confidence in the assets of his own achievements, pedigree, and morality.  All of these things were blessings, but he wrongly put his confidence in a resume of his own making.  We can do the same thing.  We can put our confidence in our performance and obedience rather than recognizing them as gifts and strengths that should lead to gratitude.

What strengths and assets pull you away from gratitude to pride? Whatever they are, they can be a liability that keeps you from seeing your constant need for CHirst.  Let’s say you are a parent who faithfully raises you children in a way that pleases God/  Could these marks of grace become liabilities?  Yes! You may think you are so capable that you lose sight of your dependence on God.  You become critical of parents who struggle to raise their children well. When you rely on your gifts instead of Christ, you fail to see them for what they are, and they blind you from seeing Jesus.

…Jesus brings assets and no liabilities (Phil. 3:9! Instead he pays our debt!

Hope you’re looking forward to gathering with God’s people this Sunday. Here’s the text, the songs, and the announcements for this Sunday.

Sermon Text-

Galatians 2:20

Songs-

Let Everything That Has Breath

How Great is our God

The Glories of Calvary

All I Really Need

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Only Jesus

How Great Thou Art

Here are the announcements for this week-

¨ Women’s Bible Studies- Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 at the New Life Pregnancy Center in Auburn (Old State Theatre) and Thursday Mornings from 9:30-11:00 at the New Life Pregnancy Center in Rocklin (5050 Rocklin Rd.) Both studies will be going through the “Marriage without Regrets” study. See Kathy Peterson or Barb Schauer with questions.

¨ Family Snow Shoe Day– Join us on January 26th for a family snow shoe day. Bring the kids, invite friends and neighbors, and get your gear together. Sign up at the table in the hallway and talk to the Allens about details.

¨ Men’s Breakfast– Saturday, February 2nd at 8am at Pat Myer’s home. Come share life, consume food, and look to Christ with your brothers.

¨ Service Opportunity– Teacher’s assistants are needed in the 3rd-6th grade classroom to serve twice every 8 weeks. See Tim Pickard if interested.

¨ Next Week’s Nursery Servants- Nursery– Barb Schauer, Natalie Wisner Toddlers– Karen Guye, Heather Bertholf, Patrick Bertholf.

¨ Children’s Ministry– Passage: Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15
Principle: Nothing can stop God’s plans.
Practice: By trusting God’s promises, even if they seem impossible. By being patient for God to fulfill His promises.
This Week: Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15. Next Week: Genesis 18-19

Here’s a quote from Paul Tripp’s book “How People Change” on our daily need to embrace the gospel.

It’s hard for us to embrace how weak, blind, and vulnerable sin actually makes us.  We don’t like to think that we need wisdom and correction daily.  We prefer the lie of our own self-sufficiency.  Sure, we can recognize the blindness and foolishness in others, but we like to think that we are the exception to the rule.  It is uncomfortable to see ourselves as needy and weak, but we are, and that is exactly why Christ is the only answer:

To the degree that you forget that you are a sinner; to that degree you will underestimate your daily need for Christ and the relationships in his body that are his tools of change.

We all know on some level that Christ must be our identity, meaning, purpose, hope, and goal.  Yet our self-righteousness dies hard.  We want to be at the center of our world, and we think we are capable of more independence than would be spiritually helpful.  So we tend to reduce the gospel to comfortable elements, none of which do justice to the message of grace found in Christ.

Erik Raymond over at the Irish Calvinist posted the following this last fall- this again is what we mean by gospel embracing- from the time we embrace Christ at conversion into eternity.

I am challenged this morning to be like the Apostle Paul who passionately resolved,

“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14).

There is no room for boasting in ourselves when we are standing in the shadow of Calvary. In Galatians Paul was running through the halls of grace shouting with gospel-centered zeal as to the beauty of this grace and the incongruity of clinging to self-merit. Simply, Paul was boasting in the cross.

I know that when I am drenched in cross-centered meditations and when Jesus is truly my delight then I am apt to boast in the cross. However, when my meditations are consumed with self and this world and my chief delight is in what is perishing then the cross is not my boast.

Let us subdue our thoughts, sanctifying all things to the glory of God; even calibrating our minds, affections and wills through the humiliation of Calvary that Christ Jesus would be famous in us and the world.