BAC Sermons
Reasonable & Relational Evangelism - Part 1 |
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2012-11-18 |
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Acts 15:3 because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia...(1Pt 3:15 hope) Prologue II. Establish Rapport: Relate (common ground), love, serve, ASK, listen. "Where do we get our information about ..." “What do you believe?” “Why do you believe it?” "What is truth?" It is not determined by: belief, sincerity, experience, majority opinion. III. Establish the Issue Central contention of Christianity = God became man to communicate info vital for our well-being. IV. Establish the Ground Rules "What kind of proof do you want?" Scientific; Legal (beyond Reasonable Doubt); Fairness. LAWS OF LOGIC: Aristotle posited 3 laws as basic to all logical thought: the law of identity (A is A); the law of contradiction (A cannot be both "A" and "not A"); and the law of the excluded middle (A must be either "A" or "not A"). Evangelism Objectives[For each of the following, list some short and long term goals that could help you move toward and/or reach the objective] Overall Evangelism Objective: To glorify God by faithfully obeying Christ’s command to make disciples by 1) authenticating and 2) sharing the gospel so that 3) people {especially those in my sphere of influence} are 4) motivated to both: 5) enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, 6) accepting rather than rejecting God’s free gift of salvation, 7) and continue on the path of discipleship. I. Preparation ObjectivesA. To realize 1) why God has me in my specific location on this planet, in contact or potential contact with my peer/affinity group, who are going to suffer temporal pain and an eternity in torment without the gospel, and 2) my accountability for them. B. To be able to share not only the gospel, but answers that refute the most common objections to the gospel. 1Pt 3:15 But C. To develop the sanctification that enables me to have my needs met by God so I’m free to serve the needs of others (See Js 2:8,12; royal law of liberty) 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. (1Cor 9:22-27) II. Cultivation & Authentication Objectives 1Thess 2:8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to youA. To be able to build both long term and short term loving relationships, in which credibility, trust, commonality and are developed so that communication (having in common) occurs {see TOYL Friendship Outline and Relationships Categories} B. To expose pre-Christian friends to Christian friends to both authenticate the message through the witness of the Body, and help the pre-Christian move further along the path of their spiritual pilgrimage. {See retreat brainstorming ideas} III. Sowing ObjectivesMt 13:23 seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: B. To help people face and answer, from a Biblical perspective, the questions relating to their purpose for living and eternal destiny. IV. Reaping Objectives Jn 4:36 he who reaps receives wages s, and gathers fruit for eternal life…may rejoice together.A. To share an illustration of the Gospel bringing people to a consequence-informed decision of accepting or rejecting God’s offer. (Memorize and practice the Bridge illustration.) B. To be able to assure a convert of their secure salvation, and both motivate and lead them through the initial steps of follow-up (Study the Discipleship Verses with them). Lifestyle – Relational Evangelism II NeedsI. We need to know others' needs and God’s plan to meet those needs (objective & subjective revelation)Focusing on ourselves and what other’s think about us, seeking their approval rather than God’s keeps us dumb/mute. II. Points of Entry – restless dissatisfaction B. Relationship, understanding, acceptance, belonging, love; “Are there relationships where I won’t be used or tempted to use others?” C. Freedom from: past, anxiety, fear, bitterness, guilt, addiction, failure; “How can I change, or make things different?” D. Confidence – hope – certainty re future; “What does the future hold?” E. Satisfaction and contentment; Missing the abundant life - blessing; something is missing, wrong; “Is this all there is?” F. Significance, Meaning and Purpose for the present; Hope for future; “Why am I here?” G. God allows us to reap consequences to experience separation, eventually longing for Him (intimacy, purpose, power, meaning, etc). III. BarriersA. Ethos – authentic, credible, our relationship with Christ is working for us B. Pathos – We feel passionately about what has great value for us; is the absolute truth/way without rivals, and has great significance C. Logos – We need to be able to bring people to: 1) an awareness of their need, 2) a logical understanding of God’s offer to meet their need, and 3) the necessity of accepting or rejecting that offer, removing the barriers to their belief. Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
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