Empowered Evangelism: Sharing Faith with Love and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and I am grateful for each one of you here. We started with some announcements, including a free diagnostic testing event by Lifeline and an upcoming bowling event in August. We also took a moment to recognize Lois Harrison and prayed for her daughter Cheryl, who is battling pancreatic cancer, and for Esther, who is recovering from surgery.
We then transitioned into the heart of our gathering, focusing on the power of the Gospel and the importance of evangelism. We reflected on Romans 1:16-17, which emphasizes that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This led us to discuss practical evangelism, a continuation of our recent series on Israel and end times. We explored how to effectively share our faith through various scenarios: a chance encounter, a seeker, a defiant person, and our everyday lifestyle.
In the first scenario, we saw how a simple act of offering to pray for someone can plant seeds of faith. Even if the person rejects the offer, it's important to remember that they are rejecting the message, not us. The second scenario involved a seeker, someone genuinely curious about Jesus, which makes sharing our faith more straightforward and less stressful. The third scenario dealt with a defiant person, emphasizing the importance of creating a dialogue rather than an argument and finding common ground.
We also discussed the significance of living a life that reflects Jesus' love, as our actions often speak louder than words. Sharing personal testimonies can be incredibly powerful, as demonstrated in a clip from "The Chosen" where Mary Magdalene shares her transformation with Nicodemus. We concluded with a reminder from 1 Peter 3:15-17 and Philippians 1:27 about always being prepared to share the hope within us with gentleness and respect.
Finally, we addressed common questions people might have about faith, such as the rationality of faith, the relevance of the Bible, and the problem of suffering. We emphasized the importance of discipleship and being part of a community to grow in our knowledge and ability to share our faith effectively.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Simple Acts: Offering to pray for someone, even in a chance encounter, can plant seeds of faith. It's crucial to remember that rejection of the offer is not a rejection of us but of the message. This act of kindness can open doors for future conversations about faith. [55:04]
2. Engaging with Seekers: When someone is genuinely curious about Jesus, it makes sharing our faith more straightforward. Providing them with resources like a Bible and inviting them to church activities can help them explore their faith further. Personal testimonies can also be very impactful in these situations. [01:01:02]
3. Handling Defiance with Grace: When faced with defiance, it's important to create a dialogue rather than an argument. Asking questions to find common ground can help level the playing field and make the conversation more productive. Always approach these situations with gentleness and respect. [01:05:31]
4. Living Out Our Faith: Our everyday actions are a powerful testimony of our faith. Living a life that reflects Jesus' love and sharing personal testimonies of how He has changed us can be more impactful than any argument. This lifestyle evangelism is crucial in showing others the love of Jesus. [01:20:41]
5. Addressing Common Questions: People often have questions about faith, such as the rationality of faith, the relevance of the Bible, and the problem of suffering. Being prepared to answer these questions with evidence, personal testimonies, and scripture can help others understand and accept the Gospel. Discipleship and community involvement are key to growing in this knowledge. [01:26:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:09] - Announcements
[22:14] - Prayer for Lois and Cheryl
[23:48] - Prayer for Esther
[25:19] - Upcoming Bowling Event
[26:12] - Offering and Romans 1:16-17
[27:06] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit's Presence
[48:56] - Introduction to Practical Evangelism
[49:46] - Practical Evangelism Scenarios
[50:23] - Loving God and Others
[51:03] - Scenario 1: Chance Encounter
[52:00] - Scenario 1: Positive Outcome
[55:04] - Scenario 1: Negative Outcome
[56:52] - Scenario 2: The Seeker
[58:06] - Engaging with Seekers
[01:01:02] - Scenario 3: The Defiant Person
[01:05:31] - Handling Defiance with Grace
[01:17:04] - The Power of Personal Testimonies
[01:19:55] - Living Out Our Faith
[01:20:41] - Conducting Ourselves Worthy of the Gospel
[01:26:01] - Addressing Common Questions
[01:40:25] - Acts 1:8 and the Great Commission
[01:42:14] - Closing Hymn: "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations"
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:16-17 (NIV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
2. 1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV): "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
3. Philippians 1:27 (NIV): "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 1:16-17, what is the power of God for salvation?
2. In 1 Peter 3:15-17, what attitude should we have when sharing the hope within us?
3. How does Philippians 1:27 describe the way we should conduct ourselves?
4. What were the four scenarios discussed in the sermon for sharing our faith?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to remember that rejection of our message is not a rejection of us, as mentioned in the sermon?
2. How can personal testimonies be more impactful than arguments when sharing our faith, as illustrated by the clip from "The Chosen"?
3. What does it mean to live a life that reflects Jesus' love, according to the sermon and Philippians 1:27?
4. How can we prepare ourselves to answer common questions about faith, as suggested in 1 Peter 3:15-17?
#### Application Questions
1. Have you ever offered to pray for someone in a chance encounter? How did it go, and what did you learn from the experience?
2. Think of someone in your life who is a seeker. What resources or personal testimonies can you share with them to help them explore their faith further?
3. When faced with a defiant person, how can you create a dialogue rather than an argument? Can you think of a recent situation where you could have applied this approach?
4. Reflect on your everyday actions. How do they reflect Jesus' love? Are there specific areas where you can improve your lifestyle evangelism?
5. What are some common questions about faith that you have encountered? How can you better prepare yourself to answer these questions with gentleness and respect?
6. Identify one person in your life who might be curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week?
7. How can being part of a discipleship community help you grow in your knowledge and ability to share your faith effectively? Are you currently involved in such a community, and if not, what steps can you take to join one?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Simple Acts
Description: Simple acts of kindness, such as offering to pray for someone, can have a profound impact on their spiritual journey. These acts can plant seeds of faith, even if the person initially rejects the offer. It's important to remember that rejection of the message is not a personal rejection. By showing genuine care and concern, we open doors for future conversations about faith and demonstrate the love of Jesus in a tangible way. [55:04]
Bible passage: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you encounter regularly who might benefit from a simple act of kindness. How can you show them the love of Jesus today, even if it's just offering to pray for them?
Day 2: Engaging with Seekers
Description: When someone is genuinely curious about Jesus, it provides a unique opportunity to share our faith in a straightforward and less stressful manner. Providing resources like a Bible and inviting them to church activities can help them explore their faith further. Personal testimonies can be particularly impactful in these situations, as they offer a relatable and authentic glimpse into the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:01:02]
Bible passage: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17 ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has shown curiosity about Jesus. How can you provide them with resources or share your personal testimony to help them explore their faith further?
Day 3: Handling Defiance with Grace
Description: When faced with defiance, it's crucial to create a dialogue rather than an argument. Asking questions to find common ground can help level the playing field and make the conversation more productive. Approaching these situations with gentleness and respect, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15-17, can help defuse tension and open the door for meaningful discussions about faith. [01:05:31]
Bible passage: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where someone was defiant about your faith. How can you approach future conversations with gentleness and respect to create a more productive dialogue?
Day 4: Living Out Our Faith
Description: Our everyday actions are a powerful testimony of our faith. Living a life that reflects Jesus' love and sharing personal testimonies of how He has changed us can be more impactful than any argument. This lifestyle evangelism is crucial in showing others the love of Jesus and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in a tangible way. [01:20:41]
Bible passage: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and interactions. How can you better reflect Jesus' love in your everyday life to those around you?
Day 5: Addressing Common Questions
Description: People often have questions about faith, such as the rationality of faith, the relevance of the Bible, and the problem of suffering. Being prepared to answer these questions with evidence, personal testimonies, and scripture can help others understand and accept the Gospel. Discipleship and community involvement are key to growing in this knowledge and ability to share our faith effectively. [01:26:01]
Bible passage: "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." (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a common question about faith that you have encountered. How can you prepare yourself to answer this question with evidence, personal testimony, and scripture?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you guys know that Jesus Christ is in your heart? We know that 35% of adults in America continue to believe in the traditional view that salvation comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That's according to a 2020 survey by the Barna Group. 35% of Americans believe that Jesus is the only way. So, we have to understand that the moment that we step out of our doors in America, I know, America? But when we step outside of this church, outside of our homes, we enter into the mission field." [48:56] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, Emma, I really want you to know something. You really do matter to God. I know that you're not into all of this God stuff, but I just have to tell you that since coming to know Jesus, it has really changed my life and I know he really cares about you too. So, I really hope you take that and think about it." [54:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, the fact that we've done bad things, that's considered bad news, right? Because both of us have just now admitted that we've done bad things, but we've also agreed that we really want justice to be served, right? So, people who do bad things should pay for it, right? Pay the price for it. And so, we've agreed on that already, right?" [01:11:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Although we may feel suffering in the moment, God has promised us a glorious future. There is hope. God also stepped into history through his son, Jesus, who suffered for the sins to give us that future. This is a tough one you guys and probably why it is number one because people have gone through some pretty bad things in life." [01:33:17] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right. A story of truth and sweetness. A story of peace and light. A story of peace and light. For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright. And Christ's great kingdom shall come to earth, the kingdom of love and life." [01:42:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So, we look at that as Jesus wanting us to love Him and loving others. This concerns discipleship. And it concerns ministry. Okay? And then we look at Matthew 28, 19, and 20. You guys all know this verse too. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the end of the age." [50:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We know that people who do bad things have to pay a price for the things that they've done. Okay? And that's why God's mercy is so unbelievable for us as Christians, those who have put our faith in Jesus. It's unbelievable that we all deserve hell, yet he sent his son to die for us to pay for the sins on the cross so that we could have access and relationship with the Father and access in heaven." [01:08:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "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, having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good if that should be God's will than doing evil." [01:19:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Whatever happens. Whatever happens. Every day we must show others the love of Jesus through the way in which we live our lives. Now I've dropped the ball on that a few times in my life. I've made mistakes and I've gotten mad at somebody or a clerk or a person driving next to me or whatever that might look like. I've failed in those scenarios." [01:20:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Back in the back, we have our Jerusalem, Lake County. And then underneath that, we have to the ends of the earth, our world map. We need to share our faith with the people around us." [01:40:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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