SHARE THE GOOD NEWS ASSIGNMENT. Study Philippians. Journal as you go.. Complete Chapter 7. Writing up your testimony (Section Four) is very valuable!

Transcription

1 SHARE THE GOOD NEWS ASSIGNMENT Study Philippians. Journal as you go.. Complete Chapter 7. Writing up your testimony (Section Four) is very valuable! Read the booklet The Four Spiritual Laws from Campus Crusade for Christ. Memorize Matthew 4:19. Use this verse to do the Single Verse Study mentioned in Chapter 4, Section 5.

2 SECTION ONE The early followers of Jesus turned the world upside down. They possessed a supernatural boldness and power that enabled them to make a difference because they were being controlled by the Holy Spirit. So everywhere they went they fearlessly told people about Jesus Christ! The natural overflow of a rich and vibrant life in Christ will be the desire to share Jesus with others. Your time in the Scriptures and in prayer with your Father, followed by obedience and faithfulness, will give your life attractiveness and credibility. Effective witnessing involves increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ plus skills in communicating with people. Both can be learned and sharpened. Part of that knowledge comes from the Genesis account of man's fall into sin. It is important to understand that ever since Adam, man has been born sinful and alienated from God. That is why spreading the good news is so vital; all men are lost and are separated from God. What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? If you are a Christian, it was receiving Christ as your personal Savior. What then, is the greatest thing you could ever do for someone else? CHRIST'S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS NEW FOLLOWERS Matthew 4:19: Acts 1:8: What are the Lord's instructions in The Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20? Who does God make responsible for spreading the gospel to others? Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that the Lord has given different abilities & skills to folks for what VERY IMPORTANT purpose? Every Christian is responsible for being equipped and willing to lead others to Christ, speaking with the authority of the Word of God. Why should we do this? Because it is God's plan, and God's command, and because of our loving concern for men and women all over the world.

3 A WITNESS IS EXPECTED TO TELL WHAT HE KNOWS ABOUT A GIVEN SITUATION. THE CHRISTIAN WITNESS IS TO TELL OTHERS WHAT HE KNOWS ABOUT GOD'S GOOD NEWS, WHO JESUS CHRIST IS, AND WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US. What was the first thing Andrew did after he met Jesus? (John 1:41-42) What did God intend for Paul to do in Acts 22.15? How did Paul feel about the gospel in Romans 1:16? Thought for the day: SECTION TWO WITNESS BY YOUR WALK "Show me your redeemed life, and I'll believe in your Redeemer." Voltaire How are we to live? (Philippians 2:15-16): (Matthew 5:16): (Ephesians 5:15-16): WITNESS BY HOW YOU TALK It s not enough to live an exemplary life, you must explain to folks why you live that way. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. (Psalm 107:2) Who are the ones who should speak openly of their salvation?

4 But in your hearts set apart 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. 1 Peter 3:15 What comes before talking? The blind man Jesus healed had no theological training, but what did he know for sure? (John 9:25) Is there something about you that would cause someone to ask you about the hope that is in you? Explain: Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and since He lives within us, even though we may not find it easy to talk to others for Him, we can simply ask Him to give us the courage to speak boldly for Him. Whenever you are alone with a person for a few minutes assume that you are there by divine appointment. Be friendly, ask questions, and see if there is a chance to share the good news of God's love and forgiveness. You should not feel discouraged or defeated when some seem to be unreceptive. It is your responsibility to tell the good news to those who are willing to listen, and leave the results to God. Results are God's responsibility. I am convinced the world is more eager to hear our message than we are to deliver it. Never have I seen such responsiveness and receptivity to the Gospel as in recent days. Dr. Howard Hendricks When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. 1 Corinthians 9:20-24 (New Living Translation)

5 What are the ways that Paul used to get on common ground, and how can you apply this to your own life? Your thought for today: SECTION THREE WHEN YOU SPEAK, TALK ABOUT CHRIST When you wake up each morning, thank the Lord Jesus that He lives within you, tell Him that you are available, and stay alert so He can use you to speak of His love and forgiveness at every opportunity throughout the whole day. Or in other words: KEEP YOUR ANTENNA UP Why is it so urgent to present Jesus Christ, and not just religion? (John 14:6) (Acts 4:12) There are many good methods to clearly explain the gospel, including The Bridge, Pleasing God and others. The Four Spiritual Laws booklet (Campus Crusade for Christ) is well known. Memorize the four main points so you can write them down for someone when you do not have a booklet handy. As you memorize, include the verse references for each law

6 TRANSITIONS You are a unique person with a sphere of influence no one else has. If your antenna is up, you will find opportunities to witness everywhere! It only takes a few minutes to establish some common ground with an individual by being friendly and asking questions. Then a simple transition remark will open the way to talking about things that really matter. These transitional questions make it easy! They are worth memorizing. Have you ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws? Have you ever thought much about God? If you were to die today, where would you go? Have you read the Bible very much? What is your purpose? Why are you here? Write down a couple of your own: Some other useful questions you can use to make reference to life events like reading a book, going to church, hearing your testimony, a radio or TV message might be: What do you think of it? (the book, the sermon, the speech, or whatever) Did it make sense? Have you ever come to know Christ in a personal way? Has anyone ever shown you how? Thoughts: SECTION FOUR YOUR TESTIMONY It is very valuable to be able to share with another person your own story of how you came to know Christ. Read Acts 26:1-29. Notice how Paul s testimony included three main sections. 1. What life was like before he knew Christ. 2. How he understood the gospel and came to know Christ. 3. How his life and thinking changed.

7 Visualize yourself talking to a co-worker or neighbor down the street. Using the pointers below, write out your own testimony. Keep it to one page. Start with an interesting statement or event. Before I received Christ, I lived and thought this way (include good and bad examples) I came to know Christ when (include a brief statement of what brought you to the point of accepting Him as your personal Savior and how you did that.) Last, talk about specific differences you have noticed since you received Christ. Write out your testimony and attach it to this lesson, and we will go over it together. HOW TO WITNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE First, GO! Do not wait for people to come to you. You go to them with the good news. One of the greatest problems we all face is the problem of getting started. It is a great barrier to communication of the gospel. There are all kinds of excuses: I am too busy, I am waiting for a good opportunity, this isn't a good place, or they probably are not interested. Successful witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. Bill Bright Be friendly. The person you are with may just be the divine appointment God has for you today! Avoid religious jargon. Be available. Ability is not nearly as important as availability. Avoid using names of churches or denominations. Instead turn the conversation to Christ using questions and transitions ask God for wisdom as you talk. Ask questions. The Bible has many examples, e.g. Will you give me a drink? (John 4:7), Do you understand what you are reading? (Acts 8:30). Also, use conversational questions like How's your day been so far? What do you do for a living? What's your favorite recreation? Who would you say are the three greatest men of all time? What is the answer to all the problems we have in the world today? Etc. Although there can be exceptions, it is best and wise to witness only to a member of the same sex. Never preach. Use I and me but never you. Just be a witness by telling folks what you know about the good news of the Lord Jesus. Expect results. When you are under His control and you talk about Jesus, you can expect results! Not on the basis of positive thinking but because of your confidence in God and His love for people. EXPECT folks to respond because the Lord who came to seek and to save the lost has commissioned us to go into all the world and spread the good news! He claimed all authority in heaven and earth and has promised to go with us. That is the important part! THOUGHT QUESTIONS Why do you think so few Christians ever lead another to Christ? Why is it important to learn how to share your faith in Christ?

8 What is your responsibility in witnessing? What is God's responsibility? When fear keeps you from witnessing to others, what is the remedy? (Acts 4:.8-13, especially v. 13) What are you thinking? SECTION FIVE PEOPLE DIFFER WIDELY IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Some know nothing of God or His word, some know a little, some reject it all, some are hostile, and some are apathetic. Others are interested and need more information. Some have a positive attitude, but don't know what to do next, and others are eager and ready to receive Him as Savior right now! When you first talk to someone, you don't know what they believe, or where they are in the process of becoming a Christian. This means that if a person is not ready or not interested, you must accept that because your goal is to gently, with love, help them at least take another step closer to Jesus! Don't bruise the fruit. Stay friends so you (or someone else) can help them at a later time. If God has brought them along to the place where they are ready to receive Christ, then it will be your privilege and responsibility to show them how! Suggestion: Make a list of people that probably do not know Christ personally, and start praying for them. Please read carefully this quote from Andrew Murray's book Like Christ; a fitting conclusion to this lesson: We are to be like Him in His mission. I too am to know that I am sent to make His love and salvation known to people, to represent Him to the world. I am chosen for this purpose, and enabled to accomplish it by His power. It is the only reason for me remaining on this earth! My assigned mission is so glorious it is worthy of my wholehearted effort. Anyone who is surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit can fulfill their God-given mission!

9 SHARING JESUS WITHOUT FEAR William Fay (1999 Broadman & Holman) We want to recommend you get and devour this little book if you are serious about sharing your faith in Christ! The author s life story in the first three pages is astounding. The universal fears that keep us quiet are put to rest in chapter three. The essence of this approach is to ask questions. Here are his opening questions: 1. Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs? 2. To you, who is Jesus Christ? 3. Do you think there is a heaven or hell? 4. If you died, where would you go, heaven or hell? 5. If what you are believing is wrong, would you want to know? The book includes some verses that you write in your Bible and have your friend read to you out loud, asking, What does that mean to you? It also includes how to follow up on the answers you will get, plus how to help your friend decide on what to do next. It is very practical, non-threatening and comfortable. Highly recommended! SUMMARY This has been a very brief overview of witnessing including the why and how of sharing Christ with another person in such a way that they will understand who He is, what He has done, why they need Him, and what is required to become a Christian. It is God s will and purpose that every believer be equipped to share with others the good news of Christ s person and work. A witness simply keeps his antenna up and tells what he knows whenever he has the opportunity. God takes responsibility for the results. So, walk in the Spirit every day, equip yourself to share the good news, be available to people, be friendly, ask questions, and expect God to use you. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN THIS LESSON TO YOU? My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8

10 THE PARABLE OF THE FISHERLESS FISHERMAN Author Unknown Published in the Navigator s Discipleship magazine a few years ago. Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. Their whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish, hungry fish. Week after week, year after year, these who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen. Continually they searched for new and better methods of fishing and they loved slogans such as, "Fishing is the task of every fisherman," and "Every fisherman is a fisher." They sponsored special meetings called "Fishermen's Campaigns" and "The Mouth for Fishermen to Fish." They sponsored worldwide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls, and whether any new bait had surfaced. These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called "Fishing Headquarters." The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they did not do, however, they didn't fish. All the fishermen seemed to agree that what is needed is a board which could challenge fishermen to be faithful in fishing. The board was formed by those who had the great vision to speak about fishing, to define fishing, and to promote the idea of fishing in far away lakes and streams. They also hired staffs and appointed committees and held many meetings to define and defend fishing and to decide what new streams should be considered, but the staff and committee members... did not fish! Over the years, courses were offered on the needs of fish, the nature of fish, where to find fish, the psychological reactions of fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in fishology, but the teachers did not fish. Many graduated and were given fishing licenses. They were sent to do full-time fishing, some to distant waters. Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides, fishing methods, types of equipment, and fishing programs. A speaker's bureau was also organized to provide scheduling for special speakers on the subject of fishing. Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded. They were commissioned and sent to fish, but like the fishermen back home, they never fished. They engaged in all kinds of other occupations. They built power plants to pump water for fish, and tractors to plow new waterways. Some also said they wanted to be part of the fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing equipment. Others felt their job was to relate to the fish in a meaningful way so the fish would know the difference between good and bad fishermen. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were loving and kind would be enough. After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity for Fishing," one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported he had caught two fish! He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to travel around and tell about his experience. He was also voted to the Fishermen's Board.

11 Now it is true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish every day. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen yet never fished. They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk about fishing. After all, were they not following the Master who said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men?" Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who didn't catch fish were really not fishermen. Is a person a fisherman if year after year he never catches a fish? IS ONE FOLLOWING JESUS, IF HE ISN'T FISHING? ONE-VERSE EVANGELISM, by Randy D. Raysbrook Navigator Napkin Evangelism Series, Colorado Springs: Dawson Media, A very helpful explanation of how to use just one verse [Romans 6.23] to introduce a person to Jesus as Savior.