Evangalism

Comment

Comment by Scott McCrae on January 29, 2011 at 6:11pm

Mark, I used to read Alan Knox years ago. Good link.

Comment by Mark Collings on January 29, 2011 at 4:16pm

Here is a refreshing view of evangelism for us folks planted in organic churches.

 

Gathering suggests dispersal | The Assembling of the Church

www.alanknox.net

http://www.alanknox.net/2011/01/gathering-suggests-dispersal-2/

Comment by Scott McCrae on January 29, 2011 at 7:26am

My post goal was to say, reach out to people outside your normal influence to make disciples. Or we are ignoring the command of Jesus.

 

<Do you have any people in your life or routinely on your path, among whom you can live out Christ in some informal, interactive way?> No I really don't. People are too busy and not interested.

 

<The reason I'm asking is that people seem most frequently to respond to hearing about Christ with more open ears when they've seen Him being fleshed out in a life for awhile > Yes I agree completely. That is why I am seeking to be involved in secular interests instead of quote Christian activities.

 

<Crusades record and report "decisions"> This is why I am seeking to make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20 speaks of disciples. Modern teachers refer to converts. I am not after converts, I do want to make disciples.

 

<experiencing God's love in some way is crucial before hearing words about His love> Yes I agree with that completely, though fervent prayer may prepare the way to allow people to accept God's words. That does not take away the responsibility of love, afterward.

 

<What is happening when we talk to our friends about Jesus?> Sharing Christ or evangelism. 

 

<Also, why do you say talking to friends and family about Jesus is easier than talking to strangers?> Strangers will stop the conversation quicker. Yet I am wrong on this because an ineffective argument will develop with friends and family.

 

<Who, if not us, communicates Christ to our family and friends? Someone who comes from a distance, whom they don't know?> In the present status of the anemic church no one.

 

<Is there some more effective spiritual principle working if people hear of Christ through a stranger?> Hearing about Christ, with ears to hear, is the key. To consider the truth of God and respond to it. No there is no more effective spiritual principle with a stranger.

 

The problem is people see there is no value in evangelism to strangers. So they don't try. Then friendship evangelism is taught but it is not really done. Most don't care. So then nothing is done. At least that has been my experience. And what I have seen in others. I think prayer can break the log jam. Not just a short prayer or a long prayer. But persistent prayer till the answer comes.  Days, week, months, years. Ask, seek, knock and God will answer.

Comment by Scott McCrae on January 26, 2011 at 10:55pm

Short on time. But we should by all means talk to our friends and family.

later

Comment by Jim London on January 26, 2011 at 10:46pm

Scott, when you say, "There is a difference between evangelism and talking to your friends about Jesus," then what is happening, in God's view, when we're talking to our friends about Jesus? Also, why do you say talking to friends and family about Jesus is easier than talking to strangers? I'm interested in your response to this last question (as well as the first!), because absolutely everyone I know thinks that engaging out-side-of-Christ family is the toughest "evangelism" to do!

My third line of questions (see how you've stimulated my brain!): Who, if not us, communicates Christ to our family and friends? Someone who comes from a distance, whom they don't know? If so, why? Is there some more effective spiritual principle working if people hear of Christ through a stranger?

Comment by Scott McCrae on January 26, 2011 at 10:40pm

Modern evangelism says, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. And this approach does not work when the heat is turned up. The Bible is clear that repentance is needed if we are to accept Christ. Evangelists should work with those who come to Christ with a decision of salvation to bring them to maturity/discipleship.

 

Yes God loves the sinner John 3:16 but they are on the road to hell and have already been judged John 3:18 if they do not believe.

Comment by Scott McCrae on January 26, 2011 at 10:19pm

I was referring to Matthew 28:18-20 which talks of disciples. That is my goal and effort. It starts though with evangelism. And yes talking with friends and family may be easier, but I don't think that is what Jesus is talking about by going. There is a difference between evangelism and talking to your friends about Jesus. I think almost all would differ with me on this point. Yet I think the go refers to moving beyond our current areas of influence.

Comment by Jim London on January 26, 2011 at 9:01pm

"Go" is the word, Scott. Thanks for emphasising that as much as you do. Do you have any people in your life or routinely on your path, among whom you can live out Christ in some informal, interactive way? I'm thinking of friendships or potential friendships. The reason I'm asking is that people seem most frequently to respond to hearing about Christ with more open ears when they've seen Him being fleshed out in a life for awhile, or through some "natural" contact or relationship. It's not the only way that God operates -- He's always at work to stir response to His Son -- but it's seemingly the most common way by which understanding of Christ's impact on people is discovered by those who don't know Him. Crusades record and report "decisions", but even all those who came forward "to receive Christ" at Billy Graham crusades seldom could be found to be following Him later. The objective is more than to get "a decision", which makes personal relationship an important element. It's as if experiencing God's love in some way is crucial before hearing words about His love.How do you think about this matter?