First of all, Pastor Chris with Evangelism Coach has posted a simple yet thoughtful article that reminds me that God is sovereign in evangelism. It is entitled: God - the Evangelist. It is worth reading - especially if you think that your the one doing the evangelizing!
now for my post...
I had the privilege of leading the Wednesday Bible study at my church the other night in the absence of our pastor. God had laid upon my heart to teach on the Great Commission. I believe that it is very important to remind ourselves of the basics every great now and then - as we have a tendency to complicate things.
I found myself drawn to verse 18 in Matthew 28 and taught primarily from that verse and the first few words of verse 19. "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore...""
When Jesus talks about authority in this verse, he is not referring to His authority as King of kings and Lord of lords. (See. Colossians 1:15-17, Ephesians 1:20-23, Philippians 2:9-11) Rather, He is referring to his authority as the mediator between God and man for salvation. (See 1 Timothy 2:5 and John 5:22-27)
Keep in mind, this was not too long after His death, burial and resurrection.
After reminding his disciples of this authority, he said to them, "Go therefore..."
“Jesus came close to them… and made this astounding claim. He spoke as one already in heaven with a world-wide outlook and with the resources of heaven at his command.” (Robertson’s Word Pictures)
Do we recognize the authority that Jesus has passed on to us as his followers - to go and spread the good news? Do we recognize - and draw upon - all the resources of Heaven that he has passed on to us as his witnesses?
I like to think of it this way...
My dad used to love to watch western movies and TV shows. I remember the plot line sometimes involving the local sheriff rounding up a posse of men (white hats) to go and catch the bad guys (black hats). After the sheriff had gathered the men together, there was a solemn swearing in ceremony.
It was then that the sheriff would deputize these men therby passing his authority on to them. In so doing, he made these men equal to himself in the eyes of the law. They would then tear out of town on horseback, ride to the bad guy's lair, shoot it out and arrest the bad guy. They would ride back to town, turn him over to the sheriff and justice would be served.
As witnesses for Him, Jesus has made us a part of his posse! He has deputized us with his authority to go out and round up sinners. Our Job is to bring them to Sheriff Jesus. But instead of justice, they find in Him infinite mercy.
Jesus told the disciples (and us): "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Every time we announce the good news of Jesus Christ, we are using the keys to the kingdom. Not that we have any authority to remit the sins of those that we witness to. But, we open the doors to the kingdom so that Jesus can welcome them into his salvation by faith. Knowing that you have been given the authority of Jesus and all the resources of heaven, shouldn't it be easier to spread the good news of Jesus Christ? I'll let you decide...
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Need for Relational Evangelism
I received an e-mail newsletter today from Building Church Leaders that spoke about evangelism. The author of the article lamented the fact that he did not possess the gift of evangelism. Which, by the way, cannot be found in the scriptures. There is the gift of the evangelist - a person whose calling is to devote his or her life to sharing the good news (See Ephesians 4:11). But, no gift of evangelism.
He did - to his credit - talk about the fact that he and a friend would often hit the streets of Chicago looking for someone with whom to share the gospel. He recognized that his lack of "giftedness" did not stop him from sharing the good news. This is good. I would hope that all Christians begin to think this way.
I decided to visit the site to see what kind of resources were available. One of the first things I saw was a survey entitled: 20 Questions to Evaluate Effectiveness in Evangelism. I decided to check it out.
As I looked through the questions, it became obvious that this survey was operating from what I would call the field of dreams perspective. (i.e., if you build it (the organized church) then people will come.)
The survey could have asked, "Do church members intentionally build relationships with the unchurched in order to win them to Christ?" Or, "do church members "rub shoulders" with unchurched people during the week in order to build relationships with them?"
Most of our evangelistic efforts in the church today are focused on the "just get 'em to church" and then evangelize them attitude. I don't know of any lost people who get up in the morning thinking, if "I could just find a good church, I would find meaning in my life."
We have to take the good news to the streets. We have to meet people where they are and introduce them to the one who will accept them just as they are. (Jesus, of course)
We need a different paradigm; one that says, we have to build relationships with people in order to win them to Christ, build them in faith, and send them back into the world to influence others.
let's "get 'em to Jesus" first, then "get 'em to church."
He did - to his credit - talk about the fact that he and a friend would often hit the streets of Chicago looking for someone with whom to share the gospel. He recognized that his lack of "giftedness" did not stop him from sharing the good news. This is good. I would hope that all Christians begin to think this way.
I decided to visit the site to see what kind of resources were available. One of the first things I saw was a survey entitled: 20 Questions to Evaluate Effectiveness in Evangelism. I decided to check it out.
As I looked through the questions, it became obvious that this survey was operating from what I would call the field of dreams perspective. (i.e., if you build it (the organized church) then people will come.)
The survey could have asked, "Do church members intentionally build relationships with the unchurched in order to win them to Christ?" Or, "do church members "rub shoulders" with unchurched people during the week in order to build relationships with them?"
Most of our evangelistic efforts in the church today are focused on the "just get 'em to church" and then evangelize them attitude. I don't know of any lost people who get up in the morning thinking, if "I could just find a good church, I would find meaning in my life."
We have to take the good news to the streets. We have to meet people where they are and introduce them to the one who will accept them just as they are. (Jesus, of course)
We need a different paradigm; one that says, we have to build relationships with people in order to win them to Christ, build them in faith, and send them back into the world to influence others.
let's "get 'em to Jesus" first, then "get 'em to church."
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Ministry to the Orphans in Zomba
Yesterday was another glorious day of seeing God move in a powerful way.
First thing in the day, we traveled out to the orphanage near Zomba to visit the new work that the pastors are undertaking there.
We turned down a very rutty path and passed through rows of newly planted coffee plants clinging to the side of the mountain. Our car, a small Toyota 4wd similar to a Camry, bottomed out frequently as we slowly crept toward our destination – the orphanage site.
We arrived to find a large crowd assembled and waiting for our arrival. There were perhaps as many as 150 men, women and children sitting patiently under the shady trees.
After we debarked, we were greeted by the village headmen and offered a seat. The bishops and headmen spoke briefly (Well, as briefly as can be expected in Africa) and welcomed us to the site of the orphanage. Currently, there is only a building standing there which is used as a classroom. The orphans stay with the mothers and fathers who have taken them into their homes to care for them.
Practically all of these orphans are without parents due the every present HIV/AIDS problem in Malawi. I saw no shoes on these children and mostly ragged, dirty clothing. There were however, many beautiful smiles in the crowd.
I stood to present the gospel to the crowd. The children were very patient – much more so than American children. I may have spoken a little too long for the children, but I believe that the Holy Spirit was directing my message and I trust Him. In the end, perhaps as many as 50 people indicated their desire to receive Christ. (It was very difficult to tell and I am trusting God that their commitment will endure).
A slight cultural misunderstanding occurred when the villagers saw the size of the gift that we brought with us. You will remember that I mentioned the fact that Africans are receivers from my previous update. Bryan and I had purchased a 50 kilo bag (About 110 lbs) of rice and a 50 kilo bag of sugar.
Had we known that our gift was only a token, and, had we been better prepared for our visit, we could have done more. In fact, our gift probably only helped a handful of the children at best seeing as there are only 600 orphans in the village.
After leaving, we returned to the guest house for lunch and to prepare for the evening service. Sampson, our house helper, had prepared a very nice and tasty spaghetti meal for us.
About 3:30, the bishops came to pick us up for the service at one of Bishop Tangwe’s churches. We again journeyed down some very poor paths to get to the place where the church was located.
Upon arrival, we discovered that our bumpy ride had punctured the gas tank on the car.
We continued on foot to the church. Children were coming out of the woodwork like little ants shouting, “Azunga, Azungu!” This is typical.
When we arrived in the church, the congregation was worshipping and praising God. Their joyful singing brought much needed light to that dimly lit little church. The floor of the church was dirt and the pews were mounds of dirt that were shaped and compacted like the adobe bricks that you see frequently here. The pews were “padded” with old burlap maize bags so as to avoid getting dirt on the parishioners clothing.
I preached a message on How to Share Jesus from Acts 8 with Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It was very well received and the people seemed excited about the challenge of sharing Jesus with their friends.
Today, we will be at Bishop Khula’s church for worship, and we will tie up loose ends with the committee in a planning meeting.
Please continue to pray for us here in Malawi. The journey home is very long and tiring. I hope to get a few days rest upon returning home.
Darrel – From Blantyre, Malawi
First thing in the day, we traveled out to the orphanage near Zomba to visit the new work that the pastors are undertaking there.
We turned down a very rutty path and passed through rows of newly planted coffee plants clinging to the side of the mountain. Our car, a small Toyota 4wd similar to a Camry, bottomed out frequently as we slowly crept toward our destination – the orphanage site.
We arrived to find a large crowd assembled and waiting for our arrival. There were perhaps as many as 150 men, women and children sitting patiently under the shady trees.
After we debarked, we were greeted by the village headmen and offered a seat. The bishops and headmen spoke briefly (Well, as briefly as can be expected in Africa) and welcomed us to the site of the orphanage. Currently, there is only a building standing there which is used as a classroom. The orphans stay with the mothers and fathers who have taken them into their homes to care for them.
Practically all of these orphans are without parents due the every present HIV/AIDS problem in Malawi. I saw no shoes on these children and mostly ragged, dirty clothing. There were however, many beautiful smiles in the crowd.
I stood to present the gospel to the crowd. The children were very patient – much more so than American children. I may have spoken a little too long for the children, but I believe that the Holy Spirit was directing my message and I trust Him. In the end, perhaps as many as 50 people indicated their desire to receive Christ. (It was very difficult to tell and I am trusting God that their commitment will endure).
A slight cultural misunderstanding occurred when the villagers saw the size of the gift that we brought with us. You will remember that I mentioned the fact that Africans are receivers from my previous update. Bryan and I had purchased a 50 kilo bag (About 110 lbs) of rice and a 50 kilo bag of sugar.
Had we known that our gift was only a token, and, had we been better prepared for our visit, we could have done more. In fact, our gift probably only helped a handful of the children at best seeing as there are only 600 orphans in the village.
After leaving, we returned to the guest house for lunch and to prepare for the evening service. Sampson, our house helper, had prepared a very nice and tasty spaghetti meal for us.
About 3:30, the bishops came to pick us up for the service at one of Bishop Tangwe’s churches. We again journeyed down some very poor paths to get to the place where the church was located.
Upon arrival, we discovered that our bumpy ride had punctured the gas tank on the car.
We continued on foot to the church. Children were coming out of the woodwork like little ants shouting, “Azunga, Azungu!” This is typical.
When we arrived in the church, the congregation was worshipping and praising God. Their joyful singing brought much needed light to that dimly lit little church. The floor of the church was dirt and the pews were mounds of dirt that were shaped and compacted like the adobe bricks that you see frequently here. The pews were “padded” with old burlap maize bags so as to avoid getting dirt on the parishioners clothing.
I preached a message on How to Share Jesus from Acts 8 with Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It was very well received and the people seemed excited about the challenge of sharing Jesus with their friends.
Today, we will be at Bishop Khula’s church for worship, and we will tie up loose ends with the committee in a planning meeting.
Please continue to pray for us here in Malawi. The journey home is very long and tiring. I hope to get a few days rest upon returning home.
Darrel – From Blantyre, Malawi
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