Evangelism Training

   
Teachers: Mark Williams and Pastor Stan Parker

    Sometimes life makes it all too easy for us to take the passive approach. We hear the teachings in church and even shout our "amen" once in a while. We are all fired up for God when we are around other believers, but it is not what you do around other people that makes you who you are, but the things you do when no one is watching. This week's lesson on Evangelism training at JFC taught me that I really need to take a more active role in my Christian walk, and I hope this summary encourages you as well.

     We started the night by first reading Matthew 28:19-20. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." The key word in this scripture is "go."  One of the words Christians tend to not like in the bible or practice is the word go. The reality is that God did not call us to a life where we just serve him in private or only talk to our friends that are already believers. We need to go out into the world and tell people about the good news! Before Jesus had made this commission he had just been resurrected which means that he will no longer be walking the earth. He wanted those men and us to be his mouthpiece, hands, and feet.

   If you study statistics you will see that all major denominations are in a decline. Jesus is the answer, but so many people do not know he is the answer and how can they when no one is willing to go out and tell the story. The first thing we need to do is get real, and be honest, and admit that a lot of us are afraid to evangelize or the famous excuse "I do not want to look like a Jehovah Witness." We are allowing perception to stop us from doing what we have to do, but as we all know God has a sense of humor. "But you will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth?" Acts 1:8 So we are to be a witness? One of God's names is Jehovah right? Exactly. God is amazing however, and although for many of us evangelizing is a step outside our comfort zone we can take comfort in the fact that he will be with us. He says right here in his word that we will receive power. How amazing he is.

  We were asked to list our top three obstacles in life, and for me it was laziness, fear, having the courage to be different, but for you it could be evangelism is uncomfortable and inconvenient. We also tend be afraid of not knowing the unknown, but you can not conquer your giant until you are willing to face. With any giant that you might be facing ask yourself this when it becomes hard to push through. Was it convenient for Jesus to die on the cross for us? He has done so much for us, and one of the greatest things you can do after you get saved is help someone else get saved to advance the kingdom. I will be honest with you and let you know that evangelism is not easy and there a multitude of obstacles to evangelism. "The Five P's"

• Pray-before you even evangelize you need to be prayed up. One of the major reasons you are saved today is because someone prayed for you. Prayer is the preparation of God's presence. Prayer is an evangelistic tool. When you use God he can change some things.
• People/props-it is people who are called to evangelize and it is people we have to evangelize too. People are the heart of this mission. All types of things can be used to get the message across. Find your tool and use it.
•  Perseverance-John 15:20. You are going to go through some trials; it is unavoidable, but Jesus told us a long time ago that they will not be rejecting us they are rejecting Him. Satan will try to get you to find reasons why you shouldn't go, but persevere my brothers and sisters in Christ for you are fighting the good fight.
• Patience-Society today is like a microwave; we want everything and we want it now. Once we do not see change immediately we want to give up. One of the reasons Christians get a bad rep it is because we like to force things on people, but remember salvation is a gift, and a person has to say yes to the gift with their own heart.
• Praise- We got to give God he praise because he created us for a specific purpose. Your primary purpose is that God get the Glory out of your life and help in kingdom building. It is a privilege to know who you are as so many people struggle trying to find out. We are heroes for God whether we are a prayer warrior for a law firm, or a doctor who hands out scriptures to every patient. Whatever it may be let God get the glory, and his will you are pursuing.

Hopefully by now your heart is starting to turn towards wanting to evangelize, but you may ask yourself how? There are a myriad of ways to evangelize.

• conversational evangelism-share your story. Share your testimony. Let people know what God has done for you and how you got where you are
• service-show people God's love. God has been good to all of us, and because he has taught us how to love pass it on
• Roma's Road (probably the most famous approach)-Roman's Road is a series of scriptures in the book of Romans. (1) Romans 3:23, (2) Romans 6:23, (3) Romans 10:9-10. These verses reiterate the fact the consequences of sin, that we are all sinners, and the confession of the mouth that Jesus rose from the dead and the belief in your heart is all you need for salvation. These scriptures are proof of all that you believe in.

The best way to serve God is the theology of presence. What will you do to help the lost. There are people right here on campus who are in dire need. Our challenge: each one reach one. Make the goal to at lease lead one person to Christ.

Questions to Ponder:
1. What do you think is your evangelistic style?
2. Is there someone in your life you think you can lead to Christ?

Should Christians Pledge?             

Teacher: Mark Williams

A sole academic life is not for the faint of heart. Students need an organization, an outlet, or just some place to belong and that can be provided in a myriad of ways. Whether it is through volunteering, job, or for some a fraternity/sorority. We have all had a comment about the Greek life ranging from "nope no way" to a person who has been planning to pledge since middle school, but sometimes you are a person who is stuck in the middle and if your a Christian the question can become even harder.

The first question of the night that I pose to you was simple; What do you think of when you hear the term sorority or fraternity? He encouraged us not to only look at our views but stereotypes and what people around us think as well. Some of us said sisterhood/brotherhood, parties, hazing, money, network, service and the list went on and on. The point is you know all these stereotypes or reputation that comes with the Greek life good and bad, but at some point you have to ask yourself why do you alone want to pledge and that question is going to follow you everywhere. Before you think about pledging anything you first need to know why and to those who are Greek need to remember why because if you don't it opens up the door for others to determine your reason and purpose. So should Christians pledge? The answer is it depends.

To the readers of this blog I am sure you were waiting on a yes or no like the rest of was last night, but the answer is that it truly does depend. Making the decision to pledge or not depends on your level of maturity with Christ. We were then taken to Matthew 22:21and from that verse we learned we must separate what is Caesar's and what is God's. In other words be in this world but remain obedient to God.

When deciding on whether to pledge you need to have a personal conversation with yourself and God and be honest if you can separate the world things from God things, because if you cannot then you find yourself serving two masters. We need to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves in everyday life because sometimes our priorities is that of the world and not of God.  You have to understand that Greek life requires a lot of time, but with that will you still make time for God as well? Will you still pray everyday? Will you still attend church every Sunday? Will you still read your bible? You have to ask yourself these things.

None of us like to believe that we can be influenced by anything, but your identity in Christ plays a huge role in that. How important is Christ to you? Is God a priority in your life? The bottom line is that pledging should and will change you and your identity will play a major role in that. Your identity is your influence. Some people are so influenced by the Greek life and process that their name changes.  Your identity is not just attached to a sorority/fraternity you still have other identities and depending on your influence it could affect other areas.

As you think about pledging and your identity remember that you now inherit the identity and reputation that comes with Greek life. Whether the perception is true or false you inherit it, but now your identity adds to it. What influence will you have on God's kingdom once you cross over. Whose light if going to shine brighter God's or your letters? Satan will try to make the things of the world your God. What are your principles, values, and morals? What do you stand for?

If you want to join anything first join Team Jesus. All the organizations are based on Christian Principles and if you understand how those Christian principle apply to you then it is an easier transition. So the answer again is it depends.

The reality is that God wants you to serve him. God wants to get the glory out of your life and if he can't through you in the Greek life then why are you doing it? Before you even think about pledging you need to ask where are my priorities with God?  God will give you peace on the things you ask him. Not only will things happen in your immediate life, but he will pave the way for your future as well. You do not want to lose your identity in anything.

Once you have made your decision seek wise counsel as well. Find a wise Christian and someone who is going to be honest with you. You cant do it own your own, but "be true to yourself before I tell you the truth" Seek wise counsel for life as well because as Christians we want to represent God well and if you are Greek still seek wise counsel. Seek God first because it is his kingdom we trying to build and his glory we want to show.

Questions to ponder?
1. If you are Greek what is your influence on your sorority/fraternity and how they influencing you?
2. If you are thinking about pledging what are some ways God can get the Glory out of you?

PROPPIN' UP ON EV'RY SIDE

Teacher: Sister Sharon Griffin


 On Tuesday October 7th we went through Exodus 17:8-16, but as always with Sister Sharon as our teacher we were graced with a small history lesson as well.

Lets first start with the definition of Exodus. Exodus in Greek means "departure", "a going", and/or "way out" So although the children of Israel were free from the Egyptians, this was actually the beginning of the journey to the promised land.

In the passage we see that the Amalekites launch an unprovoked attack on Israel in the wilderness (Rephidim). This attack was nothing more than a continuation of a long family feud. If you read back into Genesis Chapter 25 you will see a family scandal of Jacob and Esau. Although they were brothers Jacob and his mother tricked their father Isaac into giving Esau's blessing or his inheritance to Jacob. Jacob and Esau long reconciled, but their descendants continued to feud. The Amalekites are descendants of Esau and the children of Israel are descendants of Jacob.

Are you following along here?

So in verse 8 we see this attack that comes out of nowhere when the children of Israel were just walking through. An unprovoked attack labels the Amalekites as bullies. The first question of the night that I now pose to you is "who or what is bullying you physically, emotionally or spiritually?" Who or what is igniting a problem in your life that you did not start or let alone invite?

Verses 9-10: In these verses we see that Moses decided to fight. Moses chooses Joshua to fight in the valley and Aaron and Hur stand with Moses as he stand on the mountain "with the staff of God in his hands". The second question of the night is "who is with you on the mountain and the valley?" As Christians and servants of God we are going to find ourselves in the valley and mountaintop, but who do you have with you on both ends of your life?

"It takes intercession on the mountain as well as intervention in the valley for God's people to win the victory." Warren W. Wiersbe, With The Word  1991 Oliver-Nelson Books, division of Thomas Nelson Inc. page 56
"We may now be in the valley but valleys wouldn't be valleys without surrounding mountains to ascend, and God promises to lead us upward." Dr. David Jeremiah, What are You Afraid of? 2013 Tyndale House Publishers Inc. page 214.

In order for the Israelites to keep wining Moses had to keep his rod in the air. You may ask yourself what is so special about a rod?  As Sister Sharon explained to us looking at it from a Shepherd's definition a rod stood as a symbol of his strength, his power his authority in any serious situation. The rod was what he relied on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger, and a myriad of other things. Most importantly regarding to this story the rod was Moses's gift. It was one of the ways God used him in a way that was unique to him. All of us have a ministry and a gift. As we were encouraged to reflect on ours I encourage you to do the same. Do not always look for the obvious gifts like a worshiper or minister but ones that are harder to see like helper and giver.
"Having the gifts different according to the grace that is given us, let us use them..."Romans 12:6
"And you shall take this rod in your hand with which you shall work signs [that prove I sent you]" Exodus 4:17

Verse 11-13: Who are your "Aaron and Hur"? Who props you up on every side through Intercession, Accountability, Exhortation/Encouragement, Wise Counsel, Comfort, and Listening? Moses got tired as we are sure to get tired. God has seasons for all of us and although we may know the battle is already won, the journey is not straight, but you must have people who are going to uplift you and help you and as much as we would want everyone is not capable of doing that for you so my sisters and brother in Christ choose wisely.

We must also remember that this journey is not about us, but the person next to you. Who wins when you are steadfast in ministering? In this case the Israelites won, but it may be your best friend who is hurting or your father who is struggling with an addiction. You can't do your ministry and serve half-heartedly. We have to look like Christians. Who is watching you?

Verse 14,16: Write down the victories and remember God keeps his promises. In first Samuel 15 we know that God promised to defend the Israelites and bring them to the promise land and what he said was made true.

Verse 15: "Jehovah- Nissi: The Lord is My Banner!" There is victory in Jesus and God will fight for you

Remember that sometimes we will have to fight because the journey is not easy. Stay faithful and choose the people around you wisely. There is victory at the end of it all and we are not in this alone. Place your worries in God's hands because he will take care of it all. We all have a unique purpose that only we were made to do so my brothers and sisters remember to stray strong and that no one can take your place in this world.

Questions to ponder:
 How easy or hard is it to recognize the "bullies" in our life?
Why is it so hard for us to let God fight our battles?

Having Faith, When Doubt Comes in

Teachers: Taevea and Tory

We read all of Luke 7:11-23, then begin:

What this lesson is about: Having faith in the place that God has called you to serve him. As Christians we must continually build upon this idea that God places us at certain points in our lives to not only better us, but bring him glory. We in this story of John the Baptist's doubt, must like him know that even we are unsure, we must always go to the source of all-knowing, which is in the Lord God. 

We first began with a brief characterization of who John is:

Then we ask:

·      Who is John the Baptist? What was he like? What is he?

o   Jesus’s forerunner

o   The cousin of Jesus, who saw no relation to him

o   The original hell and fire pastor

o   Faithful, honest, humble, obedient

Setting the stage this is a bit after John had baptized Jesus, and during his baptism God the Father, and the Holy Spirit proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the lamb for our sins. Jesus is going around doing the work of the Father.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Starting at verse 16 What is Jesus doing right now?

Vr 17-18: What is John’s reaction and why did he react that way?

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country

Jesus and John the Baptist

18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

            Jesus is the Son of God, He is all knowing of course, He knows that John is in jail right now. So as Jesus is going around healing people, feeding the five thousand, of course John gets the news and he is like what in the world…? Well a big reason for that is that John had this preconception about Jesus about how great and terrible his messiah is suppose to be. But when Jesus started being about his father’s business the two identities one which, is our preconception about who, we want God to be against who God really is.

            And its funny we do not mind God being who He is, until we encounter problems and that is when we want God to be who we Him want to be. So, of course John sent him that inquiry. Referring to Romans 8:28, “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

            Do not mistake the work you see God perform in areas of different people’s lives and circumstances, as him neglecting the work in your own.

·      Where do you think God’s place is for you to serve him? How do you know its from God?

God calls you and when God calls, it takes a measure of faith, and it takes strength to stand strong on it. When people go out saying this is the call of God, or the call God has given them, it not only harms their spiritual wellbeing but others. Unanointed pastors, ministers, people led astray

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

Matthew 14:1-5

·      What to expect when God calls you?

•  hardship, struggle
• discomfort
• attack
• haters
• treated differently
• isolated
• alone
• The Christian Life is not always easy, but these struggles allow us to identify with Christ closer and allows us to build stronger bonds with other believers. Our sorrows are a bridge to the pains of others but also the development of powerful testimonies. 

John the Baptist Beheaded

14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.

·      When does it get hard to trust your purpose? (save)

  Vr. 1-5: While Jesus was doing the work of God, being about his Father's business, John was in prison hearing all these different things about God. It is always a bit disheartening when we see God performing works but not in the manner we him to or when we are in troublesome and we want God to rescue us from them. However God cares about the cultivation of hearts and our character, more than our current states of happiness. 

1.      However do not let physical or natural backwards steps in your natural life, make you believe you are taking several steps back in the spiritual. Because if you face a contradiction like this then it is a good thing, remember, once again the Lord God tells us in Isaiah 55:7-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” What looks to be to you decreasing in the natural is when God elevates you and moves you forward in the spiritual. Remember place in the natural means little to God but what matters is did you place your faith, your trust, and your belief in Him. Faith is the ultimate community chest card, the pass and go that allow you to win the game. Do not let your place in the natural, keep you from believing God!

Luke 7:21

Last: God’s faithfulness, the will of God, 

Verse 21: Although John doubted Christ, he did turn away from him or seek worldly wisdom. He sent his disciples to go straight to Christ and gain the answer he needed. John trusted and believed in Jesus Christ's faithfulness, in giving him an answer, even though his heart and mind were clouded. In response to John's faith, Christ gave John a report back to him, stating all the things He has done, reaffirming John's faith. Whenever life gets hard it is not the blessings that get us through our trials, but it is God's faithfulness, that he will never leave us nor forsake us. 

How to avoid the why-me syndrome?

1.     Philippians 3:8à count nothing but by Christ-that everything in the physical realm is or of this world you can count as nothing or trash. Seeing God as the only thing of value pushes you to seek only him, and that helps you to reach and continue having faith in God’s purpose.

2.     Romans 8:28à God’s no matter what happens is always in control. Everything God does in accordance to his plans helps to build our character and draw us closer to him.

3.     John 21:21-22à Mind your business, like Peter we need to run our own race, we cannot run or fulfill the purpose God has given us when we do not mind our own spiritual business.

·      What will serving God cost you, what will it reward you?

Cost yourself, your family, sometimes it will cost even your life, but your reward is your life