Basic Evangelism

I saw this video clip on another blog, and had to post it. I'll figure out how to put the youtube picture on my blog, but until then watch this clip from E.R., and think about how the Church does evangelism today.

In my mind this clip shows the urgent need of evangelism, and how Christians often try to soften the blow of sin and its results, when in truth lost people when faced with their own mortality want to hear about a real God, and forgiveness, so they can avoid a real hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNuSBGa1mLM

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part III

Part III – Humbling Ourselves

“If my people…will humble themselves…”

When our boys are rebellious sooner or later they usually come into subjection under their parents (usually). However sometimes it is not until we put into practice the “this is going to hurt me worse than it’s going to hurt you” principle. I will assure you, as a father I gain no joy or pleasure when I have to force my sons to respect and obey me. On the contrary though, it is hard for me to put into words the pride, joy, and love I experience when I ask them to do something, and they say, “Yes sir”, and hop to it.

The word humility is only used four times in the Old Testament, and is a synonym for meekness. To be humble on the other hand is used thirty-eight times, and means to be brought low before someone. The best way to understand the word humble is that it is the opposite of pride. Proverbs 29:23 “A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” If you can picture someone bowing before a king you understand the Old Testament use of ‘being humbled’.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are not talking about a vanquished foe, but instead the author is describing a nation who has turned away from their God, is suffering the consequences of rebellion, and is now returning on bended knee seeking forgiveness. The key is not simply that they have been humbled, but THEY HUMBLED THEMSELVES.

What kind of relationship do you have with your heavenly Father? Do you honor, respect, and obey God simply because you love Him, or do you only HUMBLE yourself before the Lord when you are forced to by difficult situations in life?

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part II

What’s Your Name?

“…who are called by My name…”

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was specifically known as God’s people. The phrase “who are called by my name” is literally rendered “upon whom My name is called”, and is used to signify ownership. (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) The New English Translation has it like this: “If My people who belong to me…” So then, revival comes when the people who belong to God repent and come into a right relationship with Him.

Believers today need to understand and apply the same truth to their lives as well. If you are saved, you do not belong to yourself anymore. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know…you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price…”

In fact, we are still “called by His name”. The name Christian is only used three times in the New Testament, but by the middle of the first century it was commonly used in Rome, and soon throughout the entire empire as a derogatory term for followers of Jesus. “I am a Christian” became the triumphant confession of many second century martyrs who joyfully proclaimed their loyalty to Jesus as they died for their faith.

We casually say we are Christians, but we need to remember the name means we are ‘followers of Christ’ - WE BELONG TO HIM. Being called a Christian may no longer qualify someone to be a martyr, but it should not be a religious brand name we wear like a designer shirt either. The name reminds us of the one we follow…the one who died for us…the one to whom we belong.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part I

Who Needs Revival?

“If My people…”

Quite often those of us in the church think revival is kept at arms length because of all the lost sinners out there running wild. For many church goers it appears that if the world would just be more Godly everything would be set right. God would hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land…a nation wide revival. Come on lost world – get with the program. (Sarcasm)

However, the Bible tells a different story. The promise of God to grant national healing, and forgiveness of sins in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not a result of the heathen being converted. It is instead the result of God’s people humbly repenting, turning from their wickedness, and seeking God’s face.

Over the last few years the catch phrase in the church has been, “It’s not about me.” Well this time it is about me, and it is about you. We are the one’s who must repent and seek God. Revival will never come if WE, the church, do not change our ways, and begin to hunger and thirst for God and his righteousness.

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent …”
Revelation 2:4-5

aj

Reaching the "Nones"

Who are the “Nones”? The Spring 2004 issue of Church Planting and Evangelism, a magazine published by the North American Mission Board, described the “Nones” as a growing segment of the U.S. population who claim no religious affiliation in public opinion polls. If the “Nones” were a religious body, they would be the fastest growing denomination in the country.

The National Survey of Religious Identification claims the “Nones” number more than 30,000,000 (that’s right - million) in the U.S. “If viewed as a religious group, they would only trail Catholics and Baptists in numbers.”

The numbers are staggering, and they remind us that the fields are truly ripe for the harvest (Luke 10:2). However, do not let the enormity of the task cause retreat. The same survey discovered that 50% of the “Nones” agreed strongly that God exists; indicating an openness to discuss spiritual matters.

Remember, Bixby is no different than the rest of America. The Bixby Chamber website estimates there are 360,000 people living within ten miles of our community. Moreover, Tulsa Metro Baptist Association research reveals that 80% of Tulsa County is ‘un-churched’…or ‘nones’. This means there are a quarter of a million people in our community, and surrounding area who do not have a church home. Subsequently, tens of thousands likely do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Bottom line - we need to get busy.

In Luke 10:2, Jesus told seventy followers the fields were ready for the harvest, and that they should pray for God to send out workers into His harvest. Then in Luke 10:3 Jesus sends them, the seventy, out into the harvest. WE ARE THOSE WORKERS. This Summer make it a priority to:

• Learn how to share your faith with a “None”.
• Share your faith, on a regular basis, with someone who needs Jesus.
• Invite someone to church every week.
• Work in the Lord’s fields.
• Pray every day that God will send workers into His harvest.
• Learn who the “Nones” are in your life, and minister to them.
  
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