Thursday, August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022/in Week 3, Bible Study
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What do you think of when you hear the word evangelism? For me, I think of televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts, and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Unfortunately, they have given me a bad taste in my mouth on something that is an important part of spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ.
Last weekend, Lead Pastor Ben Snyder dispelled this misconception for me by explaining the six styles of evangelism. Yesterday we unpacked Confrontational, Invitational, and Testimonial Evangelism. Today we will dive into the last three: Relational, Service, and Intellectual.
Relational: Someone gifted with this style of evangelism easily builds relationships with people and then is able to share the Good News about Jesus through those relationships. They create a safe space to discuss the life-changing adventure of following Christ with their families, friends, and co-workers.
In Acts 16:25-28, the apostle Paul and Silas were imprisoned, singing and praying to God. Suddenly an earthquake shook the prison, all the doors were opened, and the chains of every prisoner fell off. When the guard awakened, he assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. Paul stopped him by shouting that everyone was still there.
Acts 16:29-30
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Apostle Paul demonstrated a joyful life even though he was in a miserable situation. The jailer saw the love and compassion that Paul showed to him and the other prisoners, and he wanted that kind of life.
When we display this genuine caring for others, we are like a magnet that draws people to the Christian life we live.
Service: This form of evangelism is the heart of the Christian faith. This is where people prefer acts of service over words to make a difference in other’s lives. At CedarCreek, we have many ways of serving others. Some examples are Serve Day, 2nd Saturday Serve, and the recently announced Dollar Club.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Intellectual: This style of evangelism is characterized by making arguments (known as apologetics) around why we can trust that Jesus came back from the dead.
Acts 17:18-20
18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”
19 Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20 “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.”
During apostle Paul’s visit to Athens, he gave one of his most important gospel messages on Mars Hill. This is a classic example of apologetics—Paul started his message by addressing the “unknown God” and then proclaimed the one true God and how they could be reconciled to him.
Pastor Ben said that, over time, a Jesus follower’s life is like a light pointing to Jesus. This brings back a fond childhood memory, learning the song, “This Little Light of Mine.” CedarCreek invests heavily in our children’s ministry to grow the next generation of Christ followers, but we can’t stop there. We all have a job to do. Are you letting your light shine?
Questions:
Which style of evangelism do you identify with? Are you using your God-given talent to draw others into the Kingdom of God?
Who is your “one” that God is placing on your heart? Have you decided how to discuss Christ with them?
Next Steps:
Begin thinking and praying on who the one person is that God put in your life to make a difference in theirs. Trust God that he is inviting you to play a part of his work in their world with your unique evangelism style.
Participate in the Dollar Club. It’s easy—simply give a dollar more than you normally give. This weekend, Pastor Ben will reveal the impact of your dollar.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 18 Focus – Clarify My Focus (Romans 12:6-8)
Dear God, please clarify our purpose. You have so generously given all of us unique gifts. I pray that we can identify them in our lives, so that we can serve you and your Kingdom. Help us to not only use our gifts, but to give you all of the glory when we do. You have said that the most important thing to do is to love you and love others. I want to use the gifts you gave me to find and live out my purpose and to follow your greatest commandment. Amen.
Today’s Parent Prayer