Christians and Their Neighbors (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Paul shares three ways Christians can share their faith: 1) prayer; 2) lifestyle; and 3) words. In regard to lifestyle, the way Christians live has the potential to endanger the message of Christ or attract people to the message of Christ. Christians should follow Christ's example in living a lifestyle of love to demonstrate who God is. There are excellent opportunities in the workplace to live with integrity and to selflessly show God's love.\r\n

Dual Citizenship

Jim Leffel

1 Timothy 2:1-2

What does the phrase "separation of church and state" mean? What does the Bible have to say about this and what does it say about a Christian's engagement with the government? This section of Romans covers three principles: 1) be careful about bringing Christ's name into partisan politics; 2) Christians should be examples of respectful and thoughtful political discussion; and 3) discover your evangelical heritage.\r\n

The Mystery of the Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 8:11-14

Jesus uses parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. The Mystery of the Kingdom that Jesus is teaching about is the period in history between Jesus' first and second coming. Each of these parables affirm what the Old Testament Prophets taught but also reveals something new. God's priorities are explained and His will revealed through these parables. He desires all people to come to Him and those who do get the privilege of having a role in sharing His Good News to others.\r\n

Jesus Calls Disciples

Gary DeLashmutt

John 1:35-42

Jesus calls four men to follow him and be his disciples. Four principles of discipleship are discussed: 1) discipleship begins by making an informed decision to receive Jesus as Messiah; 2) discipleship involves living in community with other disciples; 3) discipleship involves embracing Jesus' call to influence others for him; and 4) discipleship means allowing Jesus to continually change our lives. It is important for disciples of Jesus to be continual learners. He can use anyone to impact the world as long as they are willing. Living this way brings much joy and satisfaction.\r\n

Reaching your neighbors

Mark Ashton

John 1:35-42

Ashton gives five steps to reach your neighbors: 1) prayer; 2) meet neighbors; 3) recreate Mayberry; 4) begin a seeker group; 5) invite to services and special events. These can be summed up in making the most of opportunities and building relationships. Focusing on a few neighbors at first and having regular contact by incorporating them in everyday life are a few additional ideas that has given him success. Remembering God is involved and powerful will help with situations that seem questionable.\r\n

Lifestyle Evangelism

John Rue

Connie Rue

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus told believers to go and tell other people about him and the relationship God wants to have with them. One way the early church fulfilled this command was by the way they lived their lives, Day to day, they lived in a way that made others interested in God. It was effective and we are called to do the same. By the way we live our lives, we are either confirming the truthfulness of God or denying it. Find out what lifestyle evangelism looks like, why it works, and practical ideas on how we can incorporate it.\r\n

The Seeker Small Group

Mark Ashton

Matthew 28:18-20

Mark gives practical instruction to start and lead successful seeker small groups in order to help others learn about Jesus. These begin with pre-evangelism, purposing to help get people interested in Jesus. There is a wide range of flexibility in what these can look like but they all have the same intent; to invite already established relationships to a place that is comfortable. Mark's simple strategy involves three steps involving prayer: 1) relationships; 2) invitation; and 3) implementation. He explains ten irrefutable laws of seeker groups that give direction in starting one. He gives many resources to help facilitate people at all stages of interest.\r\n

Effective Youth Evangelism

Joe Botti

Tom Dixon

Matthew 28:19-20

Fostering effective youth evangelism is important for many reasons. It produces spiritual growth, it helps young students with their own faith, and it is biblical. Some practical steps that leaders can take to foster evangelism amongst youth include: encouraging every and any attempt of faith being shared; becoming an example; teaching biblical principles of evangelism; giving personal advice; teaching how to build friendships; making sure that you have a meeting people want to come to; raising the tension levels when necessary; and creating prayer lists and prayer groups.

Leading Home Group Evangelism

Doug Patch

2 Timothy 2:2

How do you lead evangelism in your home church or small Bible study group? Doug Patch discusses seven critical elements: 1) leaders must win the group to God's perspective of the mission of the church; 2) group members must be committed to building relationships with Christians and non-Christians outside of Bible study meetings; 3) leaders must equip the members of the church to do evangelism; 4) leaders must lead evangelism by doing evangelism; 5) leaders must plan for planting churches from the beginning; 6) leaders must stay forward focused; and 7) home group structures must put non-Christians at ease.\r\n