Monday, April 7, 2014
Messages From Heaven: The Philip Approach to Evangelism!
Messages From Heaven: The Philip Approach to Evangelism!: You’ve been there. You know—that place where you should bring up the gospel, but, for whatever reason, you don’t. It’s that awkward mome...
The Philip Approach to Evangelism!
You’ve been there.
You know—that place where you should bring up the gospel, but, for whatever reason, you don’t. It’s that awkward moment where cotton peaks for harvest in your mouth, your brain puts a padlock on any memory verses, your breathing becomes irregular, and your excuse Rolodex is spinning to find a way out of the conversation.
There are several reasons most of us are reluctant to witness for Jesus Christ. One is the feeling of ignorance. We don’t really know how to go about it.
Another is sort of an indifference that sweeps over us. We’re well-fed. We believe in the Savior. Our family is growing. We sort of shift that responsibility to someone else—the televangelist, the pastor, or the big conference crusade leader who’s able to declare Christ so well.
Another reason we are reluctant is fear. No one likes to be asked questions they can’t answer, especially with a stranger. We don’t enjoy the unpredictable. We’re afraid of a hostile response. We’re afraid of appearing foolish. So we choose to keep our faith to ourselves.
Make no mistake—witnessing takes a big dose of courage.
It also takes a proven method. Various methods are employed to communicate the good news of Christ to the lost. Some of the approaches appear to be successful and effective on the surface, but, underneath, they leave much to be desired.
Take the Sharpshooter Approach, for example: “The more scalps, the better.” This numerical method is decision-centered, and little (if any) effort is directed toward follow-up or discipleship or cultivating a relationship. Such anxious hunters are not difficult to identify. They can usually be overheard counting (out loud) the scalps on their belts or can be seen shooting their flaming arrows into every wagon train they spot. Tact is not their long suit.
The Harvard Approach is quite different: “Let’s all discuss the world’s religions.” This reason-centered approach attracts both genuine and pseudo-intellectuals, and while it is educational and occasionally quite stimulating, it suffers from one mild drawback—no one ever gets saved! Being sophisticated is more important than telling the truth about sin or heaven or hell. Discussion is in . . . decisions are out.
Perhaps the most popular is the Mute Approach: “I’m just a silent witness for God.” The best thing you can say about this method is that no one is ever offended. That’s for sure! The secret-service saint who settles for this self-centered approach could be tagged an undercover Christian: no one knows for sure but God. Somewhere along the line this person has swallowed one of Satan’s tastiest tidbits: “Just live a good Christian life. Others will ask you about Christ if they are really interested, so relax.” Frankly, I can count on one hand (and have fingers left over) the number of people who have suddenly come to me and asked me how they might know Jesus Christ. “Faith,” please remember, “comes from hearing” (Romans 10:17).
What we need, I submit to you, is the Philip Approach. This Christ-centered method is set forth in a series of seven principles drawn from Acts 8:26-40.
Philip was engaged in evangelistic meetings in Samaria when the Lord instructed him to go south to the desert road that ran from Jerusalem to Gaza. Faithful Philip “arose and went.” He was available (Principle 1). On the road he encountered an Ethiopian statesman traveling home from Jerusalem. The man was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah! And the Spirit of God prompted Philip to approach the traveler. Philip was led by the Spirit (Principle 2). In other words, he sensed that God was clearly opening the door.
Philip cooperated, for obedience (Principle 3) is essential. He heard the man reading aloud and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” What an excellent start! A proper opening (Principle 4) is so important. Philip didn’t barge in and start preaching, nor did he corner the gentleman with a loaded question.
The man invited Philip to sit with him and assist him in his quest for understanding. Philip responded with great tactfulness (Principle 5). Even though he had his foot in the door, he remained gracious, courteous, and sensitive to when he should speak of salvation. When that moment came, he “opened his mouth” and became specific (Principle 6). No vague dialogue about religion. He spoke only of Jesus, the main issue. The last few verses then describe the brief but memorable follow-up (Principle 7) Philip employed.
Philip stepped out of his comfort zone because he had a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with hurting humanity. What about us? It took courage to hop up on the chariot. It took even more to open his mouth. But what a legacy Philip created at that moment. Many scholars believe the seed Philip planted in this African statesman yielded crops a hundred fold in Ethiopia. All because of one man who was willing to speak up when so many others would have kept quiet.
As we rub shoulders with spiritually hungry and thirsty men and women and sense their inner ache for help and hope, let’s holster the Sharpshooter Approach, drop out of the Harvard Approach, and silence the Mute Approach. When God gives you the opportunity—and He will; probably soon after you read this—try the Philip Approach. Your one act of courage may lead to a spiritual legacy beyond what you could ask or even imagine.
I can’t think of a place I’d rather be at the moment Christ returns than riding shotgun in a twenty-first century chariot, speaking openly about trusting in Jesus.
You know—that place where you should bring up the gospel, but, for whatever reason, you don’t. It’s that awkward moment where cotton peaks for harvest in your mouth, your brain puts a padlock on any memory verses, your breathing becomes irregular, and your excuse Rolodex is spinning to find a way out of the conversation.
There are several reasons most of us are reluctant to witness for Jesus Christ. One is the feeling of ignorance. We don’t really know how to go about it.
Another is sort of an indifference that sweeps over us. We’re well-fed. We believe in the Savior. Our family is growing. We sort of shift that responsibility to someone else—the televangelist, the pastor, or the big conference crusade leader who’s able to declare Christ so well.
Another reason we are reluctant is fear. No one likes to be asked questions they can’t answer, especially with a stranger. We don’t enjoy the unpredictable. We’re afraid of a hostile response. We’re afraid of appearing foolish. So we choose to keep our faith to ourselves.
Make no mistake—witnessing takes a big dose of courage.
It also takes a proven method. Various methods are employed to communicate the good news of Christ to the lost. Some of the approaches appear to be successful and effective on the surface, but, underneath, they leave much to be desired.
Take the Sharpshooter Approach, for example: “The more scalps, the better.” This numerical method is decision-centered, and little (if any) effort is directed toward follow-up or discipleship or cultivating a relationship. Such anxious hunters are not difficult to identify. They can usually be overheard counting (out loud) the scalps on their belts or can be seen shooting their flaming arrows into every wagon train they spot. Tact is not their long suit.
The Harvard Approach is quite different: “Let’s all discuss the world’s religions.” This reason-centered approach attracts both genuine and pseudo-intellectuals, and while it is educational and occasionally quite stimulating, it suffers from one mild drawback—no one ever gets saved! Being sophisticated is more important than telling the truth about sin or heaven or hell. Discussion is in . . . decisions are out.
Perhaps the most popular is the Mute Approach: “I’m just a silent witness for God.” The best thing you can say about this method is that no one is ever offended. That’s for sure! The secret-service saint who settles for this self-centered approach could be tagged an undercover Christian: no one knows for sure but God. Somewhere along the line this person has swallowed one of Satan’s tastiest tidbits: “Just live a good Christian life. Others will ask you about Christ if they are really interested, so relax.” Frankly, I can count on one hand (and have fingers left over) the number of people who have suddenly come to me and asked me how they might know Jesus Christ. “Faith,” please remember, “comes from hearing” (Romans 10:17).
What we need, I submit to you, is the Philip Approach. This Christ-centered method is set forth in a series of seven principles drawn from Acts 8:26-40.
Philip was engaged in evangelistic meetings in Samaria when the Lord instructed him to go south to the desert road that ran from Jerusalem to Gaza. Faithful Philip “arose and went.” He was available (Principle 1). On the road he encountered an Ethiopian statesman traveling home from Jerusalem. The man was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah! And the Spirit of God prompted Philip to approach the traveler. Philip was led by the Spirit (Principle 2). In other words, he sensed that God was clearly opening the door.
Philip cooperated, for obedience (Principle 3) is essential. He heard the man reading aloud and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” What an excellent start! A proper opening (Principle 4) is so important. Philip didn’t barge in and start preaching, nor did he corner the gentleman with a loaded question.
The man invited Philip to sit with him and assist him in his quest for understanding. Philip responded with great tactfulness (Principle 5). Even though he had his foot in the door, he remained gracious, courteous, and sensitive to when he should speak of salvation. When that moment came, he “opened his mouth” and became specific (Principle 6). No vague dialogue about religion. He spoke only of Jesus, the main issue. The last few verses then describe the brief but memorable follow-up (Principle 7) Philip employed.
Philip stepped out of his comfort zone because he had a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with hurting humanity. What about us? It took courage to hop up on the chariot. It took even more to open his mouth. But what a legacy Philip created at that moment. Many scholars believe the seed Philip planted in this African statesman yielded crops a hundred fold in Ethiopia. All because of one man who was willing to speak up when so many others would have kept quiet.
As we rub shoulders with spiritually hungry and thirsty men and women and sense their inner ache for help and hope, let’s holster the Sharpshooter Approach, drop out of the Harvard Approach, and silence the Mute Approach. When God gives you the opportunity—and He will; probably soon after you read this—try the Philip Approach. Your one act of courage may lead to a spiritual legacy beyond what you could ask or even imagine.
I can’t think of a place I’d rather be at the moment Christ returns than riding shotgun in a twenty-first century chariot, speaking openly about trusting in Jesus.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Messages From Heaven: Using Your God Given GPS!
Messages From Heaven: Using Your God Given GPS!: GPS makes it possible to always know where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed—sort of the past, present, and future of yo...
Using Your God Given GPS!
GPS makes it possible to always know where you’ve been, where you
are, and where you’re headed—sort of the past, present, and future of
your life from a visual and geographic perspective. You never have to be
lost again!
Where in the Spiritual World Are You?
While the Global Positioning System may have been around for only thirty years or so, there is another GPS system that has been around for thousands of years: the Globally Positioned Spirituality system.
What’s a Globally Positioned Spirituality system? I’m glad you asked. Think of all the spiritual “systems”—religions and worldviews—in this world. Where do you stand in relation to them all? Feeling confused when it comes to discerning spiritual truth from spiritual error?
What about the looming moral and ethical crises of our day? Can you chart a path through the wilderness of amoral, secular values in our culture? What do you believe, and why, about abortion, euthanasia, same-sex relationships, the role of government in society, capital crimes and punishment, war, human rights, tolerance toward other religions, the right to worship and speak freely, and other current hot topics?
And what about your personal spiritual “location” in this world? Where are you headed? What have you learned from the path you’ve been on? What course corrections do you need to make? What are your goals and dreams, and how do they mesh with God’s plans and purposes?
God does not want us to be lost! Fortunately, He has provided us with a Globally Positioned Spirituality system that allows us to answer all those questions, and more. He always wants us to know what we believe, where we stand, and Whom we can trust. When it comes to having a plan, a course, a path to follow—God wants us to be as confident as Jesus Christ was.
Jesus and GPS
Even during the hours of His life when Jesus suffered most, He was never “lost.” He knew what was happening and why, and He knew exactly what to do in the midst of the confusion surrounding Him. Jesus was betrayed by a close friend, falsely arrested, accused, and condemned, beaten until almost dead, crucified on a Roman cross, and died alone and deserted by most of His followers. Yet He was never lost!
What gave Jesus the confidence to stay “globally positioned” spiritually-speaking? Why didn’t He panic, compromise, give in, or run away in the face of such awful circumstances? It’s because He knew who He was and was confident in God’s purpose for His life. And where did He gain the knowledge that gave Him such confidence? Jesus had immersed himself in a knowledge of the Word of God.
Jesus knew He would be betrayed (see Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25; 109:8), rejected, beaten, and afflicted (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53:3-5), and why (Isaiah 53:6, 10). And He also knew that God would not leave Him in the grave (Psalm 16:8-11; Isaiah 53:11)—that He would one day return to earth as King over all the earth (Zechariah 12:10).
It was the knowledge of God and His Word that kept Jesus Christ, in His humanity, from becoming confused and lost in the midst of an experience the likes of which we will never know. So if Jesus was able to stay spiritually positioned in life, can we as well?
You and GPS
Absolutely! God said to His people, Israel, during a time when they were desperately, spiritually lost: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). This is an exact parallel to what Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge” (Luke 11:52).
Knowledge of God and His Word is so important because it acts as a benchmark against which to measure all the competing claims that the world makes on your mind and emotions. The Word of God and an intimate, prayerful communion with your heavenly Father are your Globally Positioned Spirituality system. Immerse yourself in them and you, too, will know who you are, what you believe, and where you’re headed.
Where in the Spiritual World Are You?
While the Global Positioning System may have been around for only thirty years or so, there is another GPS system that has been around for thousands of years: the Globally Positioned Spirituality system.
What’s a Globally Positioned Spirituality system? I’m glad you asked. Think of all the spiritual “systems”—religions and worldviews—in this world. Where do you stand in relation to them all? Feeling confused when it comes to discerning spiritual truth from spiritual error?
What about the looming moral and ethical crises of our day? Can you chart a path through the wilderness of amoral, secular values in our culture? What do you believe, and why, about abortion, euthanasia, same-sex relationships, the role of government in society, capital crimes and punishment, war, human rights, tolerance toward other religions, the right to worship and speak freely, and other current hot topics?
And what about your personal spiritual “location” in this world? Where are you headed? What have you learned from the path you’ve been on? What course corrections do you need to make? What are your goals and dreams, and how do they mesh with God’s plans and purposes?
God does not want us to be lost! Fortunately, He has provided us with a Globally Positioned Spirituality system that allows us to answer all those questions, and more. He always wants us to know what we believe, where we stand, and Whom we can trust. When it comes to having a plan, a course, a path to follow—God wants us to be as confident as Jesus Christ was.
Jesus and GPS
Even during the hours of His life when Jesus suffered most, He was never “lost.” He knew what was happening and why, and He knew exactly what to do in the midst of the confusion surrounding Him. Jesus was betrayed by a close friend, falsely arrested, accused, and condemned, beaten until almost dead, crucified on a Roman cross, and died alone and deserted by most of His followers. Yet He was never lost!
What gave Jesus the confidence to stay “globally positioned” spiritually-speaking? Why didn’t He panic, compromise, give in, or run away in the face of such awful circumstances? It’s because He knew who He was and was confident in God’s purpose for His life. And where did He gain the knowledge that gave Him such confidence? Jesus had immersed himself in a knowledge of the Word of God.
Jesus knew He would be betrayed (see Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25; 109:8), rejected, beaten, and afflicted (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53:3-5), and why (Isaiah 53:6, 10). And He also knew that God would not leave Him in the grave (Psalm 16:8-11; Isaiah 53:11)—that He would one day return to earth as King over all the earth (Zechariah 12:10).
It was the knowledge of God and His Word that kept Jesus Christ, in His humanity, from becoming confused and lost in the midst of an experience the likes of which we will never know. So if Jesus was able to stay spiritually positioned in life, can we as well?
You and GPS
Absolutely! God said to His people, Israel, during a time when they were desperately, spiritually lost: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). This is an exact parallel to what Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge” (Luke 11:52).
Knowledge of God and His Word is so important because it acts as a benchmark against which to measure all the competing claims that the world makes on your mind and emotions. The Word of God and an intimate, prayerful communion with your heavenly Father are your Globally Positioned Spirituality system. Immerse yourself in them and you, too, will know who you are, what you believe, and where you’re headed.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Messages From Heaven: Evolution: Science or Faith?
Messages From Heaven: Evolution: Science or Faith?: Thanks to the theory of evolution , naturalism is now the dominant religion of modern society. Less than a century and a half ago, Charl...
Evolution: Science or Faith?
Thanks to the theory of evolution,
naturalism is now the dominant religion of modern society. Less than a
century and a half ago, Charles Darwin popularized the credo for this
secular religion with his book The Origin of Species. Although
most of Darwin's theories about the mechanisms of evolution were
discarded long ago, the doctrine of evolution itself has managed to
achieve the status of a fundamental article of faith in the popular
modern mind. Naturalism has now replaced Christianity as the main
religion of the Western world, and evolution has become naturalism's
principal dogma.
Naturalism is the view that every law and every force operating in the universe is natural rather than moral, spiritual, or supernatural. Naturalism is inherently anti-theistic, rejecting the very concept of a personal God. Many assume naturalism therefore has nothing to do with religion. In fact, it is a common misconception that naturalism embodies the very essence of scientific objectivity. Naturalists themselves like to portray their system as a philosophy that stands in opposition to all faith-based world-views, pretending that it is scientifically and intellectually superior precisely because of its supposed non-religious character.
Not so. Religion is exactly the right word to describe
naturalism. The entire philosophy is built on a faith-based premise. Its
basic presupposition--an a priori rejection of everything
supernatural--requires a giant leap of faith. And nearly all its
supporting theories must be taken by faith as well. (See below.)
Consider the dogma of evolution, for example. The notion that natural evolutionary processes can account for the origin of all living species has never been and never will be established as fact. Nor is it "scientific" in any true sense of the word. Science deals with what can be observed and reproduced by experimentation. The origin of life can be neither observed nor reproduced in any laboratory. By definition, then, true science can give us no knowledge whatsoever about where we came from or how we got here. Belief in evolutionary theory is a matter of sheer faith. And dogmatic belief in any naturalistic theory is no more "scientific" than any other kind of religious faith.
Naturalism is the view that every law and every force operating in the universe is natural rather than moral, spiritual, or supernatural. Naturalism is inherently anti-theistic, rejecting the very concept of a personal God. Many assume naturalism therefore has nothing to do with religion. In fact, it is a common misconception that naturalism embodies the very essence of scientific objectivity. Naturalists themselves like to portray their system as a philosophy that stands in opposition to all faith-based world-views, pretending that it is scientifically and intellectually superior precisely because of its supposed non-religious character.
Not so. Religion is exactly the right word to describe
naturalism. The entire philosophy is built on a faith-based premise. Its
basic presupposition--an a priori rejection of everything
supernatural--requires a giant leap of faith. And nearly all its
supporting theories must be taken by faith as well. (See below.)Consider the dogma of evolution, for example. The notion that natural evolutionary processes can account for the origin of all living species has never been and never will be established as fact. Nor is it "scientific" in any true sense of the word. Science deals with what can be observed and reproduced by experimentation. The origin of life can be neither observed nor reproduced in any laboratory. By definition, then, true science can give us no knowledge whatsoever about where we came from or how we got here. Belief in evolutionary theory is a matter of sheer faith. And dogmatic belief in any naturalistic theory is no more "scientific" than any other kind of religious faith.
 Michael
Ruse is an evolutionist who testified in the 1980s at the infamous
Arkansas creationism trial (McLean v. Arkansas). During the trial, he
claimed that creationism is a religion because it is grounded in
unproven philosophical assumptions. But Darwinism is a science, he said,
because it requires no philosophical or religious presuppositions. Ruse
has since admitted that he was wrong, and he now acknowledges that
evolution "is metaphysically based"--grounded in unproven beliefs that
are no more "scientific" than the set of beliefs on which creationism is
based. See Tom Woodward, "Ruse Gives Away the Store: Admits Evolution Is a Philosophy" on the "Origins" Web site. |
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Messages From Heaven: Consider Your Trials . . . What?
Messages From Heaven: Consider Your Trials . . . What?: I’d like to nominate James 1:2 as one of the most outrageous statements in the Bible. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trial...
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