Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Evangelism

Scriptures that have challenged my view of evangelism
Several passages of scripture have challenged the way I think about and do evangelism. Here is a list of them and how they have helped me think biblically about evangelism.

Matthew 28:19 – In the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to the church universal, He commands us to make disciples. He commands the church to be responsible for lifelong followers of Him. It is not enough to just preach the good news of Jesus; we must commit ourselves to turning them into disciples. This passage reveals evangelism to be a by-product of our relationship to Jesus.

Luke 14:25-33 – This passage asks potential followers of Jesus to think deeply about making a commitment to Him. He asks them to count the cost (through the parables of the tower and the king going to war). He reminds us of the often glazed over fact that following Christ is going to cost us something. Discipleship is costly. This passage reminds me to not force a decision from a potential Christian, but to let them think about the ways their life will be different (good and bad) when they decide to follow Jesus. This is how one counts the cost.

Luke 15 – The classic parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son constantly hold before us God’s mercy and love for the lost. It is always exciting to read these to a new Christian and watch them identify with what Jesus is teaching. It is hard to get them to stop smiling when you begin to talk about the celebration/party in heaven when they made their decision to follow Christ.

John 5:1-9 – This passage reveals the respect God has for people. Jesus could have instantly healed the crippled man, but asks him, “Do you want me to heal you?” Because God respects individuals, He wants them to make a decision for Him. He doesn’t force Himself upon us, but asks for our permission to intercede in our lives. I must remember this and imitate this in my witnessing for Christ. I would be a fool to expect people to want Jesus to heal them. I must remember they have a responsibility to make the decision on their own.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Golfing

Went golfing today. Weather was perfect, sunny and 70! My score is nothing to brag about, so I won’t post that (I’m a newbie). I did have a couple sweet shots. I could hear the applause erupting as I landed a 200 yarder a few feet from the hole. I’m good at using my imagination.

I use to say I would never play golf, but when I was given some clubs this past fall things changed. I always thought golf was for old guys with nothing to do. Much to my surprise I haven’t seen the old gray hairs, but young guns eager to become the next Tiger Woods. For me, golf is relaxing and enjoyable. I’m in no hurry to become pro (ha!). I like being outdoors and golf gives me a chance to do that and at the same time be doing something. The courses (just a few) I’ve been on are beautiful. No wonder people like to spend so much time golfing. I know hardly anything about golf or the lingo used, but I’m learning. I look forward to playing more and becoming better. If I don’t become better, oh well, I’m still going to be having tons of fun. You can’t beat the fun of watching your partner (my dad) bounce his golf ball off of three trees and the golf cart and land five feet in front of him.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

The city of Corinth

Here are some facts about the city of Corinth (modern day Greece). We took some time and studied this briefly last night in youth group. As you’ll see, the Corinthian Christians faced a lot of sexual immorality in their day and age. And we think America is bad. Corinth makes Las-Vegas look like Disneyland.

- Located on a large isthmus about 50 miles from the city of Athens.

- The city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. but re-built in 44 B.C.

- It became one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It was considered one of the richest cities in the world by the end of the 2nd century. It was a thriving place commercially and politically.

- The Isthmian Games were played in Corinth (like the Olympics). Paul was even in town during the games. Many believe his imagery in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 came from his time in Corinth when the games were being played.

- Official language of Corinth was Latin.

- Corinth had several pagan temples one could go and worship at. The most famous was the temple of Aphrodite (goddess of love). Several centuries before Paul, one could go to the temple of Aphrodite and hook up with one of the thousands of temple prostitutes.

- Prostitution was legal and acceptable in Corinth. Visiting a prostitute did not constitute adultery.

- Corinth was so well known for sexual immorality that the Greek verb “to Corinthainize” came to mean, “to practice sexual immorality.” Maybe this sheds some light on some of the immorality problems in the Corinthian church.

- Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church that was lost (1 Cor. 5:9).

- The Christian church at Corinth was established on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11, 1 Cor. 2:1-2). The church consisted of wealthy individuals and slaves. Paul wrote the Corinthian church (1 Cor.) while in Ephesus on his third missionary journey (1 Cor. 16:8).

Well, some facts about the city of Corinth. What do you think it would have been like for a Christian growing up in Corinth?