Today we considered the “big-story” of God choosing to work through a man, Abram, to bless the nations through bringing the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. We also spoke about the things that hold us back from being an active player in sharing the faith. Whether you are scared of questions a person may pose, or not sure of what exactly to say, or how to turn the conversation from daily issues to spiritual needs; the following are some resources that I have found extremely helpful.
Way of the Master is the best method for sharing the faith that I have ever seen. The reason? The Holy Spirit uses the Law of God to stir-up conviction of sin in an individual. This was the very intent for God in giving the Law:
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. 1 Tim. 1:8-11.
We wouldn’t use a hammer to dig a hole or a a screw-driver to fix a broken tooth. In the same way we should not guide a person to a knowledge of sin and their need for a Savior by pointing them to their need of “purpose in life” or discovering “God’s plan for your life.” No. God has given us the Law to bring about the knowledge of unrighteousness in the lives of people. Then, we can share the amazing news of how Jesus is their rescuer through being punished in their place and how this act on their behalf satisfied the righteous standard of God. The soul of the person has been made ready by the knowledge of the Law to receive the good news because they know the terrible condition of their soul and the coming wrath of God. In other words, the good news is only desired when the bad news is clearly understood. Check out the “on-the- street” clips that model this message of giving the Gospel.
Christianity Explored is a great website to recommend to friends who are seeking answers. I like this site because the answers are given by different people and the questions are stated and answered in a very clear and concise way. This would be a great site to recommend to a person in order to keep a conversation going or help a person explore Christianity on their own.
Got Questions is a great website to search for a particular answer to a particular question. Just type in the words related to your question and the database will return all the conversations/articles related to that subject. Good to use in order to plow through alot of information quickly.
Always lift up the person you are seeking to connect with in prayer. Ask God to open the eyes of their heart to see their need as a sinner and the love of God expressed in Jesus.
If we look at 1 Cor. 3:6 it says “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
This verse seems (to me) to be applying different roles of equal value to members of the church; particularly outreach and discipleship.
Are all followers of Christ required to do both? If this is so, then why does Paul only address “planting the seed” as his role?
Hey Nick, do you believe Paul both planted seed and watered it? Would Timothy be a good example of one whom he discipled? It seems to me that the God-inspired letters he wrote to the churches are all examples of his on-going ministry to the churches to disciple them even when he wasn’t there in person.
When I read your question on our requirement “to do both,” I was reminded that our lives as Christians are not necessarily focused on doing but rather “being” in Christ. What I mean is that as we remain in Christ, we will do what He did – sharing and ministering Truth as we are involved in the lives of those God brings in our lives. This means we will at times be called to plant and, since we are called to make disciples, to disciple. For me, I have to focus on “God made it grow” so that I do not run out ahead of Him or sinfully grow impatient with someone who still “doesn’t get it.”