Investing In Eternity

Transcription

1 MONTH 10 L E A D E R S G U I D E JOSHUA S MEN Investing In Eternity ACTIVITY Dinner and Fellowship Teach the lesson Invest, Invite, And Include Discussion of application guide for Becoming a Contagious Christian Give an overview of how to lead someone to Christ Have the guys share their experiences of investing, inviting, and sharing Christ with those who are un-churched Prayer time DURATION 45 minutes 60 minutes 45 minutes 30 minutes 30 minutes 30 minutes Notes: 1. The lesson is designed to encourage and challenge the men to relational evangelism. In the practical realm, keep the focus on relationally investing in others with the purpose of inviting them to church. Keep a clear focus on the fact that though we are investing a year in leadership development, ultimately, the only eternal purpose for leadership is to further the Great Commission. 2. Discuss the Application Guide for Lifestyle Evangelism. 3. Take time to give an overview of the three primary ways to communicate your faith in Christ. (After relational investment) Though the three points are inside the lesson, keep in mind that this is an interactive section, not a teaching time. The resource material is provided for you in addition to the actual lesson notes. Testimony this is a great time to review their written testimonies. Tract briefly remind them of the value of an evangelistic tract. Text go over a scriptural plan such as the Romans Road and how to use The Bridge. Reviewing the methods of testimony and tract should take 10 minutes tops. Use the majority of the time you have to talk about the scriptural foundation to salvation. M O N T H 1 0 1

2 MONTH 10 L E A D E R S G U I D E JOSHUA S MEN 4. When the guys share their evangelistic experiences from the last 30 days, it is not so much about reporting in as an opportunity for you as the leader to encourage their efforts. Emphasize the value of investing and inviting. Let them know they are successful if they do just that. While you certainly want to inspire the guys to actually pray with someone to receive Christ, don t make that the only bar of evangelistic success. 5. Prayer time have each man pray specifically for one or two people, by name, who are unchurched and/or far from God. Ask the men to also pray that God would give them opportunities to connect in relationship and the courage to obey. 6. The last assignment! Ask the guys to interview a leader. This leader can be a pastor, business owner, politician, school administrator, or anyone who is clearly in a leadership role, not management, position. Here s the catch, they cannot know the person they interview. They must find and interview a leader who is new to them. Tell the guys to keep the interview short 20 minutes is good 40 minutes is the absolute tops. Have them ask for the amount of time they want and stick to it. Make sure the guys go in prepared with written questions of substance. The questions should be specific. Don t waste anyone s time! Do not ask something like: What is the most important thing you know about leadership? Ask questions like: When you hire staff, what is the number one quality you look for? It is also good ask one or two personal questions like: What is one of the toughest decisions you have made as a leader in the last year, and why? If the leader is a non-christian, it is appropriate for you to, ask first, and if given permission, pray a short prayer of God s blessing over him. The goal is to gain leadership insights from another leader s experience and perspective. Then, report what they have learned back to the group next month. 7. Hand out copies of the last book for the year, The Next Generation Leader, by Andy Stanley, with the Application Guide. M O N T H 1 0 2

3 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN Invest, Invite, And Include D R. D A N R E I L A N D A practical journey to the core of the Great Commission The evangelistic harvest is always urgent. The destiny of men and of nations is always being decided. Every generation is strategic. We are not responsible for the past generation, and we cannot bear the full responsibility for the next one; but we do have our present generation. God will hold us responsible as to how well we fulfill our responsibilities to this age and take advantage of our opportunities. Billy Graham Debby (led me to Christ) 1973 Easter Sunday.32 years Paul Cutler daily investment, knocked on my car window and gave me a personal invite God s Purpose and Plan is Clear 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:16 20 As you are going. God's heart has always been clear 30 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God M O N T H 1 0 3

4 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3: Our purpose and prayer as a Christian leader is to align our heart with the heart of God. This is, ultimately, the reason for leadership! Bill Hybel s story told at CCC, January 11, 2002 If that was my kid, how would that change me? 2. A fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ will intentionally make their faith in Christ known to others. It s at the core of the definition of the word Christian Of Christ Christ tellers We are all advertisements for Christ. It s not a question of if but how well/consistently we represent Christ. Wife Tennis (her relational connect with un-churched people) Me getting kicked out School, neighborhood, karate 3. Connecting with people who are far from God or disenfranchised from the church, in order to make Christ known, is a natural byproduct of: Gratitude Alabaster Luke 7:36-47 Enthusiasm En-Theos In God Can t hide what you are excited about! Dr guitars - vikings Kevin motorcycles Obedience 15 He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15 M O N T H 1 0 4

5 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN Invest Evangelism is essentially investment. Relational investment. Relational investment is expensive it costs you time!! It costs you time, heart, and money. Life of Jesus He invested himself in people, for their good. There was nothing in it for Him. Investing in people requires just as much intentionality and discipline as putting money in a savings account. With one big difference, you are giving yourself away rather than saving for something for yourself. This requires you to live your life in a way that will win the hearts of people. Jesus taught us to replace: (which is most difficult for you?) Selfishness with Love Envy with Encouragement Receiving with Giving Skepticism with Trust Pride with Humility Control with Service Self-protection with Authenticity Anger with Forgiveness Power with Mercy It s important that you appreciate and understand people Student of human nature: 1. The basics People need and want: To know and be known To love and be loved To be recognized and appreciated To achieve and excel To be part of something significant 2. Beyond the basics to individual uniqueness M O N T H 1 0 5

6 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN Background Personality type Productive strengths and destructive weaknesses Fears What they want out of life 3. Becoming a good student of human nature requires: The willingness to set your agenda aside and pay attention to people. That you like people and get involved in their lives. Emphasize this as the core of the practical application of the lesson. BBQ Block Party Golf Fishing Starbucks Tennis That you are willing to be hurt, misunderstood, or embarrassed. That you are able to move beyond knowing to building, sustaining and enjoying relationships. What was the person like who invested in your life? ASK Bottom line gotta care about people. JP - Brandon Invite Invite them to church Relationships are fun, but at some point it s time to move beyond good conversation around the grill and invite them to church. You are obviously free to share the gospel and make the big ask at any time, but it s usually best to lead someone to faith in Christ as a process taking one step at a time. M O N T H 1 0 6

7 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN The first step beyond relational investment is inviting them to church. This could happen as fast as two weeks or could take as long as two years. Everyone is different. When was the last time you invited someone to church? What is their name? How did they respond? ASK Invite them to Christ People tend to approach revealing their faith in ways that are similar to the ways in which people approach getting into a swimming pool! As we mature in our faith, similar to going from treading water as a child to swimming well as an adult, we grow in our approach to revealing our faith. The following is adapted from an unknown source. Ankle Deep Evangelism Some people timidly tip-toe into the water and not past their ankles. This includes people who bring up God s name in casual conversation, wear religious jewelry, use bumper stickers, give Christian books, tapes and CD s away. Shallow End Evangelism Those who slowly wade in and splash water on themselves, little by little before going deeper, but never farther than waist deep. This includes things such as being a good and responsible neighbor, random acts of kindness, and developing friendship in which you will let them know you are a church goer and maybe even say you are a Christian. Pushed In The Pool Evangelism These are people who end up in the water by no desire or effort of their own, but nonetheless they are in the water! Swimming became an instant but unplanned necessity. This includes the somewhat common scenario where someone asks you a question about church, Christ, or religion in general. Diving Board Evangelism These people jump into the deep end no matter how cold it is. This includes such things as initiating spiritual conversation with even someone who is a total stranger. This also includes everything from a conversation aboard an airplane to someone you just met at Starbucks. (The opportunities that lead to long-term relationships are still by far the most spiritually productive.) Life Guard Evangelism M O N T H 1 0 7

8 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN These people are trained in life-saving techniques and care enough to risk their own safety to jump into the pool hoping to save someone else. It is planned and prepared (they know what to do and how to do it), purposeful (they know what the goal is), intentional (they know exactly who to go after,) and highly effective, (they save more than they lose!) Lifeguards are sold out to saving people as a lifestyle! We don t all have the gift of evangelism. Barkie But we are still responsible to be able to share our faith. 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, You are sharing your faith if you bring them to church! You are an evangelist if you bring (the lost) to church! 1 Peter 3:15 God provides the power if you provide the obedience (For either invite to church or to Christ.) You don t save anyone. God draws The Holy Spirit convicts Jesus is the redeemer God-sized hole, spiritual vacuum Heart pounding Does the work Your responsibility is to invest in relationships with people who are spiritually unresolved, invite them to church, and include them in the life and ministry of the church. Ultimately to Jesus, but the church can help you with that. God s spirit supplies the empowering you need to be used for life change. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Your primary expression of God s power is through prayer. Acts 1:8 M O N T H 1 0 8

9 MONTH 10 I N V E S T, I N V I T E, A N D I N C L U D E JOSHUA S MEN If God were to give you opportunity to invite someone to Christ, what is your plan? Testimony Tract Text Include Bring them to a connection event at church! (Lunch and talk with Pastor) Include them in the life and ministry of the church! 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61: Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matthew 9:37 38 NOTE: Invest, Invite, And Include is adapted from Andy Stanley s Invest and Invite (North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia) M O N T H 1 0 9

10 MONTH 10 A P P L I C A T I O N G U I D E JOSHUA S MEN Investing In Eternity (Lifestyle Evangelism) 1. Have you personally led someone to Christ? Briefly describe the story. If you lead people to Christ on a regular basis, share the most recent one. 2. What causes your heart to cool and drift away from evangelistic efforts? For me mostly distraction bed at night, my thoughts 3. What keeps your heart hot for God and broken for the lost? Saturday night prayer, scripture, seeing baptisms 4. Do the people in your neighborhood know you are a Christian? Do people in your place of work know you are a Christian? Explain. Absolutely. And we have had plenty of opportunities to mentor. 5. If you find it difficult to share your faith, describe why you think that is. Sometimes I over complicate it. 6. Have you ever shared your faith and the person said no? Why do you think they rejected Christ? Yes. In hind sight, I believe it was the Holy Spirit a lack of. 7. Who are the spiritually unresolved (far from God) people you are cultivating a relationship with? (List names) 8. Is it a natural part of your life to intentionally/relationally invest in people far from God or is it a struggle for you? Briefly describe. M O N T H

11 MONTH 10 A P P L I C A T I O N G U I D E JOSHUA S MEN 9. Who was the last person(s) you invited to church and when? Have they continued to attend? 10. What is the role of prayer in evangelism? Significant warm my heart, soften their heart, ensure God s purpose. 11. What part of evangelism is God s responsibility and what part is yours? Availability, preparation, steps of faith Transformation 12. List three of the most meaningful or helpful points from the book Becoming a Contagious Christian. (Include the page numbers where you found them.) M O N T H

12 MONTH 10 Y O U R P E R S O N A L T E S T I M O N Y JOSHUA S MEN Your Personal Testimony How to Prepare Your Personal Testimony 1) A carefully prepared testimony, organized in a clear manner, given in the power of the Holy Spirit, can be of immediate use in nearly every witnessing situation. It is also a powerful tool in the context of investing in a long-term relationship with someone who is far from God and not yet ready to receive Christ. Bottom line Your story is always both timeless and appropriate. 2) A carefully and intelligently worded three-minute testimony will communicate far more effectively than a prolonged one that includes a lot of extraneous material which will distract from, rather than emphasize, the point of personal commitment to Christ and what this can mean in a person s life. 3) Things to do: Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write (James 1:5, 6). Follow a three-point outline Life before knowing Christ How you came to know Christ (be specific) Life after you received Christ Tell about the changes Christ has made in your life (how you are different), and what He means to you now. Make this part current and fresh! (Emphasize this point if you became a Christian as a small child.) Write in such a way that others will feel associated with you in past and present experiences. In other words, make it real, not overly churchy. Give enough details to arouse interest. Be personal. Edit carefully and rewrite as necessary before final draft. Emphasize the fact that the thing that made the difference in your life was accepting Christ as Savior and making Him Lord of your life. Be real. Don t make it sound like your life is perfect and problem free since becoming a Christian. Be positive, not negative, from start to finish. M O N T H

13 MONTH 10 Y O U R P E R S O N A L T E S T I M O N Y JOSHUA S MEN Practical Testimony Guidelines 1) Your testimony needs to express God s love, grace, and mercy. 2) Your testimony needs to communicate your salvation in a confident way. 3) Make sure your testimony doesn t bog down with extraneous or nonessential information. When talking to non-christians stick to the point. When you are with Christians, you can take as much time as you like to tell your story! 4) Include a sentence about the positive benefits you have experienced from following Christ. (This would be in the last section on how your life has changed.) The following are examples, but use what is true/personal for you. God s love God s forgiveness Fulfillment in life Deeper sense of meaning in life Peace of mind New perspective on life Freedom from fear of death Freedom from anxiety Freedom from fear God s answer to your prayers Purpose for living Inner strength Sense of belonging Understanding for others 5) Make sure your testimony doesn t contain any churchy or spiritual words. You don t have to cuss to make it real, but avoid being overly spiritual! Your Three-Minute Testimony BEFORE I received Christ HOW I received Christ AFTER I received Christ M O N T H

14 MONTH 10 B I B L E T E X T S JOSHUA S MEN Bible Texts to Help You Communicate Your Faith in Christ The NEED for Salvation: 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 God s PROVISION for our Salvation: 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 6 Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8 9 Our RESPONSE to Receive Salvation: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 M O N T H

15 MONTH 10 B I B L E T E X T S JOSHUA S MEN God s ASSURANCE of Our Salvation: 13 for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 M O N T H

16 MONTH 10 U S I N G S C R I P T U R E JOSHUA S MEN Using Scripture to Lead Someone to Christ The Roman Road Romans 3:23 Key Point: Everyone has sinned, including you and me. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 Key Point: There are consequences to pay for our sin. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:8 Key Point: God in His love has paid the price for us. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 10:9 Key Point: Accept, believe, and receive. That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13 Key Point: Declare your decision. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. M O N T H

17 MONTH 10 T I P S F O R U S I N G A T R A C T JOSHUA S MEN Tips for Using a Tract There are several ways to make use of a good evangelistic tract. If you meet someone and don t have time to say all you d like to say, and perhaps may not see them again, you can give them a tract and ask them to read it when they have time. The better way is to have at least some relationship and at the appropriate time, use the tract as a tool to make the truth of the gospel short, simple, and clear. The beauty of a tract is that it is not overwhelming, and it can be tucked in a pocket, purse, or whatever!! Helpful tips: Do not leave a tract instead of a tip in a restaurant! Do not use a tract as a form of correction with someone you are upset with. Do not use a tract as a way to avoid human contact with people who are far from God. It is very acceptable for you to actually read the tract to the person. Use a pen to underline and mark it up to make the process personal. Make sure the person can easily see the tract you are reading. Use their name throughout the process. Ask questions throughout the process to make sure they understand. If you don t know the answer, just say I don t know, but I ll find out and get back to you. Write your name and number on the tract and encourage the person to call you as they think about what you have shared. If they are not interested or ready for the truth in the tract, ask them to take it anyway. Ask them to put it in a sock drawer at home, saying: just in case this is true, you will want to have this someday. Always pray for every person you give a tract to. M O N T H