APRIL The Best Personal Evangelism Method Ever?

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Lester Green
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APRIL 2014 The Best Personal Evangelism Method Ever? Anyone who has been in the church for any length of time knows that there are a variety of methods for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1 APRIL 2014 The Best Personal Evangelism Method Ever? Anyone who has been in the church for any length of time knows that there are a variety of methods for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having studied at Campus Crusade for Christ's seminary in California, of course I was exposed to using "The Four Spiritual Laws." In between that seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary, I was a Director of Evangelism in a large PCA church in Miami and was privileged to take an Evangelism Explosion Training in Ft. Lauderdale with Dr. D. James Kennedy at Coral Ridge. Over the years, as an evangelist, church planter, Minister of Evangelism and Pastor, I have used and trained others in personal evangelism, using the methods mentioned above, as well as the "Romans Road," Bill Fay's "Share Jesus Without Fear," and "Alpha." Let me say that not only I, but millions of others have led people to Christ using each of the above methods, but a number of years ago, I discovered a method of personal evangelism that I believe is the best one yet. Each method relies on the premise of transferability - that is, coming up with a standardized approach that can be taught to others, who armed with the confidence of knowing what they are going to say, can present the saving message of Jesus Christ to practically anyone and there are testimonies of millions who have responded to those standardized approaches. However, as I read the scriptures, I saw that Jesus did not use a standardized approach. What he said to the woman at the well was very different than what he said to Nicodemus, or the rich young ruler or to the thief on the cross. What led him to say what he said to each one? For me, it was a revelation that radically changed my approach to evangelism when I discovered this passage. Jesus is speaking: John 12:49-50 (NIV) 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." The Son of God did not speak on his own initiative, but said only those things that the Father told him to say. I thought, "That is the key!" In each situation, I should only say what God tells me to say. He

2 knows what is on the heart of each person and what each one needs to hear. But how do we tap into what God wants us to say? I discovered it was quite simple. In each occasion when I am interacting with someone, I just ask God to tell me what to say and then trust that he will do just that. I relax and let the conversation develop. About three weeks ago Iara and I visited a family that has been attending our church for about 2 months. He is a Catholic from Nigeria and works with BMW and she is German and they have two beautiful little children. In fact, today is the oldest one's 3rd birthday. They found our church on the internet. As we went to their house, I just asked the Lord to tell me what to say. After a little small talk, I found myself asking them, "Have you ever wondered what will happen to you after you die?" He immediately answered, "That is a question I wonder about every single day." Wow! How could I have known to ask him the question that is on his mind every single day? I did not even think of asking that question until I found it coming out of my mouth. The Holy Spirit told me what to say and the result was that they both prayed their own individual prayers of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior that night. The same principle worked with Dee when she felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to talk with her neighbor, Chris (see our letter of December 16, 2013). All she felt led to say was, "How are things going?" And after hearing his response, she said, "You have to forgive your brother and you have to come to our church." That led to his salvation and by the way, he was baptized on February 16. So I have to conclude that while I think it is great that people learn and use standardized evangelistic presentations, I believe a much more effective way is to simply ask God to tell us what to say to each individual we talk with and trust him to do just that. We will find that each time, our approach will be different because God tailors his message of salvation through Jesus Christ to each person individually. --Dan and Iara Pinckney, missionaries, Munich, Germany GENESIS SERMON SERIES I encourage you to read and re-read the chapters in Genesis dealing with the life of Joseph. Pastor Grady is continuing his series of sermons on Joseph and I am finding them enlightening, thought provoking, and instructive. March 23 rd was on Letting Go and Forgiveness. -HGF

WHERE: 3171 Waterfront Drive AGENDA: As always expect great food and fellowship

3 ATTENTION, MEN OF THE CHURCH! YOU ARE INVITED TO BREAKFAST AT THE GARDENHIRES! WHEN: SATURDAY, April 26, 8:00 A.M. WHERE: 3171 Waterfront Drive AGENDA: As always expect great food and fellowship RSVP to Sylvia by Wednesday April 23 rd or CHILI COOKS! CAKE BAKERS! ALL WINNERS!

All were winners who attended the Chili Cook Off and Cake Sale March 15, 2014 at LVPC for there was good food and fun. Junior Crabtree s chili was the prize winner.

Becky Davidson was the most thoughtful for making a pot of delicious cream of potato soup for those who can t tolerate the hot stuff. There was good food for all to enjoy.

00 for the strawberry gem. Someone else paid $45.00 for a delicious looking one and Earl Montieth parted with a goodly sum for Mary Ryan s chocolate winner.

4 All were winners who attended the Chili Cook Off and Cake Sale March 15, 2014 at LVPC for there was good food and fun. Junior Crabtree s chili was the prize winner. Certainly it was the hottest and made from scratch, no canned basics for him. Helen Baysden made the most different chili by using venison for the meat ingredient. Becky Davidson was the most thoughtful for making a pot of delicious cream of potato soup for those who can t tolerate the hot stuff. There was good food for all to enjoy. Then came the cake auction with auctioneer Jerri Shourd using the verbal skills of merriment and persuasion. She finally talked Bruce Williams out of $50.00 for the strawberry gem. Someone else paid $45.00 for a delicious looking one and Earl Montieth parted with a goodly sum for Mary Ryan s chocolate winner. There were others, including a coffee cake just waiting for a cup of coffee and a special bakery cake good enough to eat. Our mission fund was blessed with at total of $ We were blessed with laughter, fellowship, and prayer. hgf

5 Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church APRIL 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 FLO FRYAR B/DAY 2 LENTEN RUTH SKATES B'DAY 6 13 PALM SUNDAY LAINEY EPPERSON B'DAY NEW OFFICER TRAINING 20 EASTER SUNDAY SUNRISE / RACCOON MTN EAST OVERLOOK 27 GIDEON PRESENTATION IN WORSHIP 10:00 AM DIW WORKING GROUP MTG 12:00 PM NEW OFFICER TRAINING 7 GRACIE STEWART B'DAY 14 SPRING BREAK 21 SESSION MEETING 28 TCAP TESTING 8 15 SPRING BREAK MICHELLE SEWELL B/DAY RAUB KERNEA B'DAY NO TUESDAY TUTORING TCAP TESTING NO TUESDAY TUTORING (TCAP TESTING) LYNN JUDAY B/DAY WELCOME MAT CONTRIBUTION DEADLINE 9:00 AM 9 DONNA LONGSHORE B/DAY LENTEN 16 SPRING BREAK NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY TODAY 23 Wed. Nite Bible Study & Prayer Meeting TEXT -- 2 COR. 11 7:05 PM 30 TCAP TESTING Wed. Nite Bible Study & Prayer Meeting TEXT -- 2 COR. 12 7:05 PM Address: 435 Patten Chapel Road Chattanooga, Tennessee Phone: gradydavidson@yahoo.com EUNICE HAYS BIRTHDAY PARTY / FELLOWSHIP HALL WINKIE CAPLEY B/DAY GWENDOLYN YORK B/DAY 17 SPRING BREAK MAUNDY THURSDAY 18 GOOD FRIDAY MEN'S BREAKFAST / GARDENHIRES 8:00 AM 19

the Beacon March 2016 IN THIS ISSUE Seeking to be a Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Discipleship, and Christian Service.

the Beacon March 2016 IN THIS ISSUE Seeking to be a Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Discipleship, and Christian Service. the Beacon First United Methodist Church Marion, NC 16 Seeking to be a Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Discipleship, and Christian Service. Dear Friends of Marion First UMC, Our Christian faith has