The role of the Church?
THE PROBLEMS
The labours are few. Why?
We identify three reasons here
Firstly: We disobey the instruction to pray, (up until God moves,
Luke 18:1-8) to the Lord of the harvest to send His labourers into His harvest.
Secondly: Like Jonah, (Jonah 1:1-3) we are unwilling to go into the harvest.
After the disciples prayed to the Lord of the harvest, those disciples who prayed, were themselves sent as labourers into the harvest.
We are generally unwillingness to lay down our lives for God’s agenda and instead, our prayer and agenda are focused on mammon and not kingdom.(Matthew 6:24).
A hard saying? No.
If disobedience in not identified for what it is, then after a season of zeal, a church will often revert back to old wrong patterns of behaviour that is unfruitful; thinking that it is ok to do so. Instead, let us press in.
Thirdly: our fear in relation to witnessing which includes shyness; past or perceived rejection or humiliation; an inability to articulate our personal testimony; a lack of knowledge of Scripture; a failure to trust in the Lord; and an ignorance of why men reject the gospel. Determining the actual cause of fear may be difficult, and understanding the reason may not dispel our fear. But we are commanded to be bold for Jesus (Ephesians 6:19), so we may simply have to persevere, one step at a time.
In the meantime we can apply some basic principles and sharpen our skills, since fear can be overcome by preparation (2 Timothy 3:16-17).(https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-witnessing.html)
But here follows the instruction of The Holy Spirit to His Church:
2 Timothy 4:1-5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
“ I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or
unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, 4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. 5 But as for you, be clear-headed in every
situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.”
Romans 11:2-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”?[a] 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[b] 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Preaching without miracles
There is a line of thinking that is evidenced by a key scripture that is wrong. The key scripture is found in Mark 16:17-18
Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they[a] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Although this verse is true, it would be wrong to conclude every move of the Holy Spirit must be accompanied by a miracle.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Acts 17:29 – 34
Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council.
34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Conclusion: People can receive salvation without a miracle. The Holy Spirit can work through His saints to convict some without a sign. Let us labour out of faith alone understanding His will
In the following series of “How to evangelise” videos there are some alternative approaches to evangelism. You might want to pause these from time to time and take some notes. With time and practice you will perfect your own version of the approach . “The good person test”
It is a simple approach that is difficult to argue with. Try it out and see for yourself.
While He walked the surface of this earth Jesus preached the gospel of repentance like John the Baptist: John 4:17
How to evangelise videos, continued
Here are the scriptures referred to in these “How to evangelise videos” above with similar approaches, explaining one way of how to evangelise effectively:
The ten commandments: Exodus 20:1-17, Matthew 22:40.
Adultery of the heart: Matthew 5:27-29
A list of those who will burn in the eternal lake of fire: Revelation 21:8, Revelation 20:12
Two witnesses to every deed 1) Your conscience Romans 2:15-16 and 2) God Jeremiah 17:10
Be clear about the result you want
In any situation where you have to influence or persuade, it is vital to get some clarity about the outcome or result that you want.
Step into the shoes of the other party
They will really seek to understand the other party or parties’ perspective. Stepping into the shoes of others can give you real insights into:
• how they might react
• the objections that they might raise
• the concerns or worries that they might have.
One of the simplest strategies for doing this is to ask yourself a series of questions and answer these from the perspective of the different parties.
Now you try it in the next 5-14 days.
Pour In, Pour out
The last 24 hours before an examination our agenda and behaviour will normally change. We summaries everything we know about the subject and cram in a final intense revision session before we face the challenge. We have found it beneficial to do the same when you are preparing for an outreach.
Ecclesiastes 11:3
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
So in the last 24 hours pray without ceasing.
Listen to worship in between listening to short sermons from people who are full of kingdom word and as you fill yourself up to the brim with the word and worship of God, when the appointed hour comes for you to share your faith, you will pour out rivers of living water that will bear fruit, sometimes 30, sometimes 60 and sometimes 90 fold.