It Will Still Work, If You Work It

Growing up on a farm, you learn to use technology both old and new. Sometimes we would clean out fences that were overgrown with weeds and undergrowth. We would use chainsaws and weed-eaters. However, dad would sometimes make me use an old bush-axe or a swing-blade. It was an old piece of technology. But dad would essentially say, "It will still work, if you will work it."

When it comes to evangelism, we sometimes think we have to utilize the newest, most innovative techniques and strategies. We tend to dismiss the "old methods" as moldy, outdated and ineffective. Yet, the best way to convert people to Christ is still the simple, person-to-person Bible study approach. It still yields more long-lasting converts to Christ than attendance drives, programs, and marketing approaches. Yet few seem willing to engage in the "work" of doing personal work. Jesus said that the laborers would be few (Luke 10:2).

However, a recent "Back to the Bible campaign" of old-fashion door knocking has yielded 35 baptisms in Oklahoma City, according to an article from Christian Chronicle (July 7, 2010) (see article here). At first, some of the participants were skeptical of this approach declaring, "You watch. We won't get 10 studies in 100 square miles." Yet after the first day, church members had set up 80 Bible studies. During the campaign, organizers found that apartment dwellers (those in transitional phases in life) were much more receptive than homeowners.

These folks used a simple approach. "We give them what the Bible says and let them make up their own mind. That's really all there is to it," one participant said. Not only have many Bible studies been set up, and 35 people were baptized, but the church that organized the effort was transformed. When people see the power of the gospel working, and that evangelism can still be effective, it becomes contagious. It will change a church, which in turn, will change a community. One person said, "It has amazed us at how many people are saying, 'yes.' None of us will ever be the same."

I must confess that I have been critical in the past of old methods of evangelism like door-knocking. I thought that our efforts might be more effective in other ways. Well, it turns out that the old ways of evangelism will still work. I guess dad was right, "It will still work, if you will work it."

Passing Your Faith Down

Christianity is a taught religion. We must pass our faith down to others (Matthew 28:19-20). We cannot assume that the next generation will naturally live by Christian principles and believe Christ's teaching. When left to himself, a child will usually choose a shameful life (Proverbs 29:15). When people are not taught how to have a personal walk with God, an entire generation will arise that "does not know God"(Judges 2:10). Because when we are left to "do what is right in our own eyes" (Judges 17:6; 21:25), our choices seem right but lead to personal destruction (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).

What can we do to pass our faith to the next generation? We must deliberately teach them healthy doctrine and Christian behavior. Paul said that the things that we know are true must be "entrusted" to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). This type of instruction certainly begins in the home. Timothy had initially received his "sincere faith" from the diligent teaching of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy did not have the benefit of a believing, Christian father (Acts 16:1). Paul "spiritually adopted" Timothy and instructed him as if he were his own son (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul understood that fathers have a crucial role to play in training their children spiritually. Fathers are entrusted with the responsibility of bringing up their children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers must be an authentic example of faith and diligently teach their children in the midst of everyday living (Deuteronomy 6:4-8).

Several years ago, Gus Nichols wrote the following insightful words about passing our faith to the next generation:

"One hindrance to the unity of the Spirit is that we are living in a secular age. We see everything through the spectacles of 'dollar-marks.' We are materialistic, we think of values in terms of money, and houses, and lands, and things of that sort. We forget that one little child to be reared and trained for the Lord, can rear and train others, and they others, and they others (Ps. 78:5-6), until in a thousand years there may be thousands of souls in heaven--all because we took time to train one. Or, it may be the other way: if we fail, it may be that this one will fail, others under like influence will fail, and others still under those influences will fail--and there may be thousands of souls burning and suffering in hell forever, a billion years from now, all because we put money, and other things, ahead of the spiritual--because we failed to train a child, failed to put the kingdom first (Matt. 6:33)."

(Source: Gus Nichols Lectures on the Holy Spirit page 210. Nichols Bros. Publishing, 1967).

May we all as parents do our best to model and instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. How we teach our children today will effect generations throughout eternity.

The Church Needs to Learn from the World

This is an amazing presentation about how fast technology and information is advancing in our world. There are amazing posibilities out there and frightening dangers. Too often, the church is "behind the times" on using the resources available to us for good. I am convinced that someone like the Apostle Paul would use every resource available to him (short of sin) to advance the kingdom. He said, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Cor 9:22-23). Jesus once lamented the fact that people of the world make better uses of resources than do the children of light. Listen to Jesus words in Luke 16:8: "For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light." Watch this video from the perspective of the work of God's kingdom. We are not using the resources that we could be to the fullest. It is time for the sons of light to take a lesson from the sons of this world. Thanks to Bradley Thompson for pointing out this video. (If you can't see the video below here the the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKZEP-xruH4).

Atheist says: "If you really believe, you will evangelize"

This video shows how crucial that it is that all true Christians be involved in evangelism. This statement comes from a self-professed atheist. However, even he was moved by the genuineness and sincerity of a man who tried to share his faith by giving him a Bible. We can have an impact if we are courageous enough to be authentic, compassionate disciples of Christ. The man (an atheist) in this video makes a great point. He says that if you really believe that there is a heaven and a hell and you don't try and share your faith with everyone you meet, you are among the most cruel people on the planet. Something to think about. Watch the video below and prepare to be shocked and challenged...

Those Words are Seasoned Just Right!

If we want to win unbelievers to Christ, we must choose our words wisely. Listen to the words of Paul, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV).

There are wise ways and unwise ways to conduct yourself as a disciple around unbelievers. You must learn to “pick your battles” and make the most of the opportunities that are presented you to share your faith.

Forcing spiritual conversations at unnatural times often prove to be counter-productive. You must look for moments when people you are talking to are receptive to spiritual discussion. Try and find opportunities to naturally bridge your normal conversation into spiritual discussions. “Make the most of the time” that you have with unbelievers.

Don’t be forceful, harsh, or combative in your conversation with outsiders. If you win a religious argument but lose the soul of the person you are talking with, you lost the battle for the Lord. Let your language be filled with graciousness. Be understanding and patient with them—give them the benefit of the doubt. Try and get in their shoes and look at life from their unique perspective.

The wonderful message of Jesus can become bitter and disgusting to the unbeliever who hears the message in a harsh and bitter tone. The speech we choose must be carefully “seasoned as with salt” to make it as palatable as possible. We must never compromise the message of God’s truth, but we must speak it in a spirit of genuine concern and love (Ephesians 4:15).

You cannot approach all people the same way. Ask God for wisdom and direction to help you know how you should “answer each person.” Every person is different and each individual deserves a tailor-made approach to hearing the gospel that fits their situation and personality.

What if Starbucks Operated Like the Church?

"The truth hurts." For those of us who are concerned about the image we present as a body of believers to those who visit our worship services, this video hurts. I'm afraid this is too often the way that many visitors to the church feel when they enter our doors.

Nostalgia, Life in the Past Lane

In Hampshire, the town where I grew up, time seems to stand still. There are few sirens, no traffic lights, only one store, and thousands of acres of green pasture land. I cherish the memories of growing up in the country on my dad's farm. I can't imagine what it would have been like to wake up one day in Hampshire and see the landscape covered with subdivisions and even a Super Target. Yet, that is exactly what has happened in Spring Hill.

The explosion of growth in this community has come as a culture shock to many of us. We did not expect it, feel threatened by it, and if you asked many of us we would have voted against it. No longer do you know every person that walks down the street; in fact, you don't even know all of the new street names. It is certainly a difficult adjustment for many who remember "old Spring Hill."

This is exactly the reaction that many of the Jews in Jesus day had to the culture shock of the exploding Roman Empire. Some of them complained about it (Pharisees). Others actively fought it (Zealots). Still others withdrew into isolation (Essenes). And still others adopted the policy, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" (Sadducees). There is really nothing new under the sun. These are the same reactions that different groups of people are having to the exploding population (and culture change) of Spring Hill, TN in 2008--even some in our congregation.

In the first century, many wondered how the preacher from Nazareth would react to this. Would Jesus take the side of the Romans? Would he ride the fence between the locals and the new Roman occupation? Or would Jesus withdraw into the wilderness? Just how would the Christ respond?

Jesus did not join any of these camps. Neither did he protest the local government. Why? Because Jesus saw the bigger picture. Ultimately cultural differences, governmental bureaucracy, and longing for the "glory days" of Israel's past do not matter. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Jesus did not live in the past, rather he was looking to the future. May we be like Christ and forget the past and press forward for a higher purpose in Spring Hill.

Jonathan Jones II

Spring Hill, TN

August 21, 2008

Excitement About Your Faith is the Key to Evangelism

I am convinced that excitement is the key to evangelism. The most persuasive tool in evangelism is seeing a person who is personally excited about their faith. Someone who is going through the motions of religion will convert few (if any) true followers to Jesus Christ.

King David knew that he could not be effective for the Lord when he was weighed down with the guilt of his personal sin. He prayed to God "restore to me the joy of my salvation" (Psalm 51:12). It is only when we are joyful about our salvation that we can really persuade others of the benefit of the Christian life.

David realized that he could not convince people to obey the Lord if he himself was walking around with a sorrowful look. David asks God to restore the joy of his faith. Why? David continues, "then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You" (Psalm 51:13).

If we are to convert people to the Lord, we must be personal examples of joyfulness. Excitement about your personal faith and effectiveness in evangelism go hand in hand.