Everett Spencer teaches on "The Power of Permission Evangelism" in this Sunday morning service.
The Power of Permission Evangelism
Everett Spencer
Sunday, April 10, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
The Power of Permission Evangelism
(How to be a “closer” for the Kingdom)
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The bible makes it clear (Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15) that it is the responsibility of every believer to "be witnesses" for Christ. However, only about 10% of the entire Christian population has the gift of evangelism. The other 90%, myself included, are usually left to deal with the awkward feelings that come with wanting to fulfill this part of our purpose but not knowing how or what to do.
There are primarily two types of evangelism used in the bible:
Confrontational Evangelism
Though confrontational evangelism is used only in select situations throughout the New Testament it seems to be the style used most prominently at times in the modern "church" (referring to the church at large). This form of "preaching" is used by Jesus, Peter and Paul, usually to confront attitudes of self sufficiency, self righteousness or religious pride. It should be noted that in the ministry of Jesus there aren't many, if any at all, conversions associated with this style of evangelism.
Permission Evangelism
Permission evangelism is the tool the Holy Spirit gives to those of us who aren't in the 10% gifted to be evangelist.
Acts 8:26
Lessons from Philip's experience:
1. Hear, distinguish and obey God's voice - At least twice in the text Philip hears the voice of the Lord and respond
29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
2. Position yourself as He directs - Philip gets into place and waits for further instructions
Vs - 30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
3. Be courageous - The word "courageous" in Hebrew (as it's used in Joshua 1:6-9) means "to be alert". Philip was alert and seized an opportunity with a simple question "do you understand what you're reading?"
4. Respond to their need - Philip quickly joins the eunuch and sits with him
Vs - 31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.
5. Start where they are - Philip started with the same scripture
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.
6. Do life with them - As you share in their life and them in yours be prepared for the "big ask", the eunuch asked Philip to baptize him
36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Why words aren't important:
Your actions are speaking so loudly, I can’t hear the words coming out of your mouth!!!
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
...Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it. (Message Bible)
Matt 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
*All Scriptures quoted from the New Living Translation, except where otherwise noted
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
04/06/11 - Core Fitness 2 - Improvement - Joe Keith
Joe Keith continues series 2 of "Core Fitness", addressing "speed bumps and overcoming obstacles" with Part 5, "Improvement" in this Wednesday evening service.
Core Fitness 2 PT5
Joe Keith
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Core Fitness 2 PT5
Joe Keith
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sunday, April 3, 2011
04/03/11 - Whats in Your Hand PT2 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "What's In Your Hand, A Story to Tell" in this Sunday service.
What's In Your Hand PT2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 3, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
A Story to Tell (Turn to Exodus 1st and mark it, then start with Romans)
Romans 15:17-19 “So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.”
Exodus 4:1-5 “But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand. “Perform this sign,” the Lord told him. “Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”
“What’s that in your hand?” You Have a Story to Tell: You already have what you need to change the world—to achieve your destiny. It’s in your hand. Each of us are on a journey, running a race. Each of us has a story.
4 Components to Your Story: GATE
- Gift: Romans 12 motivational gifts—all are servant gifts—serving others makes a place for you. “I didn’t come to be served, but to serve.” Moses had a leadership gift—abused it resulting in death and disgrace. Used it to serve Jesse by shepherding. Romans 12:5 “We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
- Ability: profession, trade, educational—all position you to tell your story. Moses was a shepherd with a staff. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” All of them can be used by God to prepare you. You are not wasting your time, and you are on mission while you are doing any of them. Don’t wait for ‘the mission’. Be ‘on mission’.
- Talent: hobbies, your “art”: an innate interest that brings you satisfaction and allows you to express yourself. You may be a “gifted musician” but it is your talent, not your gift. Don’t get them mixed up or the attention will shift from God to you. Matthew 25:14-30—Talent given to you to invest and grow for the good of the King and the Kingdom. Moses seemed to have a flair for the dramatic: this is where his temper got in the way. God used that talent to get people’s attention. The temper had to be ‘laid down’ because it compromised Kingdom effectiveness.
- Experience: the things that happen to us in our journey—both good and bad. Turning points. Defining moments (example: Maxwell’s conversation starter—What is a defining moment in your life?) These give us “connection points” with others so we can make the name of Jesus famous. Moses had a connection point with the Israelites, but it was ineffective until it pointed people to God instead of to Moses. The difference—humility. Numbers 12:3 Message “Now the man Moses was a quietly humble man, more so than anyone living on Earth.”
Tell Your Story
- Chain of Grace. 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” Each story adds up to change the world. Jackie, Robin, Stacy, Logan steakhouse. Your story matters and God will use it if you will tell it.
- Use Words When Necessary. We have the answer. Live a life that causes people to ask the questions. Romans 10:14 “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” We are His billboard. People drive by a billboard advertising tires every day. When do they notice it? When they need tires. Studies show that today’s generation must hear your story over 20 times before they ever really hear it. Live the story of Grace in front of people every day. Guard your influence. It is your investment in lives and the payoff is the opportunity to tell your story. The result—lives changed and eternity assured.
- Elevator Music. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” Learn to tell your story in the amount of time it takes to ride an elevator 5 floors. That’s how much time you have to get the door open. What’s the question that will start the conversation?
- Recognize the Times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” There are times to be gentle, moving at a relaxed pace to earn the right to tell your story. There are times to be aggressive, to make sure someone’s eternity is safe. Learn to tell your story to fit the case.
- Assume Nothing. Many of your friends don’t know they can come to church. Invite them. (Example: unchurched friend—“Can anybody come to your church or do you have to be a member?”) Right now, ask the person on either side of you if they know Jesus and if they know Heaven is their destiny.
What's In Your Hand PT2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, April 3, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
A Story to Tell (Turn to Exodus 1st and mark it, then start with Romans)
Romans 15:17-19 “So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.”
Exodus 4:1-5 “But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand. “Perform this sign,” the Lord told him. “Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”
“What’s that in your hand?” You Have a Story to Tell: You already have what you need to change the world—to achieve your destiny. It’s in your hand. Each of us are on a journey, running a race. Each of us has a story.
4 Components to Your Story: GATE
- Gift: Romans 12 motivational gifts—all are servant gifts—serving others makes a place for you. “I didn’t come to be served, but to serve.” Moses had a leadership gift—abused it resulting in death and disgrace. Used it to serve Jesse by shepherding. Romans 12:5 “We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
- Ability: profession, trade, educational—all position you to tell your story. Moses was a shepherd with a staff. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” All of them can be used by God to prepare you. You are not wasting your time, and you are on mission while you are doing any of them. Don’t wait for ‘the mission’. Be ‘on mission’.
- Talent: hobbies, your “art”: an innate interest that brings you satisfaction and allows you to express yourself. You may be a “gifted musician” but it is your talent, not your gift. Don’t get them mixed up or the attention will shift from God to you. Matthew 25:14-30—Talent given to you to invest and grow for the good of the King and the Kingdom. Moses seemed to have a flair for the dramatic: this is where his temper got in the way. God used that talent to get people’s attention. The temper had to be ‘laid down’ because it compromised Kingdom effectiveness.
- Experience: the things that happen to us in our journey—both good and bad. Turning points. Defining moments (example: Maxwell’s conversation starter—What is a defining moment in your life?) These give us “connection points” with others so we can make the name of Jesus famous. Moses had a connection point with the Israelites, but it was ineffective until it pointed people to God instead of to Moses. The difference—humility. Numbers 12:3 Message “Now the man Moses was a quietly humble man, more so than anyone living on Earth.”
Tell Your Story
- Chain of Grace. 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” Each story adds up to change the world. Jackie, Robin, Stacy, Logan steakhouse. Your story matters and God will use it if you will tell it.
- Use Words When Necessary. We have the answer. Live a life that causes people to ask the questions. Romans 10:14 “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” We are His billboard. People drive by a billboard advertising tires every day. When do they notice it? When they need tires. Studies show that today’s generation must hear your story over 20 times before they ever really hear it. Live the story of Grace in front of people every day. Guard your influence. It is your investment in lives and the payoff is the opportunity to tell your story. The result—lives changed and eternity assured.
- Elevator Music. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” Learn to tell your story in the amount of time it takes to ride an elevator 5 floors. That’s how much time you have to get the door open. What’s the question that will start the conversation?
- Recognize the Times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” There are times to be gentle, moving at a relaxed pace to earn the right to tell your story. There are times to be aggressive, to make sure someone’s eternity is safe. Learn to tell your story to fit the case.
- Assume Nothing. Many of your friends don’t know they can come to church. Invite them. (Example: unchurched friend—“Can anybody come to your church or do you have to be a member?”) Right now, ask the person on either side of you if they know Jesus and if they know Heaven is their destiny.
Friday, April 1, 2011
03/30/11 - Core Fitness 2 - Insincerity - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues series 2 of "Core Fitness", addressing "speed bumps and overcoming obstacles" with Part 4, "Insincerity" in this Wednesday evening service.
Core Fitness 2 PT4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Core Fitness 2 PT4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
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