Title: On a mission
Intro: Testimony
1) The great commission - make disciples as a team
“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
2) A tactical response - questions (Jesus asked)
Humble goals - what do you mean by that?
Challenge 1: “It’s not rational to believe in God. There is no proof.”
What do you mean by “God,” that is, what kind of God do you reject? What, specifically, is irrational about believing in God? Since you’re concerned about proof for God’s existence, what kind of evidence would you find acceptable?
Challenge 2: “Christianity is basically the same as all other religions. The main similarity is love. We shouldn’t tell others how to live or believe.”
How much have you studied other religions to compare the details and find a common theme? Why would the similarities be more important than the differences? I’m curious, what do you think Jesus’ own attitude was on this issue? Did he think all religions were basically equal? Isn’t telling people to love one another just another example of telling them how they should live and believe?
Challenge 3: “You can’t take the Bible too seriously because it was only written by men, and men make mistakes.”
Do you have any books in your library? Were those books written by humans? Do you find any truth in them? Is there a reason you think the Bible is less truthful or reliable than other books you own? Do people always make mistakes in what they write? Do you think that if God did exist, he would be capable of using humans to write down exactly what he wants? If not, why not?
Challenge 4: “It’s wrong to force your views on other people. You can’t legislate morality. Christians involved in politics violate the separation of church and state.”
Do you vote? When you vote for someone, are you expecting your candidate to pass laws reflecting your own point of view? Wouldn’t that essentially be forcing your views on others? How is that different from what you’re troubled about here? Is it your view that only nonreligious people should be allowed to vote or participate in politics, or did I misunderstand you? Where, specifically, in the Constitution are religious people excluded from the political process? Can you give me an example of legislation that does not have a moral element to it?
Challenge lgbt
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Openers
1. Why do you doubt? Matt 14:31
2. Why do you fear? Matthew 8:26
3. Haven't you read? Matthew 19:4
4. Do you say this of your own accord or did someone tell you? John 18:34
5. What does it profit a person to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul? Mark 8:36
6. Who do you say that I am? Mark 8:29
3) An empowered vision - three keys to sustaining spiritual revival
Sabbath, vision, believing prayer
4) The gospel message - do you know it
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV
John 3:16-17
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 ESV