Objective; In order for our group to have spiritual power, we must AS INDIVIDUALS be born again. As the Scripture says it is wise to examine ourselves and to be certain and be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. It would be our desire that we all [our class] be an example of service, giving and witnessing.
There are many cases in the NT to study and we can review our own salvation experience in order that there be absolutely no doubt. We know that a primary line of attack by Satan is to get us to doubt our salvation. Under those conditions we will be afraid to share and uncertain – there will be an absence of power in our testimony. We will lack boldness when uncertain of our own condition.
We should each be able to give a strong witness of our salvation. As we study together, each one will be able to see the unique elements in personal experience. We will see the common elements in each biblical account. Even though familar with each incident, look carefully:
*The woman taken in adultery. John 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placed her in the midst before the Lord.
Key thoughts—no matter what you have done in the past, God has forgiven you through his son Jesus! It is often the religious folks who condemn others. We should turn from our sin.
*The Samaritan woman at the well John 4:10-29
Key thoughts: We are confronted with our sin when we come to Jesus. We may know about the Messiah, but we must come to him in order to be saved. What is this Living water — never thirst again? When we receive Jesus, the Holy Spirit satisfies us just like a long cool drink of water—except He is permanent. When we come to Jesus it is not associated with a place but a Person. We worship in spirit and in truth. Worship is a spiritual activity. When we are saved the first thing we want to do is tell others.
*Nicodemus John 3:1-21
Key thoughts: Religion deflects many people for the truth—a relationship with Jesus. You cannot be saved unless you have been born again, a spiritual rebirth based on receiving-believing-trusting Jesus. Jesus does not condemn us, but we are condemned already because of our unbelief. Evil hates the light—tries to cover sins—hide them and keep them from being exposed. When we know Him we come to the light in order to be exposed. He who covers his sin will not prosper. Salvation is for all people, not just Jews.
*The young ruler: Matt 19:16-
Key thoughts: You can be good [keeping rules] without knowing God. When you come to Jesus You must not consciously hold anything back—what you are holding on to is your god not Him! All things are possible with God!
*The thief on the cross Luke 23:39-43
Key thoughts: Here’s the story of a man who was condemned of crimes and sentenced to death. He had never been to church, been baptized, participated in the Lord’s supper, prayed or read the Bible. He simply placed his faith in Jesus... acknowledging who he is and pleading for mercy and was saved instantly.
*Pentecost Acts 2:1-42
Peter gave strong testimony of what he know to be truth. Not all were saved, but those who repented and said “what shall we do? “The lives of those saved changed immediately and they devoted themselves to study, prayer and fellowship with other believers. They were immediately baptized.
*The Phillipian jailer Acts 16:23-34
Key thoughts: Our witness is our most important tool of evangelization, especially when we are under pressure. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ—rely on, trust in depend on Him. They became Baptist obviously because they were baptized and they ate.
[Not discussed - The eunuch Acts 8:27-38]
Others need a strong witness and explanation of the good news. That is our job as Christians. How can they believe without a teacher? There is logic to the gospel but it is the Holy Spirit that convicts and leads to salvation.
Summary:
No matter what we may have done, we are forgiven and accepted when we come to Jesus in faith.
We must acknowledge and repent [turn] from our sin.
We must not consciously hold anything back.
We should study pray and fellowship with other believers.
We should develop our witness/testimony.
Our strongest testimony may come when we are under pressure.
We should be prepared to teach/share with others, explaining the word of God to them along with our testimony.
No comments:
Post a Comment