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Every One His Witness: Listen (James 1:19-21) (LISTEN)
- We are all witnesses to Jesus' Word and work; this is our task and mission. Do we delight to talk about our faith in Him to others? It is my job to share - but the Spirit's job to bring others to faith.
- Ephesians 2:10 - God placed people already around you to evangelize.
- Listen 1st. Say nothing at first (you have 2 ears and 1 mouth). Learn about the other. Your goals are to first listen, then understand, and then respond without prior agenda. Be fully present, without defense or attack - "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
- The most vital listening is to receive the Word meekly, deeply, salvifically, like Mary. Focus on Jesus, then others, then yourself. Climb down; be a servant; lift others.
"And I will make you . . ." (Matthew 4:19) (ASK)
- "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
- Four truths:
- God will gift those whom He calls. All of us have spiritual gifts, to be used as faith's fruit. Some are gifted evangelists, but all do the work of evangelists. God gave us the command, the tools, and the message: Turn to Jesus.
- God invites each of us to use our gifts.
- God enables us to be His witnesses. The Holy Spirit gives the words.
- ASK - toward the head (mind), heart (emotions), and/or hands (practical side).
Every One His Witness: Seek (Luke 19:1-10)
- Zaccheus got a high enough vantage point to see Jesus. He sought Him - but Jesus called and sought him by name! "He received Him joyfully." Why, then, do we complain - "how could He love that person?"
- You were lost, too. The only-powerful Holy Spirit called you to Jesus. Trust now that He will speak through you - seek opportunities and connections (their needs) to do so. Use prudent silence and care for others.
- Discern the need for connection to the head, heart, hands, or combination of the three.
- Share the blessings of tithing - lead by example, be wise and joyful.
Every One His Witness: Share (Isaiah 55:10-11, 1 Peter 3:14b-16, Luke 8:26-39)
- A true, un-shared testimony is useless to others. To witness is to share.
- Questions and answers:
- What should I share? The Gospel, God's deeds meaningful for you (Gospel text).
- How should I share? Gently and respectfully, winsomely, clothing the truth by walking the middle road between brashness and "niceness" (Epistle text). Spend time listening first. Be patient to gain rapport. Love does not mean affirming someone in his or her error, but does mean challenging, toward repentance, toward God.
- How can I be confident? Remember that my power to share rests in the invisible, trustworthy God: His Word (Old Testament text).
Every One His Witness: Invite (John 1)
- Receiving an invite makes one feel honored, cared for, and desired.
- Philip simply invited Nathanael to evaluate Jesus' claims for himself.
- Remove obstacles - pick up your invitee, go to the same service, talk him or her through the service, be friendly and sincere.
Every One His Witness: Encourage (Matthew 28:18-20)
- God sees man in his hopeless darkness: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah needed encouragement to keep on living. God was with him. (In a later turnaround, he got to be in the light of Christ on the mount of Transfiguration, celebrated today!)
- We need to give encouragement: our job isn't done once we share the Gospel. Jesus says: "Go and make disciples" - ongoing hearers and doers and breathers of Christ. Keep the conversation and LASSIE cycle going. Have a solid prayer life, because prayer and encouragement are linked.
- We need to receive encouragement because we feel alone: "I have to . . ." But every one is His witness alongside us! Plant and water; He is with you. God gives the growth. His Spirit is upon us, transforming our weakness.
+Soli Deo Gloria+
