Loving Others - Witness Living For Christ Series

2 Corinthians 5: Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Mark 16: And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Mark 16: And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

I. God’s Part and Our Part 1 Corinthians 3:5-8 Some plant Some water God causes the growth

Spiritual Decision Process Awareness of the Supernatural No effective knowledge of Christianity Initial Awareness of Christianity Interest in Christianity Awareness of the basic facts of the Gospel Grasp of implications of the Gospel Positive attitude to the Gospel Awareness of personal need Challenge and decision to act Repentance and faith General Revelation ConvictionConvictionPresencePresence ProclamationProclamation PersuasionPersuasion RejectionRejection RegenerationRegeneration God’s Role Church’s Role Man’s Response

A New Disciple is Born Matthew 28:19-20 Evaluation of decision Initiation into the church Become part of the process of making other disciples Growth in understanding of the faith Growth in Christian Character Discovery and use of gifts Christian life-style Stewardship of resources PrayerPrayer Effective sharing of faith and life PresencePresence PersuasionPersuasion God’s Role Church’s Role Man’s Response

II. Proclaiming Good News

God / Man Life ManDeath Church Good Works Other Religions Sin Jesus John 3:16 (Wo)

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Everyone who belongs to Christ – new person God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself He has given us this wonderful message of reconciliation God is no longer counting people’s sins against them Speaking for Christ we plead “come back to God” God made Jesus the sin sacrifice so we could be made right with God

III. Demonstrations 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Not using persuasive speeches Plain preaching Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit (NASB - demonstration of the Spirit and of power) Trust in God’s power not human persuasion

2 Corinthians 3:16 – 4:15 When someone turns to the Lord  Freedom  See and reflect the Lord’s glory  The Spirit makes us more and more like God  Metamorphosis into his image

Therefore – since God has given us this new way  We reject shameful ways  We tell the truth – not distorting the Word of God The Good News is sometimes hidden  People don’t see because Satan has blinded them We don’t preach about ourselves God has made his light shine in our hearts

Fragile pots containing great treasure Pressed by troubles – not crushed Perplexed – not driven to despair Hunted down – never abandoned Knocked down – not destroyed Face death – but have eternal life We continue to preach because we have faith As God’s grace reaches more and more people  Greater thanksgiving  God receives more glory

Motivated by the love of Christ Serve him not ourselves Share the Good News of God’s grace God receives thanks and glory

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