1. Friendships and Relationships (2)
Evangelism 2016
Friendships and Relationships (2)

2. In our last lesson:
Friends and acquaintances are our first “pool” of prospects
We must be proper example, pray, do good, seek to introduce the gospel in conversations and invitations, etc.
NEVER hide your faith!
We need to care enough to risk our friendship to reach them, realizing the gospel will offend some
“Relationship evangelism”
To save a soul, at some point they MUST be confronted with the gospel. THIS is the point of risk!

3. “Relationship Evangelism”
A method of reaching the lost that involves a series of sequential steps in which you first create and cultivate a relationship and then gradually you try and introduce the gospel to them

4. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
Don’t be deceptive!
IF the only reason for befriending someone is to eventually try to reach them – are we being up front with them?
2 Corinthians 1:12, 2:17

5. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
It can overemphasize friendship as the means of reaching the lost The gospel is what saves! Romans 1:16, 10:14-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2:1-5

6. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
Will your friendship take precedence over teaching them
Some will value friendship over truth and never reach the point of risk or confrontation with the gospel.

7. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
Will we seek cultivating friendships as fulfilling our efforts to reach the lost?
We keep putting off the “confrontation” but we tell ourselves we are doing all that we can

8. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
What about the length of time involved in the process?
While we need to be patient, we must also realize that souls in sin are at risk!
2 Corinthians 5:11 Hebrews 9:27 James 4:14, Psalm 90:10-12

9. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
Will friendship be the only reason one does obey the gospel?
Will it take precedence over serving God? Is their faith superficial? Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, 3:4, etc.

10. “Relationship Evangelism”
Some concerns and dangers:
Are we ignoring the power of reason, persuasion in teaching others?
Souls MUST be persuaded to follow Jesus with scripture! There are many examples of reasoning in scripture

11. Evangelism 2016
Reason and Persuasion

12. Reason and Persuasion
Such is not limited to our friends and acquaintances. Some have the ability to study with strangers, etc.
Some have observed it might be easier to reason with one who is NOT a friend. It’s about the message!
Our window of opportunity may be limited – we must act while we can
In scripture, reason and persuasion were frequently used in teaching others!

13. Reason and Persuasion
Reason (διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) to engage in discussion (arguing one’s point) with the desire to persuade, appealing to understanding, logic and fact

14. Reason and Persuasion
Persuade (πείθω, peithō) to convince or convict someone of one’s belief. Persuasion, the act of trying to convince someone. Typically, through reasoning!
Acts 18:4, 17:2-4

15. Reason and Persuasion
The gospel message convicts the heart – Romans 1:16-17
The message needs to be the motivation for one’s conversion. Souls must be persuaded of this fact
Until then, one will not obey for the right reason, and that applies to our friends!

16. Reason and Persuasion in the Bible
Romans 8:38, Paul was persuaded
2 Timothy 1:12, Paul was persuaded!
2 Corinthians 5:11, we persuade men
Jude 22, 23 – some save with fear

17. Reason and Persuasion in the Bible
Acts 2:40, on Pentecost
Acts 13:43, many Jews taught, persuaded to continue in God’s grace
Acts 18:4, 13, Corinth – reasoned and persuaded. Paul had some success!

18. Reason and Persuasion in the Bible
Acts 19:26, Paul had persuaded many to turn from foreign gods
Acts 24:24-25, Paul reasoned with Felix
Acts 26:28, Agrippa said to Paul, “you almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

19. Thoughts on Reason and Persuasion
Without persuasion, one will not truly obey the gospel
Persuasion is not coercion – don’t FORCE someone…
Before you can convince someone else, you must first be persuaded

20. Thoughts on Reason and Persuasion
To be fully persuaded, you need to learn it. 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2:15
Persuasion does not always work
BUT, the more prepared you are, the better your chance of success
Almost persuaded is NOT persuaded!

21. Concluding thoughts
Our friends are where we will begin our efforts to teach others - Those we love, we seek to win to Him
Let our relationships develop naturally, based upon their understanding that you ARE A CHRISTIAN!

22. Let us resolve to try and reach whoever we have opportunity to teach!
Let true friendships develop AFTER one is converted based upon our “like precious faith.”