KNOWING CHRIST (1)

 KNOWING CHRIST

TEXT: “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”  John 17:3

On one occasion Jesus turned to His disciples and asked them a very important question. There may be no more important question that one could ask. That question was and is: “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15. Who is the Lord Jesus Christ?

The answer to that question is simple enough to save a child and complex enough to keep great theologians busy for eternity. Here in John 17:3 Jesus stated that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ. If that is eternal life, then we cannot afford to be ignorant about the answer! So I pose it to you: who is Jesus Christ? How would you answer that question? Peter answered and said. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Matthew refers to Him as the “Son of man who came to give His life as a ransom for many.” See Matthew 20:28

Mark proclaims Him to be “the beloved Son, in whom God was well pleased.” Mark 1:11

Luke declares Him to be “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

John said He was “the Word made flesh.” John 1:14

Paul called Him in Colossians 1:15 “the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation.”

The author of Hebrews calls Him, “that great Shepherd of the Sheep.”  Hebrews 13:20

Peter states that Jesus is “the chief Shepherd.” I Peter 5:4

In Revelation 1:17 Jesus is called “the first and the last.”

That is part of the Biblical answer to that question!

What is yours?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc2xGXONv4I 

WEEK 11 DAY 7: SUMMARY & REVIEW

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 7: A SUMMARY AND REVIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your heart, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”   I Peter 3:15 

Before we summarize, today is November 11, 2020: Veteran’s Day. Take a minute to thank God for all our veterans who have served and are serving. For the men and women who lay their lives on the line every single day to protect our freedoms! Say a special prayer also for those who march in the Army of the Lord!

Can you list the three primary characteristics of the church we discussed in Day 1?

What was Philip’s testimony to the man in Acts 8?

Have you ever even tried to write out a personal testimony of your salvation?

Do you remember what the Apostle Paul said his life was like before conversion?

How did Paul meet Christ?

How was Paul’s life forever changed by Christ?

What is the role of Scriptures in evangelism?

Are you able to tell others what Jesus Christ means to you and what he has done for you?

When is the last time you have done that?

Will you look for someone to share your personal testimony with?

Look at the memory verse! Can you really do that! You should after 11 weeks of discipleship!

Let’s worship together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0svXA-oRTk 

All questions & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 11 DAY 6: EVANGELISM & GRACE

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 6: EVANGELISM AND GRACE

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear… “  I Peter 3:15

Here is a sample of the kind of material you should possess in your heart and mind. You need to remember that:

God is sovereign. He created us and holds our destiny in His hands. He sets the standards and rules and He alone decides the outcome. Isaiah 46:9-11; Romans 9:20-21; Acts 17:30-31

Man is a sinner. Man has broken God’s rules and as such man is declared guilty; he makes himself an enemy of God; he is spiritually dead in his trespasses and sins. Romans 3:19, 23; 5:10 and Ephesians 2:1-5.

Jesus Christ is God incarnate.  John 1:1, 14

Jesus Christ is Sovereign King.  Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus Christ is the only Savior.  Luke 19:10 and Acts 4:12

Jesus Christ alone died for the sins of His people. Matthew 1:21; John 10:14, 27-29

Tell others that God is the Sovereign Creator, the Holy LawGiver and the Righteous Judge.

That Jesus is the only Savior and way to salvation.

All must repent and believe to come to Christ!

Grace, grace, God’s grace

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God’s grace

Grace that is greater than all our sin!

God gives grace to repent; grace to believe, and grace to come to Christ!

Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMESF4lNhBc 

All questions and comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 11 DAY 5: EFFECTIVE WITNESSING

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 5: EFFECTIVE WITNESSING

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”  I Peter 3:15

There are many ways to present the Gospel of Christ. We need to know how to do that when God gives us the opportunity. Listed below are simply some additional tips that will enable us to be more effective witnesses for Christ:

Make it personal -- don’t preach. Tell it in a manner that will be received with an attitude of compassion and concern. 

• Keep Christ central. Always remind others of what Christ has done for you and what He can do for them

• Use the Word of God as your authority. Use Scriptures to back up what you say. Remember that the Word of God has a keen cutting edge and has power to save!

• Witness in the Spirit ---  not in the flesh! Pray, even as you share, that the Holy Spirit would guide and direct your words and attitude. Alway remember that it is God who does the saving. We are called to be effective witnesses.

You must be familiar with the character of God; refer to God’s requirements in the Law of God and that God demands repentance of all. Talk of the necessity of faith towards Jesus Christ as the only One who can save

You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day

By the deeds that you do and the words that you say

Others read what you write --- distorted or true

What is the Gospel … according to you?

Let’s worship a little: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU4HgK-R6C4 

All questions & comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 11 DAY 4: THE PROCEDURE

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 4: THE PROCEDURE

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”  I Peter 3:15

Philip’s preparation was Day 2.

Philip’s proclamation was Day 3.

Philip’s procedure is Day 4 and it deals primarily with the giving of a testimony.

A testimony is simply telling others what Jesus has done in your life. If you have Jesus in your heart, you have a personal testimony. Good evangelism begins with a well prepared testimony. An effective personal testimony has three critical points:

First, what your life was like before Jesus became your Savior and Lord. 

Secondly, you tell how you came to know that you have eternal life. 

And thirdly, the benefits and blessings you have experienced since Christ came into your life! Everyone should be able to write out a testimony like that:

An excellent example of this is the Apostle Paul:

Who you were before you met Jesus:  Acts 26:4-5 and 9-11

How you met Jesus:  Acts 26:12-18

What and who you are since you met Jesus:  Acts 26:19-23

The most important part is who you have become since you were converted. Don’t overly dwell on how sinful you were and sordid details. The focal point is what Jesus has done for you!

Why don’t you practice writing out your own personal testimony?

Are you ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you…?

Worship & enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcncmA2rmIw 

All questions & comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 11 DAY 3: THE PROCLAMATION

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 3: THE PROCLAMATION

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” I Peter 3:15

To better understand this section, you must read Acts 8:4-5 and 26-40. The truth will be more meaningful. It is a wonderful story of the proclamation of the story of Jesus.

Acts 8: 4-5 says that Philip preached “Christ unto them”! 

Christ = messiah, chosen one of God, His elect.

Acts 8:35 says that Philip opened the Scriptures and preached unto him: Jesus! Philip saw that the man was reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah 53 and he talked about the death of Jesus Christ. 

He met the man where he was … in the present. He did not talk about the Second Coming; he didn’t discuss the anti-Christ; he refused to get into non-salvific issues. Philip stayed focused on Christ. He talked about who Jesus is and what Jesus came to do. His message was a message about the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself!

We must meet people where they are.

Tell them about who Jesus is.

Proclaim to them what Jesus came to do!

You bear witness to the truth. Leave the saving up to God!!!

Worship & enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-4NFvI5U9w 

All comments & questions:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 11 DAY 2: BEING PREPARED

 WEEK 11: LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM

DAY 2: BEING PREPARED

MEMORY VERSE: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  I Peter 3:15

Let’s take a quick look in the book of Acts at a layman named Philip. Acts 8:4-12. He is a tremendous example of being an effective witness and practicing lifestyle evangelism. For the next three days we are going to look at three aspects of his lifestyle:

1. His Preparation

2. His Proclamation

3. His Procedure

Today, let us consider his preparation. He was a member of the church at Jerusalem. He was married and had four daughters. He was well liked and respected by all who knew him. He was selected to serve the church as one of its first deacons.  Read Acts 6:1-5

The qualifications for serving were these:

• Good reputation

• Full of the Holy Spirit

• Possessor of wisdom

• Had a servant’s heart

Philip knew the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a complete trust and confidence in the Lord. He had seen first hand the power and might of Jesus in Jerusalem. He was a witness to the 3,000 saved at Pentecost! He was a close friend of Stephen and witnessed his death. He knew that Jesus would empower him to speak and spread the Gospel message! Philip wanted to be an effective witness for Christ!

Have you EVER asked the Lord to make you an effective witness?

Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e3Xs19DB2k 

All questions & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com