2011-03-27
Sharing the Gospel and Your Life as Well
Life Patterns
Steve Lane

A. Review - Get Focused
Whose mission are you on? The promises of God are meant within the context of a mission
Always the culturally relevant way of evangelism
1 Thessalonians 2: 7 - 8

Six principles of Gospel sharing
1 Thessalonians 1: 3 - 8

Phases of movement or spiritual growth:
Not interested
Somewhat interested
Seeker
Convert
Disciple
Leader

Called: light, aroma... the greatest command.
Luke 19: 10
John 14: 12,15-16
Ephesians 4: 16

B. Introduction

It is nothing less than you responding to the Holy Spirit calling us to the next level.
Keep moving on from acts of ministry, or mercy, to a way of life.
Opportunities will be missed if there is a lack of real fruit of the Spirit
2 Corinthians 2: 15
Galatians 5: 22

Be considering what needs to happen to move in this direction of sharing the gospel, and...
Respond to the Holy Spirit—when He nudges you on something, write it down. Make a plan.
Communicate to those around you.
What needs to happen for your marriage to be a partnership?
We must be developing co-laborers—partnerships and community
Psalm 90: 12, 14, 17 "Establish the work of our hands"

Are you content with the fruit of your life right now?
The assessment of the seven churches of Revelation (chapters 2 - 3)

C. Life Patterns of Those Who Imitated Paul, and Shared the Gospel and Their Lives as Well
Taking small initiatives
Are you ready?
It could open many doors and bear much fruit
Speaking to people: eye contact, quick prayer.
Be light. Be hospitable

Praying and Responding as God Leads
But, what if you asked God to guide you, and you prayed? Listen to God, and then act.
If the Holy Spirit is not working in a person's life, you will get nowhere.
Agricultural metaphors, like plowing, sowing, watering, harvesting. It takes time.
John 16: 8 - 11
The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts: of sin and unbelief; in regard to true righteousness, as opposed to this human goodness; the judgment to come

Titus 3: 5 - a reminder
Ezekiel 36: 25 - 26 - God changes hearts
John 14: 12 - 15
John 8: 15 - 16
But we must "ask", and we must be His messengers.
We must remember that the goal of prayer is the ear of God. Unless that is gained, the prayer has utterly failed. The uttering of it may have kindled devotional feeling in our minds... but if the prayer has not gained the heart of God, it has utterly failed in its essential purpose.

~Charles Spurgeon

D. Third Life Pattern - Serving Others