Weekly Ministry Tip #8 Spring 2014
The Most Powerful Name Of Our Time
Often in conversations with non-believers, saying the word “God” seems to be okay for the most part. I could mention other “gods,” religion or religious figures – no big deal. But soon as you say the word “Jesus Christ” we might be met with acceptance, or we could be faced with skepticism. We might be ignored or told “I’m not interested”.
Here is what Jesus faced when He began to reveal who He was in front of the religious leaders of His time. Read Luke 4:16-30 to catch the full context. Below is verses 17-21 and 28-30 for a snapshot of His preaching and the response by the religious leaders and others.
And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17-21, ESV)
When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.
There were many who accepted His message and were truly changed. There were others who wanted to kill Him because of what He said and what He stood for. Here are just 6 of many powerful reasons that Jesus and His message was repulsive to others.
- He truly forgave sins: Mark 2:4-12 (only God can do that).
- He did not conform to the laws of the religious leaders and He confirmed the Old Testament Scriptures: Luke 4:16-37 as written above.
- He had all authority: Luke 4:31-37.
- He claimed to be God: John 14:9.
- Jesus healed the sick and performed many other miracles: Luke 5:12-16.
- To confirm all the above – He rose from the dead. He is alive today: Luke 24:1-7.
As 1 Corinthians 1:18 as well as other passages tell us:
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
We know that the name of Christ can bring forgiveness and deliverance to those who place their faith in Him. But it can be a turn off to others. Never be discouraged with preaching the message of Christ. We know that it can be a divisive topic but it is the only message that will lead others into an eternal relationship with God.
March Madness Is Here
Yes, March Madness is upon us if you’re a collegiate basketball fan. But also, be thinking about how you might share the Gospel message on your campus or environment in a big way this month. You could host a Final-Four basketball party and then share a video clip of the Duck Dynasty testimony on “I Am Second” web page. This could be done during an intermission or at the end. You could also show a testimony clip of any one of these successful athletes, musicians, and business leaders. Be creative.
Soularium – Get The Picture
Soularium is a creative evangelistic idea that can work well in many situations. It is engaging, interactive and can give you a clear opportunity to share the gospel message with others. Be sure you have trained everyone in understanding how to share the Gospel if you have not done that with new people yet. Keep making Christ a central topic of conversation in your environment or ministry situation.
Talk to you next week,
Ben