Groups in the New Testament by Frank Hunting

"Faith is for weak people!" Ray Comfort Interview

I was once having a discussion with a person at an end of year function.

I was sharing how I became a Christian.

I was told that I was a weak person and all people who believed in God, Jesus were weak.

I found that a very sad statement.

Ray Comfort's new book addresses that statement and thought as does this interview

I follow Ray Comfort on his Youtube  channel.

"Living Waters".

Here he is being interviewed by Eric Metaxas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WnY6CwSo6k

Be stretched from your current thinking perhaps.

Her is a link to one of his normal programs at Living Waters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4qxWUl1HsM

Finding Common Ground

-->

Sermon Parkrose 4/2/18  “Finding Common Ground”

 

I became a Christian in the Church of Christ at Grote Street. They had a very active Dorcas group while I was there.

1 Corinithians 9:22-23

“----------Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”

I find it a great joy to have the privilege of sharing my thoughts with this congregation when ever my name comes up on the roster.

I also have a similar joy when I speak in the 2 Renmark Uniting Churches occasionally.

It is wonderful that in the some Church denominations there is a principle, a Biblical principle I believe, of the priesthood of all believers.

In some traditions you have to formally trained before they will let you loose on a congregation.

That is not such a bad thing.

You would hope that with a well trained priest or pastor you would get given sound instruction.

In our passage today Paul is talking about how to win people’s confidence, he becomes all things to all people.

He tries to find something in common with them so he can engage in conversation that hopefully will lead to him being able to share the Gospel.

Do you do that in your own life?

When you meet someone new do you try to find out what their interests are to see if you have something in common.

I confess I do that all the time.

I know that Wilf and Barbara like bird watching.

So do I.

I know that Peter our Chaplain loves yachting and folk music and gospel music.

I was never into yachting but my dad was,

and I grew up a fan of Peter ,Paul and Mary.

I know that Shirley comes from Victor Harbor and that her family name is prominent in the early days of Victor Harbor.

I also know her son and grandson are involved with the same cricket club I used to play with.

I would like to think I could go round the whole congregation here and have something in common with everyone.

I don’t think I could do that yet.

I should be aiming at that though.

Mind you when you ask someone what their hobby or interest is you might want to make sure you have time to listen because they might have just been aching to talk to someone.

So when you ask that question you might need to be a little “long suffering” like God is with all the yet to be saved sinners.

Do you know that is the reason given in the Bible why Jesus has not yet returned as He said he would?

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

^{2 Peter 3
8} But don’t forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. ⁹ He isn’t really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent. ¹⁰ The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up.”

There are some great principles Paul gives us in today’s passage for what is really the art of Christian Conversation.

Remember that book that came out years ago?

“how to win friends and influence them”

My middle son gave me a copy of that one day and said "you should read this dad.

It’s been a huge help to me. My favourite book."

He is a successful Real Estate salesman at present and he amazes me with his people skills.

So let’s look at what Paul says, for as Christians, we need to win friends and influence them in the direction of Jesus.

^"20 When I am with the Jews I seem as one of them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ."

Paul of course had been brought up a Jew and it was relatively easy for him to converse with them.

In the same way it may be easy for us to converse with those of our own culture.

The dinky di Aussies!

Mind you the dinky di Aussies might be challenging for us.

Dirty jokes!,

Bad language!

entertainment that is very morally wrong,

to name a few.

20 continued."When I am with Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies I don’t argue, even though I don’t agree, because I want to help them."

A good principle here to avoid argument.

Where people have their own beliefs about things like diet and even football it is a good idea not to argue about these.

Argument can quickly sidetrack you however much you think the other person is wrong.

^"21 When with the heathen I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence^[a] and help them too."

It is a good idea to engage in cultural activities with others to the best of your ability without compromising your faith.

This principle of agreeing where you can without compromising your faith is a very good strategy.

There are times when you have to quietly and graciously disagree.

I remember a time when a friend was getting married and he was having what the call a “buck’s night” before the wedding.

They proposed a visit to a striptease establishment.

I politely declined attendance and gave my reasons.

To their credit all those guys decided not to go there also.

When I think about these strategies of Paul, and how we can use them too, an idea came to me.

By identifying with people where they are at it gives people a sense of acceptance.

They are appreciating we are showing interest.

The need for acceptance is universal.

Acceptance amongst family

At work

At Church

With your spouse

With those who care for you.

And most importantly that God accepts us.

Many of us suffer from feelings of inferiority and rejection,

But God accepts us.

He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for us and draw us to Him.

For most of us who have become Christians it may have been as we have listened to a preacher do his thing.

But it is usually because a Christian has taken the trouble to find some common ground and befriend us and bring us to a point where we are happy to hear the Gospel and receive Jesus.

You know John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, his cousin, so that we would recognize him when He came.

And Jesus became like us.

He trod the same earth as us.

There is a wonderful verse that simply says

Ephesians 1

^“6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

“Accepted in the beloved”

accepted by Jesus.

Accepted by God.

How wonderful!

As we go our separate ways this morning let us endeavor to find common ground with those around us.

Common ground is not hard to find if you are looking for it.

It can be simply that meeting in the coffee shop here is a place of common ground where conversations can start and friendships develop.

The bowls mornings that Dean and Valmai organize are a great place for common interest and friendship.

So lets communicate how God would have us do.

Full of accepting love and no judgement!

Let us be the bringer of the good news of Jesus to others.

Years ago in most Churches of Christ in Australia they had "Dorcas" groups.

These groups were based on the activities of Dorcas in the Bible. 

These were groups of ladies who met regularly making all manner of thins for people using their sewing skills.

It brought a lot of like minded people together.

Doing good things with their domestic skills.

"Acts 9

³⁶Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. ³⁷At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. ³⁸Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” ³⁹So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. ⁴²This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord."

We in effect, when we find common ground, can be the voice of Jesus to those who desperately need to hear His call.

Amen

-->

 

 Bible Passage

1 Corinthians 9:16-23Living Bible (TLB)

¹⁶ For just preaching the Gospel isn’t any special credit to me—I couldn’t keep from preaching it if I wanted to. I would be utterly miserable. Woe unto me if I don’t.
¹⁷ If I were volunteering my services of my own free will, then the Lord would give me a special reward; but that is not the situation, for God has picked me out and given me this sacred trust, and I have no choice. ¹⁸ Under this circumstance, what is my pay? It is the special joy I get from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, never demanding my rights.
¹⁹ And this has a real advantage: I am not bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ. ²⁰ When I am with the Jews I seem as one of them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ. When I am with Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies I don’t argue, even though I don’t agree, because I want to help them. ²¹ When with the heathen I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence^[a] and help them too.
²² When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it all and don’t say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. ²³ I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.

Whatever happened to Evangelism? A challenge for young Christians and not so young.

A Churches of Christ Tent Mission from way back. I think these were conducted by E C Henriksen.Note the blackboard at the front with clear instructions on salvation

I became a Christian in 1974.

My wife and I were a product of the "Jesus" revolution of the 1970's.

The signature symbol  of the movement was the one way logo with the hand with index finger pointed to the sky.

My wife became a Christian about 3 years before I did.

There was a world wide movement of God's Holy Spirit reaching out to young people fresh from the 60's cultural revolution.

There was a lot of rebellion in that time world wide. Check the stuff online.

There started to be a revival around the world that was complemented by a thriving Christian Music Industry and dynamic Preachers and Evangelists and testimonies of many people, some pop celebrities, telling how they had found Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

The paraphrased "Living Bible", which put the Bible in today's language, was a major tool in this movement.
I still find it my main "go to" Bible.

The Gospel was very enticing and  proposed without fear or favour.

Paul Stukey of Peter Paul and Mary became a Christian when a young "Jesus Freak" aproached him backstage at a concert and boldy presented him with the Gospel. Apparently Paul had been searching for answers prior to this happening.
Barry Maguire the famous singer of the Protest Era anthem ,"The Eve of Destruction" became a Christian.
He this day seems to still be a Christian but like many  he has changed his views on some things along the way.

He featured in a very popular Gospel Musical  called "the Witness".
My wife sang in the choir in an Adelaide production of this.

Keith Green, Christian Musician and Evangelist, a little bit further along the continuum, became a huge influence.
He made his albums of Gospel music free if you couldn't afford the price and his concerts had huge attendances and a strong challenge for Christian Commitment.
He met an untimely death aged 28 in a plane crash.
http://www.lastdaysministries.org/ 

To "witness", to tell of your faith and what Jesus had done for you and what was possible for your "witnessee" was the norm for new Christians in the evangelical tradition.
We were trained in how to do this and the booklet "The Four Spiritual Laws" produced by Campus Crusade for Christ was widely used.
In fact when I became a Christian my Pastor used it to help summarise for me what I was doing the night I responded to the Gospel invitation after an evening service.

I have seen many people both "famous" and "nobodies" along the journey profess Jesus as their saviour.
Sadly some fall by the wayside which is a "normal" happening when you take into consideration the parable of the sower.

These days, in the city of Adelaide,South Australia, I see little evidence of a vibrant Christian movement in our Churches.

Perhaps I don't get out much.

There have been many great revivals over the years but there seems to be a lack of anything like revival in these times.

People seem to have lost sight of the Power of The Cross of Christ and instead water the Gospel down with all sorts of promises of experiences and "connecting " with God.

We hardly connect with each other let alone God.

My wife and I and others were fortunate to be exposed to some very balanced and Biblical teaching.

What seems to be lacking today is for example:

1.  a spirit of discernment. The whole idea of if you stand for nothing you fall for anything seems to be well and truly operating.

2. A thorough Biblical understanding of the Christian conversion process and progression from there.

3. An accurate theology on the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit.

4. The recognition of who the Christian's enemy is and the weapons God has given us to combat the enemy.

5. The need to preach the Cross only and to recognise that when you do that people are confronted with Jesus.

6. An understanding of the three most important things. The Book, The Blood and The Blessed Hope.

I have been going back through some of the writings of some of my predecessors in the denomination in which I have hung my hat.

One of our mottos was we are not the only Christians but Christians only.

A good motto I think.

About 130 or more years ago Adelaide people had a hunger for the Gospel.

Gospel Meetings were attended by large crowds.

See this written account by HS Earl who was a visiting Evangelist from America called to Australia by the Churches of Christ.

this was in 1866.

"ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA,      

Editors of British Harbinger.--
      The past month has been one of unusual interest; indeed it stands without a parallel in the history of the cause we plead, or any other religious body, in Australia. Our audiences have been overwhelming, the interest most solemn and profound, and the results most soul-inspiring. Last Lord's day, August 26, I preached in the New Town Hall to the largest audience ever congregated for religious purposes in South Australia. It is estimated by the press and others, that upwards of 2,200 were present, and more than 500 were unable to gain admittance. All available space was occupied, and hundreds stood during the whole service. The most marked attention was given by this vast assemblage, and a profound interest prevailed. All classes and creeds were represented--The Mayor of the city, Councilors, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Lawyers, Doctors, Merchants, Artisans, and Mechanics--Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Universalists, &c. At the close of the discourse several persons confessed their faith in Christ. Last week I baptized the largest number of persons ever baptized at one time in South Australia, and the meeting was one of intense interest. During the past month no less than forty-three persons "have been baptized into Christ" and added to the Church of Christ, and several others have confessed their faith in Christ, and will be "buried with him in baptism" to-night, (D.V.) Thus the cause of "Pure Christianity" is advancing most gloriously in South Australia, and would soon occupy the foremost rank in power and influence, if we could only get several able and devoted Evangelists in the field. The Brethren are very anxious to hear that the Evangelist sent for from America is on his way hither. We sincerely hope there will be no delay. Now is the time he is specially needed here, as also the one sent for for Victoria. "The harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers are few.
H. S. EARL,  "

People waiting to hear the Gospel

Indeed the labourers are few.

You might say today's citizens of Adelaide are a lot more "sophisticated" than the people of that day.

Mores the pity.

We think we have made progress with our technology, out theories of evolution, our anything goes type of society.

Our so called "wisdom" is our downfall.

We have been caught like frogs in "the boiling frog" analogy.

As the Apostle Paul puts it.:

1 Corinthians 1

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”^[a]

²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²² Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Young person or older person will you become a "fool" for God?

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."