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This envelope represents the message that God has entrusted to His children to deliver to the nations.

But how do we deliver the message? 
It needs a....     
   

S.T.A.M.P.
Dr. Marcus Warner,  Sr. Pastor
River Oaks Community Church

   
This acrostic represents the five key areas in which we need to be prepared if we want to be effective in taking the good news of salvation to others. 

   

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S.       Style

Everybody has their own style of sharing the good news with others that is related to their unique spiritual gift.  The question is not, “Do I have the gift of evangelism, but how do I use my gift in evangelism?” 

1.      Invitational Evangelism.  Andrew invited his brother Peter to “come and see” Jesus.  In the same way, many people are natural “inviters.”  In every church, ten to twenty percent of the people invite eighty percent of the visitors. 

2.      Party Evangelism.  Matthew threw a party so his friends could meet Jesus in a “seeker friendly” environment.  A great way to introduce people to Christ is to invite them to a party in your home, in which you let them know that an inspirational speaker will be sharing.  This can be particularly effective at holidays (like Christmas) or special occasions (like the Super Bowl).  

3.      Servant Evangelism.  Dorcas made gifts of love for friends and neighbors.  Her acts of service and kindness opened doors to hearts that might otherwise have been closed. 

4.      Focus Group Evangelism.  Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles.  Some of you may have a burning passion for a particular group of people with a unique need children, single parents, financially needy, a particular ethnic group, et al. 

 

T.     Testimony

Every follower of Christ has a story to tell.  Your story may reflect how you came to Christ later in life and the change that took place as a result.  Or, your story may reflect how, growing up as a follower of Christ, His provision has made a difference in your life. 

 

A.     Apologetics

Some people love the intellectual challenge of answering people’s questions about the Christian faith.  But even if you are not wound that way, it is important to know the basics about why you believe.  Can you name three key reasons why you believe?  Followers of Christ need to study in order to be prepared to give a reason for their hope. 

 

M.    Message

When the moment comes to explain the message of salvation, would you know what to do?  The bridge diagram makes it easy. 

Take a piece of paper (or a napkin) and draw two boxes depicting the fact that man is separated from God because of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23a). 

 

 

Explain that RELIGION is man’s effort to reach God by DO-ing.   Religion relies on good works to get to God.  But the Bible says that good works will always fall short. 

 

Draw a cross to connect the boxes and explain that what we could not do for ourselves, Christ did for us by dying on the cross.  Because of what Christ has DONE, we can have a RELATIONSHIP with God, if we receive the gift of salvation purchased for us by Christ on the cross.

Ask if this all makes sense.  Then ask where they see themselves on this diagram.  Give some options:

a)      “Do you see yourself already across the bridge?”  (If they say, ‘Yes” Ask them to share when and how this happened to be sure they really understand the gospel) 

b)      “Do you see yourself running away from the bridge?” (If they say, “Yes” you may ask them to explain, but be sure to ask, “Is that where you want to be?”)

c)      “Do you see yourself right next to the bridge?” (If they say, “Yes,” you should ask, “Is there any reason you can think of why you wouldn’t want to take that step today and begin a relationship with God through Christ?”) 

To explain how to cross the bridge, you can do one of two things (or both). 

1.      Draw a circle next to the diagram with a chair in the middle of the circle and explain that when we are born we all declare ourselves “Lord of the ring.”  In a sense, we tell God, “You can run the rest of the universe, but I am going to run my life.”  When we choose to receive the gift of salvation, we are not only inviting God into our life; we are offering him the throne of our life. 

 

2.      Offer to pray with them (offer to let them repeat after you):

Father in heaven,

I admit I am a moral failure and that I am separated from you by sin.  Please forgive me.  I know I need a relationship with you, and today, I receive the gift of salvation purchased for me by Jesus Christ.  Amen

 

 

P.     Plan

A simple three-step plan (popularized by the Lighthouse Movement) can help you take the initiative to reach people with the Gospel message. 

 

Prayer.  Ask God to bring to your mind three to five people who have yet to receive the gift of salvation.  Begin praying for them and asking God to soften their hearts and open doors for the Gospel into their lives.  Get to know the people in your neighborhood and pray for them regularly. 

 

Care.  Take the initiative to perform acts of kindness for people in your community.  You can help with projects, take a card and flowers to people who are ill, prepare a meal for someone in need, invite someone to a non-spiritual social event, or find a unique way to show you care.

 

Share.  When the opportunity presents itself, initiate spiritual conversations.  Share your testimony, or invite someone to an event at which they will hear the Gospel. 

 

Following these five principles will prepare you to carry out the work of evangelism with confidence and effectiveness.  Remember, God is searching with someone whose heart belongs fully to Him that He can use for any assignment on earth.  Is that person you? 

   

Dr. Marcus Warner River Oaks Community Church Carmel, Indiana November 25, 2001

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Also Visit Their
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