Evangelism Courses Appendix

Biblical Witnessing and Evangelism Courses Appendix

Evangelism Courses Appendix – Opposed to Legalism

The first portion of the Evangelism Courses Appendix is concerning Legalism – the term used for those who become ‘legalistic’ concerning any religious matters, and demand a strict straight line or set of laws that MUST be followed to be saved.  God continually condemns those religious leaders that become legalistic, because they demand others to keep laws that no man can keep. (Matt 23.1-15)

1. First, Jesus is the ONLY way for salvation
2. Second, for those who are saved, we are under grace NOT law

We have the freedom to do ANYTHING, because we are under grace, and as God children His desires become our desires and we use that freedom to do all things Good!

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.  – Rom 3.28

The law is used to convict sinners that they need to cling to a savior or they will perish. Christians sin just as much as anyone else, but have the conviction of the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will and build up His kingdom on earth which in the hearts of every regenerate man.

A true believer is not to be legalistic demanding others to keep any of the laws of God, but understand that everything about God is of love and giving to others. That all the laws and prophets, all of the commandments of God are summed up simply by loving God and loving others. (Gal 5.14)

Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation

Depending on how someone interprets this question it could be either ‘yes’ or ‘no’!

Do you have to repent to be saved, the answer is yes in the  understanding that you must ‘TURN TOWARDS GOD’ and away form sin in your heart or better:

You must turn your heart to Jesus on the cross and trust in Him and what He did on the cross as the eternal work for your payment for your salvation.

We are NOT saved BECAUSE we repented (there is nothing we can Do to be saved), it is because of what Jesus did on the cross that we have the fullness of salvation. There is no sin you can turn away from or action that you can DO that will save you; it is the belief that Jesus already took away all of your sins on the cross, and paid the payment for your sin ‘debt,’ but you must turn to Him first.

(Rom 10.9) As believer on earth we will continue to sin until we die (Rom 7.24; 1 John 1.10), but repentance is the continuing throughout all your life to turn to God, trusting in Him for everything, and when we fail we turn back to Him, constantly (Pro 24.16). When He reveals some sin in our lives to us, we become sorrowful that we have broken our Fathers heart (Eze 36.26-27; Ps 51.17), and turn to Him again and again until we die, forsaking sin and our own way and seeking God’s way constantly.

Simplicity in Christ

Ultimately, the entire matter simply comes down to this:

The reason we MUST repent and believe is because repentance is the turning away from sin towards God.

If we truly trust and believe God how can we live a life of continually turning away from God and live a life of sinfulness?

How can someone turn towards God to trust Him if they do not first turn away from sin and their own selfishness. Many think they are turning towards God in believing him with joy because they have a deeper motive in their hearts to ‘get’ something form God to feed their selfishness (like promises of joy and peace in their lives)

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19.  You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20.  Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?  – James 2.18-20

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,  – Acts 3.19

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,  – Acts 17.30

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  – Luke 13.3

Is It OK To Be Friends With Sinners?

We know that bad company corrupts good morals, but we just need to make sure we are spending more time with Jesus then other people that can influence in a bad direction.  Jesus cleanses us form the world, and when we feel we are slipping too far in one direction, its time to seek God’s face gain and His will in the things we are doing.

I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; 10. not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: 11. but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.  – 1 Corinthians 5.9-11

Jesus was friends with sinner, He still is; we are all sinners (believers are constantly battling sin & seeking the savior)!

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17. And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.  – Mark 2.16-17

The question is, are we seeking to loving our friends the way Jesus loves us, and share the gospel with them when opportunities arise; are we creating those opportunities to get to witness to them? Are we praying for our friends salvation?

Witnessing Moments

I have told a few little lies, will God send me to hell for tellign one little lie?

are you saying that your sins are really no big deal?

i guess?

how many lies have you told, one, two or more?

i would say quite a few

what does that make you?

not a liar, thats too harsh a word for me

if you tell one lie, that makes you a liar

no way

if you kill one person, it makes you a murdere, if you rob one person, it makes you a robber, if you commit adultery it makes you an adulterer; it doesnt matter how long ago you did somethign either, it stays on your record.

okay

If you heard a judge gave someone a $5 fine you would conclude it wasnt a very serious crime, but it is was $50,000 you would know that person did something very serious. The punishment reflects the crime; your sins may seem small to you, but to God it is an insult agianst His perfect infinite Eternal Glory and he will destroy all sin and sinner on the day of judgement.

hmm

so you can see you have a multitude of sins, unless you repent you will perish, and God will punish you in His wrath forever.

i see

God Loved you so much He provided a way for you to turn form your sins and live a life for Him, all you have to do is trust in Jesus and give your life to Him and God gives everlasting life as His free gift. He wants us to walk with Him and treasure Him above everything else in our lives. God has given you everything you have ever had and always been right there in your life, waiting for you.

It sounds pretty intense

This is the promise of God

References – Appendix

Living Waters Ministry – Ray Comfort – The Way of the Master Series