Declaring the Praises of God

How does the prospect of an hour talking about evangelism (or‘mission’ or ‘witness’) make you feel? Why?

1 Thess 2v1-9

Let’s learn from the Apostle Paul and follow him as he follows Christ:What was central to Paul’s mission to the Thessalonians? Why?What methods and motives did he reject in his mission?What methods and motives did he embrace?‘We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God butour lives as well’ (v8). Why was this so important for Paul and hismissionary team?

“If opportunity presents itself, the gospel should be spoken clearly and sensitively and in conscious dependence upon the Holy Spirit – whenever, wherever and to whomever. But evangelism is

best

done out of the context of a gospel community whose life demonstrates thereality of the word that gave her life.”

(Steve Timmis & Tim Chester)Do you agree? Would the Apostle Paul?

Group A Group B

John 13v34,35 1 Peter 3v13-17“As I have loved you” – look in theverses before and after. Howdoes Jesus love his disciples?What is the link between ourchurch family life and evangelism?How might Jesus’ disciples loveone another in this way? Can youthink of examples from the Bookof Acts which describe this lovebetween Christians?How will people see your Christ-like love for one another?Who asks the questions here?Who is taking the initiative?Why are the questions asked?What specifically are thequestions being asked about?What is the link between doinggood, resisting retaliation whenpersecuted, and the hope thatChristians have?How will people see your ‘gooddeeds’ sufficiently well to askquestions?You could also see John 17v20-23.Two conclusions so far:1)

The proclamation of the gospel message of Jesus Christ is central. Itis a message to be spoken, to be heard and to be believed in, by thepower of the Holy Spirit.2)

The life of the church family is ‘the hermeneutic of the gospel’(Lesley Newbigin) and the best apologetic of the gospel. Ideally,people need to see our church family life together.