Tools for the Christian Life: Outreach

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring the biblical process to mature our Christian life. We have considered a simple scripture-based 5-step approach, what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47. Today we will consider our last tool reaching out with the Bible to others.

Problem 

 

Unfortunately, teaching others or sharing the gospel appears to rank right below ‘going to the dentist’ among desired activities. Teleios’ research has shown that people who generally fear sharing the gospel specifically report being afraid of social rejection, offending the other person, not knowing what to say, or how to answer others’ questions (1).

 

What teaching is not

 

Teleios examined people’s habits in mentioning the gospel (a part of our outreach) (2). In a well-taught Evangelical Church, attendees indicated they conveyed the gospel to others most commonly by:

• Sharing their lives – 78%
• Praying for others – 71%
• Encouraging others – 70%
• Loving others – 68%
• Explicitly mentioning how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior – 30%

 

Although sharing our lives can be important, it does not replace actually telling someone the gospel or directly teaching the Bible. People cannot guess what we are thinking! Scripture recognizes that we do not have visual support to our faith until Christ comes again (Hebrews 2:8) so others need to hear what to believe and someone must explicitly tell them (Romans 10:14-17).

 

Why do we reach out to others regarding our faith? 

 

There are at least several reasons:

• Helps others - We know by teaching scripture God can bring people to faith and mature them in their Christian walk. This provides not only salvation but the fruits of the Spirit to empower and enhance people’s lives. Teleios research has shown that people who are Christian, especially when they are adherent, enjoy greater wellbeing (3). Teleios also has shown that Christian societies in general demonstrate improved wellbeing compared to non-Christian countries (4).

• It is a command – We are told to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2,15,24-26; 1 Timothy 4:6,16; Hebrews 5:12) which involves instructing others in the Word of God. However, teaching also may include admonishing others to correct action or thinking (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19).
• Better wellbeing – Teleios has found that people who teach and share the plan of salvation enjoy better wellbeing than those who do not. What initially seems fearful is actually enriching after a person has shared the gospel or taught God’s Word (1).
• Good judgment – The ability to teach appears to indicate maturity which is associated with accurate and efficient judgment and avoiding nasty pitfalls in life (Hebrews 5:14).
• Maturity – Being able to teach is associated with maturity, especially the attributes of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 5:12).
• Uplifting the church – The benefit of teaching others scripture or the gospel is not just for the individual but for the church itself. Teaching the Bible and the gospel is the primary way that God can grow the church and we can influence our culture (Colossians 1:5-10). Without Christians passing down the precious words of our Father to the next generation, the church certainly can suffer from lack of support and the opportunity to benefit our society.

 

The thought of teaching others can be intimidating for the reasons expressed in our research. Next time I will give you some easy practical hints about how to begin teaching other people what you already know in the Bible. Please join us then.

 

Let us get to work! The truth we possess in the Bible is good for our family, friends, and acquaintances as well as for our society!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                    info@teleiosresearch.com

Website      http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook     https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

1.     https://teleiosresearch.com/young-christians-need-help-sharing-the-gospel/

2.     https://teleiosresearch.com/gospel-survey-summary/

3.     https://teleiosresearch.com/christians-have-better-personal-wellbeing-than-non-christians/

4.     https://teleiosresearch.com/effect-perecution-country-freedom/

 

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

 

 

 

 

Tools for the Christian Life: Study God's Word

 Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a pivotal aspect to advancing in our relationship with God is a simple biblically-based 5-step approach, what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity’, taken from Acts 2:42-47. Today we will consider studying the Bible. 

We need to know the Bible! Why?

Can we just not memorize the most important verses and follow the style of Christianity we learned in our college group, church denomination or Sunday school and live a good Christian life? Unfortunately, while these organizations may be primarily based on scripture, parts of their teaching often are derived from a tradition or system rather than the faith and freedom produced from the knowledge of scripture. It is like settling for crackers when you could be enjoying steak or making your highest sporting goal to play little league baseball instead of the Major League!

Let’s examine what the Bible says.

• The Bible is an authoritative source since it comes from God through the Holy Spirit by way of the apostles (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Peter 3:16).
• We are told to know and understand God’s word (Ephesians 1:15). There are several reasons for this:

• It is a command (Colossians 1:9).
• We cannot bear fruit or know the manner by which to serve God without first knowing and understanding the Bible (Colossians 1:9-10). Accordingly, to function as a Christian, like anything in life, we need to follow the user manual.
• When we know the manual and its instructions, then the process bears much fruit in our lives. We have better wellbeing stemming from a confident relationship with God. Teleios research has actually shown that those who have more biblical knowledge have better wellbeing and less guilt than those who don’t! (1)

• It takes a little work and time, but the benefits are huge. We can have joy in:
  • Bearing fruit in our lives such as joy and peace (Galatians 5:22).
  • Seeing God work through us in others’ lives (Colossians 1:10).
  • Proving the truth His word (Romans 12:1-2).
  • Knowing Him better (Colossians 1:10).
  • Loving others in a more accurate and useful fashion (Philippians 1:9; 1 John 5:1-3).
  • Making accurate quick assessments in what is good and bad in situations and with people (Hebrews 5:14), thus keeping ourselves from entering many of life’s difficult situations.
  • Not depending on our emotions. This helps life become more stable and predictable (Hebrews 5:9-14). The Bible does not teach that Christianity is based in emotions and actually warns against it (Ephesians 4:12-16; James 1:5-8).

How do we effectively study scripture?

There are plenty of Bible study resources on Amazon.com or online that can be effective. Make sure they are Bible based. In addition, someone in your church may be able to help you. You can start effective Bible study with these basic steps:

• Download a web-based Bible study tool such as eSword (e-sword.net) or MySword (https://www.mysword.info). They are free and have multiple exciting resources to help understand scripture.
• Start with a power-packed epistle such as Ephesians or Colossians to gain essential information about Christ and our Christian life in a concise manner.
• Slow down! Take your time and follow these four basic inductive study steps:
• Observation – Ask questions about the verse.
• Interpretation– Use resources on eSword or MySword to answer your questions.
• Application– How should the verse specifically change your life today?
• Integration– What are other verses that support your interpretation so you can confidently build what you know about the topic discussed in the verse (e.g. salvation, the Holy Spirit, etc.)?

A number of helpful Bible study method books are available such as The New Joy of Discovery in Bible Study (Amazon link). These inductive methods are most helpful and will bring amazing insights out of scripture to your distinct benefit.

Know the Bible, empower your life!

Thank you for joining me today. Visit next time where we discuss the important topic assuring what we know about scripture with others. What a privilege!

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                    info@teleiosresearch.com

Website      http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook     https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

 

Tools for the Christian Life: Fellowship

 Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a pivotal part to advance our relationship with God is a simple biblically-based 5-step approach, what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows: 

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reaching others with biblical truth

 

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

 

We started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining prayer and praise. Today we will consider fellowship. 

 

Definition

 

The biblical word ‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which mean basically “communion” as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means “participation.”

 

·       Functional definition – In reality, the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining fellowship. However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually based, as described in the Bible, might be considered fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20).

 

·       What biblical fellowship is not, – One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food, games, sports, weddings, parties, etc. However, these events may or may not include true fellowship which should have a spiritual basis.

 

What does the Bible say about fellowship? 

 

The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:

 

• It occurs only between Christians – This is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Holy Spirit or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14).

 

• Do not neglect – We are not to avoid fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people to see God working in us. Please see below (Hebrews 10:15-18; Hebrews 13:15).

 

Why do we need fellowship?

 

The benefits of fellowship are assumed in scripture and are noted by the actions in which we help each other, such as our lifestyle, assisting with needs, bearing burdens, honoring, etc. (1 Timothy 4:12-16, Ephesians 5:29, Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:10).

 

How do we fellowship? 

 

True biblical fellowship can occur in many settings. Regardless the context, biblical fellowship is framed in a lifestyle that is upstanding (1 Thessalonians 2:10) and speech that helps and encourages others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:

 

·       Know God’s word – This is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not church based jargon such as “That is not my gift” or “I do not have a peace about that so I will not do it.”

 

·       Plan ahead – Consider before meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude, commendation, thought provoking questions, sharing God’s word or recounting what God has done in your own life (Colossians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:16). If you don’t know what to ask them, visit their social media accounts and learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, identify beforehand one person to target with whom to fellowship and encourage.

 

·       Listen – Be sure and listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better encourage them (James 1:19).

 

·       Control the environment – It can be very difficult to discuss godly matters in environments that are controlled by other people such as festive activities or groups of unbelieving people or non-serious Christians. If you find it difficult to have fellowship then create your own environments in which proper fellowship can occur, such as:

 

• Choose a meeting place that is quiet, without anticipated interruptions, where spiritually focused topics can be discussed.

 

• Choose the person or the people specifically to be there who also seek Christ and with whom excellent fellowship can occur.

 

Fellowship is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, providing to us encouragement, and seeing others’ lives worth mimicking; while giving us the opportunity to inspire and fortify others in the faith.

 

Fellowship is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

 

Join us next time as we continue with the next tool to maturity!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.