Introduction
- Great commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
- Needs of others
- Gospel = good news (about Jesus)
Two opposite dangers
Key = it arises out of a relationship; co-operation with Spirit of God
I. Presence
(Matthew 5:13-16) We are called to be salt and light (v. 13-14)
When people know we are Christians, they watch our lives (v. 16) e.g. spouses “…if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ” (1 Peter 3:1, 2)
II. Persuasion
“Since… we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people” (2 Corinthians 5:11); (Acts 17:2-4)
Work out the answers to common questions
e.g. “What about other religions?” “How can a God of love allow suffering?”
III. Proclamation
(John 1:39-42)
- “Come… and you will see” We are not all called to be “evangelists” but we are all called to be “witnesses” (v.41)
- Explain ourselves
IV. Power
- Do and tell
- A miracle arouses great interest! (Acts 3)
V. Prayer
- For them – to open blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- For ourselves – to have boldness (Acts 4:39-31)
Conclusion :
Don’t give up (Romans 1:16)
November 30 2009 | The Alpha Course | No Comments »
How can I be filled with the Spirit?
I. What happens when people experience the Holy Spirit?
Outpouring of the Spirit in Acts:
- Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4)
- Samaria (Acts 8:14-17)
- Paul (Acts 9:17-19)
- Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6)
II. What did they experience?
What happened to Cornelius and his household when the Spirit came upon them?
(Acts 10:44-46)
- They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit “…the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers… were amazed” (Acts 10:44, 45)
Experience is different for everyone
(Acts 8:16); (Ephesians 3:17b-20); (Romans 5:5)
Fruit of the Spirit
2. They were released in praise “For they heard them … praising God” (Acts 10:46)
-
- Fear of emotion
- All relationships should involve emotions
- Private versus public
- Emotion versus emotionalism
3. They received a new language “For they heard them speaking in tongues” (Acts 10:46)
a) What is the gift of tongues?
- A form of prayer (1 Corinthians 14:2)
- Builds up individual
- Transcends language barrier (1 Corinthians 14:14)
- Speaker is full control
b) Not all Christians speak in tongues
- Not necessarily a sign of being filled with the Spirit
- There are no first or second-class Christians
- It is not the most important gift
C) Why is it helpful?
- Praise/worship
- praying for oneself
- praying for others
d) Does the New Testament approve?
- (1 Corinthians 14)
- Context excessive public use
- Nevertheless… (vv.39, 5, 18)
- Private versus public
e) How do we receive this gift?
- “Eagerly desire” (1 Corinthians 14:1)
- Ask God
- Co-operate with the Spirit
- Believe
- Persevere
III. What are the common hindrances to being filled with the Spirit?
3 barriers (Luke 11:9-13)
- doubt (vv.9, 10)
- fear (vv.11-13)
- inadequacy (v.13)
How can I resist evil?
Introduction
Reality of spiritual warfare
Satan = Fallen angel? (Isaiah 14, Luke 10:17-20)
Old Testament : (Job 1, 1 Chronicles 21:1)
New Testament : A personal, spiritual being who is in active rebellion against God and has the leadership of many demons like himself (Ephesians 6:11, 12)
Not to be underestimated
I. Why should we believe in the existence of the devil?
1) Biblical (Scripture)
- Old Testament
- Jesus
- Peter ( 1 Peter 5:8-11)
- Paul (Ephesians 6:11, 12)
2) Christians down through the ages ( tradition)
- Church fathers
- Reformers
- Ordinary Christians
3) Common sense (reason)
Mistaken views:
- Unhealthy interest (Deuteronomy 18:10)
- Disbelief
II. What are the devil’s tactics?
1) Aims to destroy (John 10:10)
2) Blinds people (2 Corinthians 4:4)
3) Doubt (Genesis 3); (Matthew 4:3, 6)
4) Temptation (Genesis 3:6)
Permission, prohibition, penalty
Consequences of disobedience (Genesis 3)
- Shame/embarrassment (v.7)
- Friendship with God broken – “they hid” (v.8); – “afraid” (v.10)
- They blamed each other (v.12)
5) Accusation
- Accuses God
- Accuses Christians before God (Revelation 12:10)
III. What is our position?
Dominion of Darkness Kingdom of Light
Satan Jesus
Sin Forgiveness
Slavery to sin Slaves of God (ie Freedom in Christ)
Death Life
Destruction Salvation
Colossians 1:13
Satan defeated on the cross (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus’ disciples given authority over demons (Luke 10:17-20)
IV. How do we defend ourselves?
“Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11)
1) Belt of truth (v.14) A grounding in Christian doctrine/truth to counter Satan’s lies (John 8:32)
2) Breastplate of righteousness (v.14)
The righteousness of Christ given to us (Philippians 3:9). To protect the heart against guilt and condemnation
3) Boots of the gospel of peace (v.15). The readiness to speak of Christ (Isaiah 52:7-10)
4) Shield of faith (v.16)
The opposite of cynicism and scepticism
5) Helmet of salvation (v.17)
Past, present, future To protect the mind against doubt and accusation
6) Sword of the Spirit (v.17)
The Word of God. The only offensive piece of armour (Hebrews 4:12)
V. How do we attack?
“the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). The kingdom of God advances through:
1) Prayer – “The weapons we fight with are the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
2) Action (Luke 7:22)
- Preaching the gospel
- Cast out demons
- Healing the sick, etc.
November 29 2009 | The Alpha Course | No Comments »
