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What religion are you?

What religion are you?. 5-9-06. Premise:. Relationships lead to following questions: What religion are you? Are you a Christian? What church do you go to? (attend). Must prepare to answer.

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What religion are you?

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  1. What religion are you? 5-9-06

  2. Premise: Relationships lead to following questions: • What religion are you? • Are you a Christian? • What church do you go to? (attend)

  3. Must prepare to answer 1 Pet 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ...

  4. ? ?

  5. Motives behind the question • Casual Conversation • Your life or behavior has sparked interest • Hidden agendas such as • They desire to convert you • They think you are narrow • They are burned by religion already

  6. Words make believers • John 4:41 And because of his words many more became believers • Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. • 1 Cor 15:2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

  7. Entrusted with Words • NIV Romans 3:1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.

  8. What holds back your answer? • 1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. • Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

  9. Timid? • 1 Pet 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. • 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…

  10. Possible outcomes • They write you off into some category in their mind • They consider you part of a cult • They are left hungry for more information • (A seed has been planted)

  11. Specifics about the answer • It should be pleasing, well seasoned, timely, graceful. • It should NEVER be arguing 2 Tim 2:14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

  12. Scriptural Examples 1 1 cor 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 27 If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. We might react like “I cant eat with filthy heathen!”

  13. Scriptural Examples 2 Acts 17:16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. He could have reacted like: • Jer 25:6 Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger..." The third commandment. • Instead he started “I see that you are very religious…”

  14. Answer scenarios Your answer must fit the setting • I love God (With all my…) • Christian (N.T. Christian) • Follow the teachings of Jesus • My life is hidden with Christ • I am a new creature • I am already dead

  15. Valid names • Rom 16:16 “churches of Christ” • 54 references “church at location” • “The Way” Acts 19:9; 24:15,22 • First Christian Acts 11:26 • Church of the Nazarene Acts 24:5 • Acts 4:10 It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

  16. Inviting to church • More than 60 percent of the people who attend were invited by another member. • While not the preferred method of conversion, it can work. 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

  17. Badmouthing Christ owns the church • Matthew 16:18 ... built one church • Ephesians 5:25 ... died for one church Acts 20:28 • It is his pure bride. Do your part to make the Bride Attractive"…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Tit. 2:10). Who would dare badmouth someone's bride?

  18. Pray for words • Eph 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

  19. Pray for words • Col 3:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

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