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Text Box: Evangelism programs can take many forms. Bible studies, youth programs, nurturing, even the good old fashion street corner evangelism all make up the many facets of our Great Commission. However, let’s take a look at some of the Apostle Paul’s commentary on sharing. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he calls the local church the “household of God.” Webster defines a household as “a family, including servants.” It is interesting that Paul did not reference God’s church as an organization, or even a business or a club but a “household.” Paul saw the family of God meeting together for a holy purpose, for fellowship, worship and service. How does one enter God’s special household? Membership is through the Word (1 Peter 1:23) and by being born of the Spirit (John 3:1-6). So what does all of this have to do with the sharing of one’s faith? To be effective, evangelism must be directed at activities that support God’s plan for building His household.

Text Box: Paul saw the importance of sharing the Gospel’s message of hope and of building disciples for Christ. He also saw the importance of building churches that not only lived the truth but also preserved the truth. Churches capable of teaching the Word of God, not only for today, but for the generations to come. Paul states further in Ephesians, “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…..” Any outreach program must begin with people. It is not our task to preserve the TRUTH, as in a museum, but to develop the truth within the lives of our families, friends, co-workers and communities. This is done first by providing living examples, as if in a household, reflecting back to our world what God’s house looks like; a welcoming place, a joyful place, a place filled with hope. If it wasn’t, who would want to live in it?

Text Box: In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he tells Timothy to deposit the truth with faithful people and not just any believer. Paul is pointing out that we have two callings: One to build disciples and the other to build disciplers. In 2 Timothy 2:2, we find these words, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Without the disciplers, the teachers of our faith is but one generation away from extinction. While God prepares each of us for service, Paul reminds us that in order for evangelism to work, people are needed who know the truth, the Scriptural truth. Each group of Christians, whether a formal church or an informal gathering of believers, must work to build teachers of the faith. This requires a commitment of time and attention to nurture a few household members. Before you plan for a hundred people, plan for just a few. Look what Christ did with just twelve good men. Your tip: Start small, thing big but most of all start and think. God is calling all of us to do His good work. A new world awaits and it can happen one person at a time.

Text Box: Preserving the Truth for the future

God’s House

Text Box: Effective sharing is not about the numbers. Small steps, spall groups and faithful people are the formula for success. Disciplers build disciples. If each person shares there faith with just one person a year, the peace we all seek can become a reality in our children’s lifetime. Check ListÖ Do you know a few people that you can spend time with as a mentor? Do you know someone can hold you accountable to the task at hand? Who is your mentor? Do you know your gifts? Does your “Household” reflect the Gospel?” Do you pray often for God tp clearly present His will to you? Are you a good listener?