Friday, December 28, 2007
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2 comments:
I really felt that Ed Silvoso is going to be a writer that I am really going to like. I feel like one of those "shy" Christians (although increasingly less so) that he is referring to and I am glad he recognizes and is addressing the issue of how awkward sharing one's faith is.
In chapter two, I think he really lays down a good set of principles. The fact that he defines prayer evangelism as pretty much "Talking to God about people before talking to people about God" really helped to remind me that about the perspective Christians have in going into evangelism. In this note I really appreciated Ed's honesty in how he used to view the lost, especially as he prayed for them and the way that God convicted his heart about it. I am guilty of the same if not more, rancor and impatience with the unsaved. It really spoke to my heart about humility, love, hope and patience for those "industrial strength sinners." I want to get to a point where I am neither condescending nor haughty but just real, honest, and relying on God to do the talking. Its like I read recently in 1st Corinthians 1:4
"For in Him you have been enriched in every single way, in all your speaking and in all your knowledge - because the testimony about Christ was confirmed in you"
Our knowledge about God and the words we speak about Him are not perfected in us, but due to what Christ has done in us. That in mind, what do you guys think of Silvoso's core strategy?
1. Speak peace to them
2. Fellowship with them
3. Take care of their needs (pray about their needs)
4. Proclaim the Good News
This is based on Jesus' exhortation in the Great Commission in Luke 10:5,8,9)
"Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace be to this house." And whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, "The Kingdom of God has come near to you"
How do you guys think we follow this order of speaking peace, having fellowship, taking care of needs, and proclaiming the Gospel in ENCM and as individuals?
I personally think we have done a pretty good job through the principles of relationship evangelism of following this model, however, reading this was still pretty revolutionary to me insofar as how I have dealt with people that God has been calling me to minister to. Its amazing how I think of my self as a super-friendly guy, but the real meaning of Christian charity and friendship, getting down in the trenches and gutter with someone with the sincere purpose of lifting them out, I've pretty much balked at. I can go into detail but I don't want to post too long, and I am interested in your thoughts on the book thus far!
Have we been applying this as ENCM and as individuals, and in what wa
I agree with Obinna that Ed Silvoso is a great author. Obs and I come from different aspects of the Christian tradition, as many of you know. It is a recent development that I have more than a handful of friends who are Christian. Since my salvation at the end of my sophomore year of high school I have spent the majority of my time with people who could not really care less about Jesus Christ and how He was the Lamb without blemish, dying for their sins that they may go to Heaven. In fact, some of them find this a laughable idea.
With these relationships, however, I can tell you that I have found out that Mr. Silvoso is pretty locked on with his ideas of speaking peace to people. My relationships with my family have improved dramatically now that I have spoken peace over them for years and not believed the lie of the enemy that we will never be close. Other friends, at home and at vandy, have confided things in me that are sources of deep pain and massive hurt. The only thing I can do in response is pray and speak life and peace to them in person.
We can talk about this more at the retreat and we can all consider Obinna's questions.
I leave with this quote, "Prayer is the most tangible trace of eternity in the human heart." Seek eternity with all you have. I know I will.
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