2008-08-20T18:14:39Z http://blog.ercevangelism.com/comments/atom.aspx Quick Blog tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-08-19:1292328 Tom Myers http://mtpleasanterc.cggc.org 2008-08-19T11:37:55Z 2008-08-19T11:37:55Z
In regards to preaching, I mainly use the NIV. To date, in my opinion, it is the best translation out there for study. All translations have there problems because of their nature. They are translations and not the original documents. This is not a huge problem for me because I accept what Christ Himself said about His Word in Matthew 5:17-18, which basically says that God protects His Word. For studying in preparation for a sermon, I will use the NIV, NLT, KJV, and an Interlinear Bible. If I am reading for devotion, the translation varies.

I am not one to get hung up on the version debate. Although I do believe that the KJV is good but many people today simply can not grasp the language of the 1600's. It is almost like a foreign language. I am sure this statement will spark a little debate. I am not saying it is obsolete, but if you have not grown up with in there is little chance of you getting a good handle on it. I know the Holy Spirit plays a major role in understanding Scripture. The problem is that the Church in America often times does not go to the Scriptures depending on the Holy Spirit to interpret God's Word to them. We are much more prone to making God's Word say what we want it to say, rather than what God is trying to say to us.

Let the debate begin. I'll check back in Sunday when I get back from vacation to find out how far this thread goes. I am rather disappointed personally that more people do not share in this forum. Thanks Dan for asking questions.]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-08-05:1255169 steve dunn http://www.coglandisville.org 2008-08-05T07:57:03Z 2008-08-05T07:57:03Z tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-08-01:1245458 Bob Malick http://www.mountjoychurchofgod.com 2008-08-01T08:55:16Z 2008-08-01T08:55:16Z tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-08-01:1245123 Dave Anderson 2008-08-01T04:07:02Z 2008-08-01T04:07:02Z Two good beginner books I'd recommend are "Speaking of Jesus " by J. Mack Stiles , which is an easy read and Stiles gets his points across in a humorous way. Also Mark Dever's "The Gospel and Personal Evangelism", which is quick read and emphasizes the importance of the Gospel in sharing our faith.]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-15:1198047 Steve Oberman 2008-07-15T19:25:02Z 2008-07-15T19:25:02Z tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-15:1197745 Dave Anderson 2008-07-15T17:01:58Z 2008-07-15T17:01:58Z Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that, "Jesus is Lord", and that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth you confess and are saved.
This passage doesn't really say that it needs to be a prayer just a humble confession that Jesus is Lord. I guess it can be done in quiet or a shout from the rooftops.
I do agree with Tom that we need to continue to follow up and encourage new believers. In particular to help get them involved in a simple form of ministry such as usher or greeter to reinforce the need to grow and become disciples.]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-15:1196920 Tom Myers http://mtpleasanterc.cggc.org 2008-07-15T15:06:13Z 2008-07-15T15:06:13Z
The Lord has allowed me the privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit do His final work on a persons heart in bringing them into the kingdom of God. I usually explain to the person what is needed to be done.

1)You have to admit that you have rebelled against God and He has condemned you to death.

2)You must surrender control of your life over to God. The only way to find freedom is to accept that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your rebellion when He hung on the cross of Calvary.

3)Once you have asked God to take over control of your life, start being His disciple. Read Scripture with other Christians and ask lots of questions. Rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance by praying about everything; and, worship God in Bible Study, in serving others, as well as gathering at least once a week with the body of Christ.

If they want to pray at that moment, I let them pray in their own words. As far as I go is having them fill in the blanks. I might say, "Lord, John has something to tell you" then I just sit quietly and let God do His work. I figure the Holy Spirit knows what He is doing and I should just stay out of the way and let Him do it.

I wish I could say that I have always been there for the people after wards, but I have dropped the ball sometimes.

God has taught me how important follow up is over the past several years. The goal must not be to get people in the door and drop them off. The goal, at least according to Matthew 28:18-20, is to have people meet Christ, accept His Lordship over their lives, and then walk with them as we each grow together in our relationship with the Lord.

I think the sinners prayer is just an effective option that people have used. These are my thoughts. I too hope other people join in on these questions you have asked.]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-15:1196810 Dan 2008-07-15T14:21:55Z 2008-07-15T14:21:55Z
My concern is that often we're either so nervous when someone responds to a gospel presentation and invitation or so excited that someone is responding, that we run to the 'prayer' instead of engaging the person.

Does he or she really understand what commitment they are making? Was there something left our of the presentation that needs to be clarified?

There are probably many people who respond to the gospel that need to spend more time reflecting before making a commitment that will redefine their life!]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-15:1196746 Steve Oberman 2008-07-15T13:57:09Z 2008-07-15T13:57:09Z My first thought in your article (which is a great thought provoker) Salvation requires repentence... repentence requires acknowledgement of personal sin and a turning from that direction toward God... People without Christ need to be presented the correct information and answers to their questions... However salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit... When Isaiah saw the glory of God... He said I'm ruined... I'm undone... He acknowledged without God he was lost...

I have a concern that we can have a tendency to lead people in a decision about God and their need... "A man work"... TO my knowledge I don't find any scripture to show a recitation or what I would term a coached response from a person in terms of a "Commitment" to Christ. What I do see is the work at Pentecost, Phillips encounter w/ the Ethiopian/ Peter and Paul's work and what about the very first convert under the new covenant The thief on the cross who simply said Lord remember me.... I find that we have a problem in the body of Christ with too much lip service and no true heart conversion which leads to a definate change of life... the NEw Creation in dwelt by Holy Spirit.
Just some quick thoughts but like you interested in thought and heart felt discussion
Take care Steve]]> tag:blog.ercevangelism.com,2008-07-08:1179904 Dave Anderson 2008-07-08T18:30:31Z 2008-07-08T18:30:31Z