Jim Wilson's Blog, page 34

Tactics in Evangelism: Economy of Force

 

Unfortunately, the Christian church has frequently violated this principle of economy of force. It is important to send out men in twos. In this country, we have fallen into the trap of thinking that big is good, bigger is better, and biggest is best. So we have megachurches. In place of two-to-one concentration, we have six hundred-to-one or six thousand-to-one. This is not effective evangelism. It is not economy of force.

We have no idea how big the church in Jerusalem was, but it had five thousand men in Acts four. This did not include women and children.

“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (Acts 5:14).

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

So this church was a mega-church. It met in Solomon’s colonnade. What happened to it?

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:1b, 4).

This was economy of force. The saints dispersed, and allof them preached the word everywhere they went.

We like to be together. But here is a sobering quotation from Ezekiel 33:30–32:

“As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”

In many churches today the preacher is like the men in Ezekiel: good, clean entertainment for a Sunday morning.

To win the war in evangelism we must not over-concentrate. It is a waste of power. The saints with the gospel need to have more contact with the world. You do not have to be trained to be an evangelist. You only need to be saved and unashamed.

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Tactics in Evangelism: Communication (Bible Study)

 

Communication is the logistic supply line that exists to get food, ammunition, and aid to the troops on the front lines. If the supply lines are cut off, the army will be defeated.

In the spiritual war of evangelism, everyone is on the front lines all the time. The supply line is keeping daily, hourly in fellowship with God by prayer and the word of God. Extra cover is provided by other people praying for you. If our line with the Lord is cut, we are going to be defeated.

There are several ways to stay in the Word of God:

Reading through the entire Bible (not just now and then and here and there). If you have read it through, read it again. If you would like a plan to help you read through the Bible, join the plan in progress at TotheWord.com.

Study: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Study is always preceded by reading. The best study is rereading. For example, read Ephesians 1–6 every day for a week. Then your study is contextual. It reinforces what you read yesterday, and you see something new each day.

Memorization: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11). Stephen preached before he was martyred. Read Acts 7. Stephen knew the Scriptures very well; he preached from memorized Scripture. If we are to preach the word of God, we must know it.

Listen to preaching: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11).

Meditation: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1–3).

Preaching: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim. 4:1–2). “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17).

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Contempt for Kindness

 

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?'” (Romans 2:4).

Here we see a funny confrontation, contempt for kindness. The requirement of God that man should repent is seldom regarded by man as an act of kindness of God. Yet it is! The next sentence tells us that “your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart” is the means of “storing up wrath against yourself.”

In ministering the Good News with love and kindness, occasionally we run into contempt and stubbornness.

Written in 1983.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

The Lord, the Everlasting God

 

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

He does not faint or grow weary,

his understanding is unsearchable,

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:28-31)

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Good Stored Up or Evil Overflowing

“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:34-35).

I would like to draw your attention to the words overflowand stored up. Whatever is stored up is brought out. Good stored up; good comes out. Evil stored up; evil comes out. Not only is good or evil brought out, but they overflow out.

Apparently from this text the mouth is an overflow valve venting what is stored up. The teaching here is not on watching your mouth, but on storing up good. If we endeavor and succeed in keeping our mouths shut to keep the stored-up evil from coming out, it would be like blocking the safety valve on a pressure cooker. Sooner or later there will be an explosion, and the contents would come out anyway. The emphasis is on the heart not on the mouth. Let us store up good. We then will not have to watch our mouths.

Written in 1983.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Ephesians: Full Armor

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

The first three chapters of Ephesians tell us of the riches we have in Christ. It would be difficult to meditate too much on these riches. Then we come to two and a half obedience chapters. Now we have teaching on war, real war, deadly war. Notice that verses 10 and 13 both say “Put on the full armor.” The emphasis is on the wholeness, the completeness of the armor, “so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” He, the devil, is not stronger than the armor of God, but he is wily enough to hit us where there is no armor.

When I get defeated, it is not because the devil is stronger but because I am uncovered, or it is because I think the enemy is flesh and blood (some person) instead of the real enemy.

Written in 1982.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Spiritual War: Satan Is Limited

 

Since the great battle, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Enemy of our souls has been severely handicapped.

His power is limited. :But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Rev. 12:8–9).

His intelligence is limited. “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:7–8).

His time is limited, and he knows it. “Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, for he knows that his time is short” (Rev. 12:12).

Yet his arrogance is unlimited. “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’” (Is. 14:12–14).

We should know of Satan’s limitations. We should remember that he is limited and not be intimidated as if Satan had omnipotent power.

So why are so many Christians defeated?

• They are unaware of the devil’s schemes and his character.

• They have not put on their complete armor.

• They believe Satan or his ministers.

• They are not alert and self-controlled.

• They think it is normal to sin.

• They do not think that they have been delivered from the power of Satan.

“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:16–18).

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Spiritual War: Continual Protection Against the Enemy

 

Although we should take up the offense against the Enemy, we must also be able to defend ourselves against his attacks and counterattacks.

The more effective we are in our attack with the gospel, the more we will be counter-attacked. People who are ineffective with the gospel are not usually the ones who get martyred.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12).

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:10–15).

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Pet. 5:8–9).

At the same time, the Enemy has no effective defense against our offense.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7).

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Pet. 5:9).

The church of Christ has been ordered and equipped, in order that she might take the offensive in every part of the world through praying, preaching, and love. This offensive includes evangelism everywhere by every believer.

But there have been many instances when the Church as a whole has not taken this offensive. It has been sleeping or on the defensive. Consequently, our homes, churches, cities, schools, and colleges have been taken over by the Enemy.

(To be continued…)

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Spiritual War: Enemy on the Offense

 

In the First World War, there were trenches from Switzerland to the English Channel. These trenches were called the front lines, and it was there that the battles were fought. There were also front lines in World War II, but they were not as stationary. War today ignores front lines because of missiles, air bombardment, guerillas, and terrorists. Both sides fighting in the spiritual war also ignore lines (unless you consider every home, every vocation, every church, school, and college in every nation a front line).

The Enemy is on the offense in all of these places all of the time. His offense is through lying, stealing, rape, murder, and war.

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20:29–31).

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping” (2 Peter 2:1–3).

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’” (Acts 5:3).

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men’” (Mt. 16:23).

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

We have overcome our enemies:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4).

(To be continued...)

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships

Spiritual War: Intelligence of the Enemy

 

There is no question whether we are at war. We are. There is limited thinking among evangelicals about spiritual war. They mostly picture it as fighting with demons, devils, and evil spirits, either in possessed people or in the heavenlies. These things are a concern, but they are not what the war is really about. This war is over the souls of men. That is what the Bible, the gospel, the Incarnation, and the cross are all about. Evangelism is a war against the enemy to set free those who are held captive by him. Ignorance of the enemy is one of the reasons why evangelism is not effective.

The Bible gives some very clear information about the Enemy. Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (Jn. 8:44). He is a murderer from the beginning. There is no truth in him. He is a liar; in fact, lying is his native language. He is the father of lies.

“Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! … He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God” (Jn. 8:45, 47). Satan has children who are like him. Satan’s children cannot hear or believe the truth.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:13–14). He masquerades as an angel of light.

“It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve” (2 Cor. 11:15). His servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.

“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:24–26). Unbelievers are in the trap of the devil; he has taken them captive to do his will.

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). The devil is the god of this age. He blinds the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel.

“No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:7–8). He does not understand God’s secret wisdom.

“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2:10–11).

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11).

We are to put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s schemes. Because we are aware of those schemes, he is not able to outwit us.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). We are to be alert because the devil is looking for someone to devour.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath” (Eph. 2:1–3). He is the ruler of the ways of the world. We were under his control before we were saved by grace.

“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil” (1 Tim. 3:6). The devil is proud.

(To be continued…)

*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships