Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, Mentor's Guide, MG08

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E V A N G E L I S M A N D S P I R I T U A L W A R F A R E

(growing up in Christ) and fruitfulness (reproduction in Christ by multiplying disciples). New believers must be followed up quickly because they are vulnerable to attack from the enemy, they need to be reoriented to their new faith in Christ, and they need immediate parental care as little newborns in Christ. The New Testament provides five ways that the apostles followed up new converts in Christ, all of which we can still do today. We can prevail for them in intercessory prayer, provide immediate personal contact with them, send personal representatives for encouragement and challenge, maintain regular personal correspondence with them, and ensure that they have solid spiritual leaders over them. Baptism is an initial and important sign of faith in Jesus Christ which should take place immediately after one’s profession of faith in Jesus. Membership is a formal and effective means of affirming one’s allegiance to a particular body of Christians (and so demonstrate one’s allegiance to Christ). New believers must be instructed in the basics of the faith, assurance of salvation, a spiritual walk with God, and living in Christian community. Follow-up teaches new converts the importance of pastoral care and oversight, as well as how to function as a full member of the body of Christ. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the role of follow-up and incorporation as a necessary element in evangelism and spiritual warfare. If evangelism is the proclamation of deliverance from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s beloved Son (cf. Col. 1.13), then evangelism is not merely seeking a decision or asking people to raise their hand, or give some visible sign that they have made a decision in their heart. Rather, it is the outward expression of allegiance to Christ in baptism and membership in a local assembly of believers where Christ is worshiped as Lord of all. In light of these key truths, what particular questions have come to mind as you have discussed these ideas? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions.

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Student Application and Implications

* Can a person actually claim to be saved if they are unwilling to confess Christ’s name before others in the Church? Explain your answer.