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

The Apostle Paul gave to others in his evangelistic ministry the precise story and doctrine which had been passed down to him. This message, this deposit, was the instrument of the Lord which, if believed, resulted in the salvation of the believer’s soul. The very core of that message was the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God who died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again according to the same scriptural testimony. The message states that this risen Lord Jesus then appeared to a number of witnesses, and lastly to him. This simple, elegant, and straightforward message is the good news of deliverance, the word of truth that liberates everyone who believes. The heart of evangelism is the faithful entrustment of this good news to reliable people who can teach others also (2 Tim. 2.2). Nothing is more critical for the messenger of God than faithfully passing on what the apostles have given to us. We pass on the apostolic word with neither change nor amendment. We are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4.1-2), and it is critical that we be found faithful. We must receive it, guard it, love it, and tell it boldly to others. Those who tell the Gospel best are those who have been changed most by its message. Are you committed to guard the deposit which the apostles gave to us, the Good News of Christ? After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer: Almighty and Ever-living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ~ The Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer and Administrations of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David . New York: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1979. p. 219.

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Nicene Creed and Prayer