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

Actions, Not Doctrines, Is What Is Important in Ministry

Two students in discussing the importance of the truth in Gospel ministry disagreed strongly on the role of doctrine in evangelism. While one student thought doctrine to be the very core of the message and therefore of evangelistic ministry, the other felt that discussions about unproven and unprovable theological doctrines only muddies the waters for seekers interested in learning about Jesus. Too much discussion of doctrine can actually interfere with the presentation of the Good News, it was claimed. What is the role of doctrine in sharing the Good News with the lost? As far as doctrine is concerned, should we load up or travel light?

Evangelism: The Content of the Good News of the Kingdom

Segment 1: Biblical Content of the Gospel

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Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The one true Gospel of God in Jesus Christ is known by a number of different names, all of which point to the good news of God’s grace offered to us through faith in Christ Jesus. Evangelism is proclaiming the person and work of Jesus Christ and God’s offer of redemption in him, as well as confirming that message through a practical display of love and service to the needy and the broken. Romans 10.9-10 provides us with a clear and effective outline of the essential elements of the content of the Good News in Christ. Our objective for this segment, Biblical Content of the Gospel , is to enable you to see that: • The Gospel (i.e., Good News) of Christ is known by a number of names in the New Testament, all of which point to God’s offer of redemption and deliverance in the person of Jesus Christ. • Evangelism is seen in Scripture both (and primarily as) proclaiming the message of salvation in Christ and demonstrating that message through our love and service to others. • Romans 10.9-10 provides a clear, simple, and powerful understanding of the message of the Gospel as confession of Jesus’ lordship and faith in his resurrection from the dead.

Summary of Segment 1