'evangelism' Tagged Posts

'evangelism' Tagged Posts

Daily Devotions

Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” vs. 46 John 1:43-46 Nathanael was quick to dismiss the idea that Jesus was the messiah. For one thing he was from a town that had no standing in tradition. It wasn’t even mentioned in the scriptures. Nathanael wasn’t the only one to make such snap judgments. Most of us do the same sort of thing when introduced to someone whose geographic…

Daily Devotions

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 11 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew really didn’t have much to say about the birth of Jesus. According to his sources, Joseph had a home in Bethlehem and the child was born there–there’s no mention of an inn or a stable. But he does add a follow-up…

Daily Devotions

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.” vss. 1-2 Psalm 67:1-3 The psalmist hoped that when other nations saw how God had graciously blessed Israel they too would come to know the Lord as a source of saving power. These words remind us of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light so…

Daily Devotions

We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way…” vss. 3-4         2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:3-10 Paul had been reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, and now, as Christ’s ambassador, he believed that others might be reconciled to God through his ministry. Because of that important calling, he was now determined not to be an obstacle to anyone’s faith. His behavior…

Daily Devotions

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” vs. 18 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Some years ago, a new kind of evangelism strategy evolved in an effort to attract the large numbers of people who had come to be known as “searchers.” There was little concern about liturgy or creeds in worship. Instead there was a focus on music, not the old chorales,…

Daily Devotions

Day of Epiphany In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’” vss.1-2 Matthew 2:1-12 In most Spanish-speaking countries the Day of Epiphany, or the Day of the Kings, is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Christmas. The Three Kings ride in street parades, welcome children in department stores, and hand out gifts in…

Daily Devotions

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” vs. 13 1 John 5:11-13 John presumes that his readers believe that Jesus was the Son of God, and he also wants them to know that they have eternal life. It’s almost as though there is a difference between believing and knowing, and he’s saying to believers, “Wait a minute, there’s more!” In saying…

Daily Devotions

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” vs. 21 Mark 15:16-24 As the disciples remembered the events of Jesus’ suffering and death they likely had many conversations with each other about what had happened. And they didn’t come away with the same memories–that’s just the way it is when we share stories. We can be in exactly the same situation as…

Daily Devotions: June 7, 2020

June 7, 2020                                                                                    Matthew 28:18-20 [The Great Commission]  … “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” vs. 19 While initially there may have been some followers of Jesus who believed themselves to be the leaders of a reform movement within Judaism, it didn’t take long for the majority to understand themselves as evangelists to the world. By the end of the first…

Daily Devotions: May 25, 2020

May 25, 2020 Acts 2:1-11 … “And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” vs. 2 The disciples had sensed that there was more coming after Jesus’ death and resurrection, but they didn’t know what it might be. Some were likely still looking for an overthrow of the oppressive occupation, but they had no clear direction; so they waited in Jerusalem and continued…

Daily Devotions: April 20, 2020

April 20, 2020 Acts 2:14a, 36-41 … “So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.” vs. 41                      According to Luke, the growth of the early Christian community was explosive, with 3000 persons being baptized in response to Peter’s sermon. While we might question Luke’s numbers and the impact of a particular sermon, there is little doubt that there was missionary zeal among believers from the very beginning. They’d been touched by…

Daily Devotions: July 8 , 2018

July 8, 2018 Mark 6:7-13…“So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” vss. 12-13 After the debacle in Nazareth, it appears that Jesus doubled down. He saw his rejection as an anomaly and was convinced that his early Galilean efforts at proclaiming the kingdom could be expanded, and that his disciples could do more than just follow him around. They were ready…