Vibrant Church Renewal USA/Canada Evangelism Ministries Church of the Nazarene, International Witnessing: Re-envisioning God.

Vibrant Church RenewalVibrant Church RenewalUSA/Canada Evangelism MinistriesUSA/Canada Evangelism Ministries

Church of the Nazarene, InternationalChurch of the Nazarene, International

Witnessing: Witnessing: Re-envisioning Re-envisioning GodGod

Author of Module Dr. Lyle PointerCurriculum Developer Robyn Ratcliff

Permission is granted to copy this material for local church

training. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied, or reproduced in any form for the purposes of

Vibrant Church Renewal:Vibrant Church Renewal:Witnessing: Re-envisioning GodWitnessing: Re-envisioning God

The purpose of this module is to inspire churchgoers to become witnesses, reflecting God in their community.

The objectives of this module are to:• Dispel stereotypes about witnessing.• Identify the Biblical imperative for representing Christ through our lives and actions.• Learn about Christ-like ways to witness.• Acknowledge the power of the Spirit in showing God to the world.

The schedule for this module:

Introduction 5 mins. Lecture 20 mins.

Small Group Exercise 20 mins.Action Planning 15 mins.Wrap-up 5 mins.

There was a man who was sent from God: his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1: 6-8

I. Embodying LightA. John the Baptist clarified his role as paving the way for the Lord, stating that he was worthy only to announce Christ’s presence.

B. John the Baptist’s witness pointed to “[t]he true light that gives light to every man. . . .” noting God’s inclusive nature and His desire for all to know Him.

I. Embodying LightC. The Baptist’s introduction of Jesus startles us with its clarity and significance in John 1:29-34.

D. God still uses witnesses to speak on His behalf so people will know who He is and what He wants.

II. Empowered ActsA. Service: Jesus spoke forcefully of how we were to live and serve as God’s witness when

He said, “. . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

II. Empowered ActsB. Mercy: Jesus performed miracles

because they expressed His concern, involvement, and attentiveness to human predicaments. He cared deeply.

II. Empowered ActsC. Evangelism: Witnessing successfully

achieves God’s purposes when we employ words, deeds and His signs.

III. Exemplary RepresentativesA. God honored us with the ambassadorial work of representing Him in the world.

B. We recoil from this charge because we confuse the persuasion that changes people’s opinions about God with conflict and debate.

III. Exemplary RepresentativesC. Conversions take place through conversations which allow us to try out ideas, take in differing perspectives and come to conclusions helpful to our spiritual journey.

D. Ambassadors reflect the one who sends them. We picture God for unbelievers.

IV. Sanctified and SentA. Jesus prayed for his disciples to be

protected, sanctified and sent into the world at the end of his earthly ministry.

B. Holiness is found in acting as God acts.

C. Unity among the people of God shows the true nature of God to the world.

IV. Sanctified and SentD. Christians act like God when we take the initiative to start friendships with unbelievers.

V. Depending upon the Spirit’s GuidanceA. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a guide.

B. Our testimony coupled with the Spirit’s power stirs the hearts of people outside God’s

forgiveness.

Small Group Exercise

Work together to fill the mirror illustration on your handout with words and phrases that you can use to describe God to unbelievers.

God is forgiving.God loves us, even in our most unlovable moments.

Then, consider the most effective witness strategies for representing God in your community. Write words or phrases in the human figures that illustrate how our words and actions make us effective ambassadors for God.

Be a person of principle.

Show unity in the family of believers.

Action Planning

As God’s ambassador, who are the people you encounter every day who will benefit from seeing God in your life and hearing about Him? Use the table on the participant handout to make a plan for how you will take action as a witness.

Thank you for participating in this program from USA/Canada Evangelism Ministries.

For more information, find us online at www.missionevangelism.org or email

evangelism@nazarene.org.

Vibrant Church Renewal USA/Canada Evangelism Ministries Church of the Nazarene, International Witnessing: Re-envisioning God.

reenvisioning god

reflecting god

international witnessing

local church training

true light

light shine

baptists witness

author of module

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