Maximizing God-given Opportunities

Maximizing God-Given Opportunities (Acts 19:1-5, 8-10, 23-28) God gives believers opportunities to witness and to minister in His name. A heart surrendered to the will of the Lord will be given opportunities to share about the wonderful works of Christ. We should make ourselves available for these opportunities. Witness Prepared (2 Tim. 4:2) Clearly Engage people where they are

the rationalizing

Many people you come in contact with will, like Apollos, have some knowledge of God’s Word. They may be thirsting for whole truth, or they may “selectively” worship God, choosing which portion of Scripture they like and away or simply disregarding the rest.

Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ recounted. "One day some years ago, I was speaking on a large university campus. A young radical student confronted me. I later discovered he was the head of the Communist Party on this big campus. He demonstrated and railed at me before all the students. He didn’t like the idea that I was encouraging students to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior. He had other plans for these students. Rather than argue, I invited him to come to our home for dinner, which he did. He was a very brilliant young man, articulate, and winsome. I found him to be a delightful guest. Finally, after dessert, I picked up my Bible and said, "I want to read something to you from the Bible." He reacted with obvious irritation. "I have read the Bible from cover to cover," he exclaimed. "It’s a ridiculous book. It’s filled with contradictions, lies and myths. I don’t want to hear anything from the Bible." I replied, "If you don’t mind, I will read it anyway." I began to read to him from the Gospel according to John, chapter 1: "Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is Himself God. He created everything there is --nothing exists that He didn’t make. Eternal life is in Him, and this life gives light to all mankind...." (The Living

Bible). When I concluded reading, he said, "Let me see that -- I don’t remember reading that." He read it thoughtfully, then handed the Bible back to me without comment. He was very sober. After reading a couple of other passages from God’s inspired Word, this young man was obviously very moved. His entire countenance had changed. We chatted briefly, and after a time as he stood to leave, I asked him if he would write in our guest book. He penned his name and address, after which he wrote these words, which I shall never forget: "The night of decision," a decision to receive and follow Christ."

9;

Dialegomai {dee-al-eg'-om-ahee}Gk. = dispute, reason with, converse with, preach to (Acts 17:2 & 17; 18:4 & 19; 19:824:12 & 25) Peitho {pi'-tho}Gk. = persuade, befriend, cause to trust in and/or believe (Acts 13:43; 18:4; 19:8 & 26; 28:23) Paul's approach: Deep concern for the person themselves (Rom. 10:1) Concentrate on loving ministry and “soul-winning” will naturally follow Humble reliance on God instead of on self (Rom. 10:1) Deep understanding of position of people (Rom. 10:2) Be all things to all men (1 Cor. 9:22, Loyola & the Jesuits) Be loving and respectful Jesus treated the Samaritan woman with politeness & respect, despite knowing her history/condition (John 4:29-30). Respect: To give particular attention to, show consideration for, or hold in high or special regard (Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 10th). “Every man is to be respected as an absolute end in himself; and it is a crime against the dignity that belongs to him as a human being, to use him as a mere means for some external purpose.” Immanuel Kant, Prussian geographer and philosopher (17241804).

“Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.” Jesse Jackson. Love: In the Christian context, from the Greek, agapeo, an active and beneficent interest in, and concern for, the wellbeing of another. It is given unconditionally and unselfishly. It involves a clear determination of will and judgment (i.e. a responsible choice). A loving person, honestly (Rom. 12:9) gives respect and demonstrates compassion. Demonstrating such love often requires courage. The source of such love comes “from above” (James 1:17). Boldly/Courageously (Acts 19:8) Our own natural abilities are not sufficient when doing God’s work, we need to rely on His direction and assistance. We have only give the invitation “Come and see”, based upon our own personal witness. (John 4:29) Jesus himself will be the one to change the hearts (John 4:42) Trusting in God to provide the words (Luke 12:12; 21:15) “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26,27) The Holy Spirit of God will lead and empower us in witnessing (Isa. 61:13; Luke 4:18-19)

Chron. 2:3-5)

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to speak powerfully & boldly (Acts 2:4; 4:13, 29 & 31; Eph. 3:12; Phillip. 1:20; 1 Sam. 10:6-11; 2 20:14-17; Isa. 48:16-17, Ezek.11:5; Acts 4:29-31; 1 Cor. Continuously Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results God has assured us that His Word will not return empty (Isa. 55:11) The Lord will strengthen, protect & sustain you in preaching the gospel (Isa. 61:1, 2 Tim. 4:17) He is with you until the end (Matt 28:20)

We are not only called to share the truth, but to make disciples (Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:15) This takes time, patience, etc. Disciples are made through: Teaching We should all be teachers (Col. 1:28; 3:16; Heb. 5:12) Mentorship Sharing wisdom gained through knowledge & experience. Companionship In ministry/service/fellowship Love Demonstrated by caring/encouraging/upbuilding.

inquire, beg, challenge. It involves replenishment of courage somehow been lost.

The Greek word for "encourage" may be translated as comfort, console, plead, counsel, urge or the replacing or that has

The time to reach out to others for Jesus is now! (John 4:35-36) Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder of Evangelism Explosion, stated that one of the saddest statistics of our day is that 95% of all church members have said that they never, to their knowledge, led anyone to Christ. It has been said, “We are content to be keepers of the aquarium, rather than to be fishers of men.” Be a “living road map” to Jesus Hearing the Gospel has both saving and hardening effects (2 Kings 7:14; Acts 19:9; 28:24; Rom. 9:18) The deceitfulness of sin in our lives can harden our hearts (Heb. 13:3)